# dict

Words: append
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (to sth) (formal) to add sth to the end of a piece of writing:\nFootnotes have been appended to the document. * The principal has the right to append comments to the final report.


Words: appendage
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a smaller or less important part of sth larger:\nThe two appendages hanging from the insect’s mouth are used to detect and taste food. * He treats his wife as no more than a mere appendage.


Words: appendix
Meaning:
1  a small bag of tissue that is attached to the large INTESTINE. In humans, the appendix has no real function:\nHe had to have his appendix out (= removed).\n  2  a section giving extra information at the end of a book or document:\nFull details are given in Appendix 3.


Words: appertain
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  appertain to sb/sth (formal) to belong or refer to sb/sth:\nrights appertaining to the property * These figures appertain to last year’s sales.


Words: appetite
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] physical desire for food:\nHe suffered from headaches, insomnia and loss of appetite. * The walk has given me a good appetite. * Don’t spoil your appetite by eating between meals.\n  2  [C] ~ (for sth) a strong desire for sth:\nThe public have an insatiable appetite for scandal. * sexual appetites * The preview was intended to whet your appetite (= make you want more).


Words: appetizer
Meaning:
(BrE also appetiser)  noun\na small amount of food or a drink that you have before a meal:\nSome green olives make a simple appetizer.


Words: appetizing
Meaning:
(BrE also appetising)  adjective\n(of food, etc.) that smells or looks attractive; making you feel hungry or thirsty:\nthe appetizing aroma of sizzling bacon * The meals he cooked were always nourishing but never particularly appetizing.\nOPP UNAPPETIZING


Words: applaud
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to show your approval of sb/sth by CLAPPING your hands:\n[V] He started to applaud and the others joined in. * [VN] The conference rose to applaud the speaker. * She was applauded as she came on stage.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth (for sth) (formal) to express praise for sb/sth because you approve of them or it:\nWe applaud her decision. * His efforts to improve the situation are to be applauded. * I applaud her for having the courage to refuse.


Words: applause
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the noise made by a group of people CLAPPING their hands and sometimes shouting to show their approval or enjoyment:\nGive her a big round of applause! * The audience broke into rapturous applause.


Words: apple
Meaning:
noun\na round fruit with shiny red or green skin and firm white flesh:\nan apple pie * apple sauce * a garden with three apple trees\nsee also ADAM’S APPLE, BIG APPLE, COOKING APPLE, CRAB APPLE, EATING APPLE, TOFFEE APPLE\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  the apple of sb’s eye a person or thing that is loved more than any other:\nShe is the apple of her father’s eye.\nmore at AMERICAN adj., ROTTEN


Words: appliance
Meaning:
noun\na machine that is designed to do a particular thing in the home, such as preparing food, heating or cleaning:\nelectrical / household appliances * They sell a wide range of domestic appliances-washing machines, dishwashers and so on. * modern heating appliances of all types


Words: applicable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) that can be said to be true in the case of sb/sth\nSYN RELEVANT:\nMuch of the form was not applicable (= did not apply) to me. * Give details of children where applicable (= if you have any).\n    applicability  noun [U]:\nThe new approach had wide applicability to all sorts of different problems.


Words: applicant
Meaning:
noun\n~ (for sth) a person who makes a formal request for sth (= applies for it), especially for a job, a place at a college or university, etc:\nThere were over 500 applicants for the job. * Successful applicants will receive notification within the week. * applicants for admission / membership / the job


Words: application
Meaning:
noun\n  for job / course\n  1  [C, U] ~ (to sb) (for sth / to do sth) a formal (often written) request for sth, such as a job, permission to do sth or a place at a college or university:\na planning / passport application * His application to the court for bail has been refused. * an application for membership / a loan / a licence * an application form (= a piece of paper on which to apply for sth) * Further information is available on application to the principal.\n  practical use\n  2  [U, C] ~ (of sth) (to sth) the practical use of sth, especially a theory, discovery, etc:\nthe application of new technology to teaching * The new invention would have wide application / a wide range of applications in industry.\n  of paint / cream\n  3  [C, U] an act of putting or spreading sth, such as paint or medical creams, onto sth else:\nlotion for external application only (= to be put on the skin, not swallowed) * It took three applications of paint to cover the graffiti.\n  of rule / law\n  4  [U] the act of making a rule, etc. operate or become effective:\nstrict application of the law\n  computing\n  5  [C] a program designed to do a particular job; a piece of SOFTWARE:\na database application\n  hard work\n  6  [U] (formal) determination to work hard at sth; great effort:\nSuccess as a writer demands great application.


Words: applied
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (especially of a subject of study) used in a practical way; not THEORETICAL:\napplied mathematics (= as used by engineers, etc.) * applied linguistics\ncompare PURE (7)


Words: applique
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of NEEDLEWORK in which small pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck in a pattern onto a larger piece:\nan applique bedspread\n    appliqued adjective:\nappliqued cushions


Words: apply
Meaning:
verb (applies, applying, applied, applied)\n  for job / course\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) to make a formal request, usually in writing, for sth such as a job, a place, at college, university, etc:\n[V] to apply for a job / passport / grant * to apply to a company / university * You should apply in person / by letter. * [V to inf] He has applied to join the army.\n  use\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (to sth) to use sth or make sth work in a particular situation:\nto apply economic sanctions / political pressure * The new technology was applied to farming.\n  paint / cream\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (to sth) to put or spread sth such as paint, cream, etc. onto a surface:\nApply the cream sparingly to your face and neck. * The glue should be applied to both surfaces.\n  be relevant\n  4  (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ (to sb/sth) to concern or relate to sb/sth:\n[V] Special conditions apply if you are under 18. * What I am saying applies only to some of you. * [VN] The word ’unexciting’ could never be applied to her novels.\n  work hard\n  5  [VN] ~ yourself (to sth / to doing sth) to work at sth or study sth very hard:\nYou would pass your exams if you applied yourself. * We applied our minds to finding a solution to our problem.\n  press hard\n  6  [VN] to press on sth hard with your hand, foot, etc. to make sth work or have an effect on sth:\nto apply the brakes (of a vehicle) * Pressure applied to the wound will stop the bleeding.


Words: appoint
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb (to sth) | ~ sb (as) sth to choose sb for a job or position of responsibility:\n[VN] They have appointed a new head teacher at my son’s school. * She has recently been appointed to the committee. * [VN-N] They appointed him (as) captain of the English team. * [VN to inf] A lawyer was appointed to represent the child.\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to arrange or decide on a time or place for doing sth:\nA date for the meeting is still to be appointed. * Everyone was assembled at the appointed time.


Words: appointee
Meaning:
noun\na person who has been chosen for a job or position of responsibility:\nthe new appointee to the post


Words: appointment
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] ~ (with sb) a formal arrangement to meet or visit sb at a particular time, especially for a reason connected with their work:\nShe made an appointment for her son to see the doctor. * I’ve got a dental appointment at 3 o’clock. * an appointment with my lawyer * to keep an appointment * Viewing is by appointment only (= only at a time that has been arranged in advance). * Do you have an appointment? * an appointment for a blood test\n \n  2  [C, U] ~ (as / to sth) the act of choosing a person for a job or position of responsibility; the fact of being chosen for a job, etc:\nFollowing her recent appointment to the post ... * his appointment as principal * the appointment of a new captain for the England team * appointments and dismissals\n \n  3  [C] (especially BrE) a job or position of responsibility:\na permanent / first appointment * The department wished him success in his new appointment as sales manager.


Words: apportion
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (among / between / to sb) (written) to divide sth among people; to give a share of sth to sb:\nThey apportioned the land among members of the family. * The programme gives the facts but does not apportion blame.\n    apportionment noun [U, sing.] (formal):\nThe contract defines the apportionment of risks between employer and contractor. * an apportionment of land


Words: apposite
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (formal) very appropriate for a particular situation or in relation to sth:\nHer remarks are extremely apposite to the present discussion.


Words: apposition
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (grammar) the use of a noun phrase immediately after another noun phrase which refers to the same person or thing:\nIn the phrase ’Paris, the capital of France’, ’the capital of France’ is in apposition to ’Paris’.


Words: appraisal
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a judgement of the value, performance or nature of sb/sth:\nHe had read many detailed critical appraisals of her work. * staff / performance appraisal (= a discussion with staff members of their strengths and weaknesses in a job) * I have my appraisal today (= a meeting to discuss my work with my manager).


Words: appraise
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to consider or examine sb/sth and form an opinion about them or it:\nan appraising glance / look * She stepped back to appraise her workmanship. * His eyes coolly appraised the young woman before him.\n  2  to make a formal judgement about the value of a person’s work, usually after a discussion with them about it:\nManagers must appraise all staff.


Words: appreciable
Meaning:
adjective\nlarge enough to be noticed or thought important \nSYN CONSIDERABLE:\nThe new regulations will not make an appreciable difference to most people. * an appreciable effect / increase / amount * The increase in salary will be appreciable.\n    appreciably  adverb:\nThe risk of infection is appreciably higher among children.


Words: appreciate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to recognize the good qualities of sb/sth:\nYou can’t really appreciate foreign literature in translation. * His talents are not fully appreciated in that company. * Her family doesn’t appreciate her.\n  2  (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be grateful for sth that sb has done; to welcome sth:\n[VN] I’d appreciate some help. * Your support is greatly appreciated. * (spoken) Thanks for coming. I appreciate it. * I would appreciate any comments you might have. * I would appreciate it if you paid in cash. * [V -ing] I don’t appreciate being treated like a second-class citizen. * [VN -ing] We would appreciate you letting us know of any problems.\n  3  (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or realize that sth is true:\n[VN] What I failed to appreciate was the distance between the two cities. * [V wh-] I don’t think you appreciate how expensive it will be. * [V that] We didn’t fully appreciate that he was seriously ill.\n  4  [V] to increase in value over a period of time:\nTheir investments have appreciated over the years.\nOPP DEPRECIATE


Words: appreciation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] pleasure that you have when you recognize and enjoy the good qualities of sb/sth:\nShe shows little appreciation of good music. * The crowd murmured in appreciation.\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ of sth a full or sympathetic understanding of sth, such as a situation or a problem, and of what it involves:\nI had no appreciation of the problems they faced.\n  3  [U] ~ (of / for sth) the feeling of being grateful for sth:\nPlease accept this gift in appreciation of all you’ve done for us.\n  4  [U, sing.] ~ (in sth) increase in value over a period of time:\nan appreciation in the value of the house * capital appreciation\n  5  [C] ~ (of sth) (formal) a piece of writing or a speech in which the strengths and weaknesses of sb/sth, especially an artist or a work of art, are discussed and judged:\nThey were asked to write an appreciation of a poem of their choice.


Words: appreciative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (of sth) feeling or showing that you are grateful for sth:\nThe company was very appreciative of my efforts.\n  2  showing pleasure or enjoyment:\nan appreciative audience / smile * appreciative laughter / comments\n    appreciatively adverb


Words: apprehend
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) (of the police) to catch sb and arrest them:\nThe police apprehended an armed suspect near the scene of the crime. * The thief was apprehended in the act of stealing a car.\n  2  (old-fashioned) to understand or recognize sth:\nHe was slow to apprehend danger.


Words: apprehension
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] worry or fear that sth unpleasant may happen \nSYN ANXIETY:\nThere is growing apprehension that fighting will begin again. * He watched the election results with some apprehension. * There is apprehension about the safety of the missing children. * They shivered with apprehension.\n  2  [U] (formal) the act of capturing or arresting sb, usually by the police:\nthe apprehension of the terrorists in the early hours of this morning


Words: apprehensive
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (about / of sth) | ~ (that ...) worried or frightened that sth unpleasant may happen:\nI was a little apprehensive about the effects of what I had said. * You have no reason to be apprehensive of the future. * She was deeply apprehensive that something might go wrong. * an apprehensive face / glance / look\n    apprehensively adverb


Words: apprentice
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a young person who works for an employer for a fixed period of time in order to learn the particular skills needed in their job:\nan apprentice electrician / chef\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (to sb) (as sth) (old-fashioned) to make sb an apprentice:\nHe was apprenticed to his uncle as a carpenter.


Words: apprenticeship
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a period of time working as an apprentice; a job as an apprentice:\nShe was in the second year of her apprenticeship as a carpenter. * He had served his apprenticeship as a plumber. * Apprenticeships were becoming more difficult to find.


Words: apprise
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb of sth (formal) to tell or inform sb of sth:\nHe saw no reason to apprise the committee of what had happened. * We were fully apprised of the situation.


Words: approach
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  move near\n  1  to come near to sb/sth in distance or time:\n[V] We heard the sound of an approaching car / a car approaching * Winter is approaching. * The time is fast approaching when we shall have to make a decision. * [VN] As you approach the town, you’ll see the college on the left.\n  offer / ask\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (about / for sth) | ~ sb (about doing sth) to speak to sb about sth, especially to ask them for sth or to offer to do sth:\nShe approached the bank for a loan. * We have been approached by a number of companies that are interested in our product. * I’d like to ask his opinion but I find him difficult to approach (= not easy to talk to in a friendly way).\n  amount / quality\n  3  [VN] to come close to sth in amount, level or quality:\nprofits approaching 30 million dollars * Few writers approach his richness of language.\n  problem / task\n  4  [VN] to start dealing with a problem, task, etc. in a particular way:\nWhat’s the best way of approaching this problem?\n    noun\n  to problem / task\n  1  [C] ~ (to sth) a way of dealing with sb/sth; a way of doing or thinking about sth such as a problem or a task:\nThe school has decided to adopt a different approach to discipline. * She took the wrong approach in her dealings with them.\n  movement nearer\n  2  [sing.] movement nearer to sb/sth in distance or time:\nShe hadn’t heard his approach and jumped as the door opened. * the welcome approach of spring * They felt apprehensive about the approach of war.\n  offer / request\n  3  [C] the act of speaking to sb about sth, especially when making an offer or a request:\nThe club has made an approach to a local company for sponsorship. * She resented his persistent approaches.\n  path / road\n  4  [C] a path, road, etc. that leads to a place:\nAll the approaches to the palace were guarded by troops. * a new approach road to the port\n  of aircraft\n  5  [C] the part of an aircraft’s flight immediately before landing:\nto begin the final approach to the runway\n  sth similar\n  6  [sing.] a thing that is like sth else that is mentioned:\nThat’s the nearest approach to an apology you’ll get from him.\n IDIOMS  see CARROT


Words: approachable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  friendly and easy to talk to; easy to understand:\nDespite being a big star, she’s very approachable. * an approachable piece of music\nOPP UNAPPROACHABLE\n  2  [not before noun] that can be reached by a particular route or from a particular direction:\nThe summit was approachable only from the south.


Words: approbation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) approval or agreement:\na shout of approbation * The King received the official approbation of the church.


Words: appropriate
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective  to sth) suitable, acceptable or correct for the particular circumstances:\nan appropriate response / measure / method * Now that the problem has been identified, appropriate action can be taken. * Jeans are not appropriate for a formal party. * The book was written in a style appropriate to the age of the children. * Is now an appropriate time to make a speech? * Please debit my Mastercard / Visa / American Express card (delete as appropriate).\nOPP INAPPROPRIATE\n    appropriately adverb:\nThe government has been accused of not responding appropriately to the needs of the homeless. * The chain of volcanoes is known, appropriately enough, as the ’Ring of Fire’.\n    appropriateness noun [U]:\nHe questioned the appropriateness of their methods.\n    verb  [VN] (written)\n  1  to take sth, sb’s ideas, etc. for your own use, especially illegally or without permission:\nHe was accused of appropriating club funds. * Some of the opposition party’s policies have been appropriated by the government.\n  2  ~ sth (for sth) to take or give sth, especially money for a particular purpose:\nFive million dollars has been appropriated for research into the disease.\ncompare MISAPPROPRIATE


Words: appropriation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] (formal or law) the act of taking sth which belongs to sb else, especially without permission:\ndishonest appropriation of property * The film company sued them over their appropriation of a cartoon character.\ncompare MISAPPROPRIATION\n  2  [U, sing.] (formal) the act of keeping or saving money for a particular purpose:\na meeting to discuss the appropriation of funds\n  3  [C] (formal) a sum of money to be used for a particular purpose, especially by a government or company:\nan appropriation of ｣20 000 for payment of debts


Words: approval
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the feeling that sb/sth is good or acceptable; a positive opinion of sb/sth:\nShe desperately wanted to win her father’s approval. * Do the plans meet with your approval? * Several people nodded in approval.\n  2  [U, C] ~ (for sth) (from sb) agreement to, or permission for sth, especially a plan or request:\nThe plan will be submitted to the committee for official approval. * parliamentary / congressional / government approval * Senior management have given their seal of approval (= formal approval) to the plans. * I can’t agree to anything without my partner’s approval. * planning approvals * They required / received approval for the proposal from the shareholders.\n  3  [U] if you buy goods, or if goods are sold on approval, you can use them for a time without paying, until you decide if you want to buy them or not


Words: approve
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (of sb/sth) to think that sb/sth is good, acceptable or suitable:\nI told my mother I wanted to marry Jan but she didn’t approve. * Do you approve of my idea? * He doesn’t approve of me leaving school this year. * (formal) He doesn’t approve of my leaving school this year.\nOPP DISAPPROVE\n  2  [VN] to officially agree to a plan, proposal, request, etc:\nThe committee unanimously approved the plan.\n  3  [VN] [often passive] to say that sth is good enough to be used, or is correct:\nThe course is approved by the Department for Education. * The auditors approved the company’s accounts.


Words: approving
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing that you believe that sb/sth is good or acceptable:\nHe gave me an approving nod.\n    approvingly adverb:\nShe looked at him approvingly and smiled.


Words: approximate
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective  (abbreviation approx) almost correct or accurate, but not completely so; not exact:\nan approximate number / total / cost * The cost given is only approximate. * Use these figures as an approximate guide in your calculations.\n    approximately adverb:\nThe journey took approximately seven hours. * The two buildings were approximately equal in size. -> ABOUT\n    verb  (written)\n  1  ~ (to) sth to be similar or close to sth in nature, quality, amount, etc., but not exactly the same:\n[VN] The animals were reared in conditions which approximated the wild as closely as possible. * The total cost will approximate ｣15 billion. * [V] His story approximates to the facts that we already know.\n  2  [VN] to calculate or estimate sth fairly accurately:\na formula for approximating the weight of a horse


Words: approximation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an estimate of a number or an amount that is almost correct, but not exact:\nThat’s just an approximation, you understand. * An approximation of the numbers expected to attend would be 350.\n  2  ~ (of / to sth) a thing that is similar to sth else, but is not exactly the same:\nOur results should be a good approximation to the true state of affairs.


Words: APR
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the abbreviation for ’annual percentage rate’ (the amount of interest a bank charges on money that it lends, calculated for a period of a year):\na rate of 26.4% APR


Words: apres-ski
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French) social activities and entertainments which take place in hotels and restaurants after a day’s skiing


Words: apricot
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a round fruit with yellow or orange skin and a stone/pit inside:\ndried apricots\n  2  [U] a yellowish-orange colour\n    apricot adjective:\nThe room was painted apricot and white.


Words: April
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (abbreviation Apr.) the fourth month of the year, between March and May:\nShe was born in April. * (BrE) The meeting is on the fifth of April / April the fifth. * (AmE) The meeting is on April fifth. * We went to Japan last April. * I arrived at the end of April. * last April’s election * April showers * an April wedding


Words: April Fool
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a trick that is traditionally played on sb on 1 April (called April Fool’s Day or All Fools’ Day)\n  2  a person who has a trick played on them on April Fool’s Day


Words: apron
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a piece of clothing worn over the front of the body, from the chest or the waist down, and tied around the waist. Aprons are worn over other clothes to keep them clean, for example when cooking.\ncompare PINAFORE\n \n  2  (technical) an area with a hard surface at an airport, where aircraft are turned around, loaded, etc.\n \n  3  (also apron stage) (technical) (in a theatre) the part of the stage that is in front of the curtain\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  (tied to) your mother’s, wife’s, etc. apron strings (too much under) the influence and control of your mother, etc:\nThe British prime minister is too apt to cling to Washington’s apron strings.


Words: apropos
Meaning:
(also apropos of) preposition\nconcerning or related to sb/sth:\nApropos (of) what you were just saying ...


Words: apt
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  suitable or appropriate in the circumstances:\na particularly apt description / name / comment * The song would have been more apt for a bass voice.\n  2  ~ to be ... | ~ to do sth likely or having a natural tendency to do sth:\napt to be forgetful / careless * Babies are apt to put objects into their mouths.\n  3  ~ pupil a person who has a natural ability to learn and understand\n    aptly adverb:\nthe aptly named Grand Hotel\n    aptness noun [U]


Words: aptitude
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (for sth) | ~ (for doing sth) natural ability or skill at doing sth:\nShe showed a natural aptitude for the work. * His aptitude for dealing with children got him the job. * an aptitude test (= one designed to show whether sb has the natural ability for a particular job or educational course)


Words: aquamarine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a pale greenish-blue precious stone\n  2  [U] a pale greenish-blue colour\n    aquamarine adjective:\nan aquamarine sea


Words: aquarium
Meaning:
1  a large glass container in which fish and other water creatures and plants are kept\n  2  a building where people can go to see fish and other water creatures


Words: Aquarius
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the 11th sign of the ZODIAC, the Water Carrier\n \n  2  [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 January and 19 February\n \n    Aquarian noun, adjective


Words: aquatic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  growing or living in, on or near water:\naquatic plants * worries about the impact of acid rain on aquatic life / ecosystems\n  2  connected with water:\nswimming, windsurfing and other aquatic sports


Words: aquiline
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) a person with an aquiline nose or aquiline features has a nose that is thin and curved, similar to that of an EAGLE


Words: Arab
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a person from the Middle East or N Africa, whose ancestors lived in the Arabian Peninsula\n  2  a type of horse originally from Arabia\n    adjective of or connected with Arabia or Arabs:\nArab countries


Words: arabesque
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (in ballet) a position in which the dancer balances on one leg with the other leg lifted and stretched out behind parallel to the ground\n  2  [C, U] (in art) a type of design where lines wind around each other


Words: Arabian
Meaning:
adjective\nof or connected with Arabia\n HELP NOTE  Arabian is used to describe places:\nthe Arabian peninsula. The people are Arabs and the adjective to describe them is Arab: Arab children. The language is Arabic: Arabic script


Words: Arabic
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] the language of the Arabs\n    adjective of or connected with the literature and language of Arab people:\nArabic poetry


Words: Arabic numeral
Meaning:
noun\nany of the symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. used for writing numbers in many countries\ncompare ROMAN NUMERAL


Words: arable
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective connected with growing crops such as wheat or corn:\narable farming / farms / crops * arable land / fields (= used or suitable for growing crops)\n    noun [U] (technical) arable land or crops


Words: arachnid
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) any small creature of the class that includes spiders, SCORPIONS, MITES and TICKS\ncompare INSECT


Words: arbiter
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) (written) a person with the power or influence to make judgements and decide what will be done or accepted:\nThe law is the final arbiter of what is considered obscene. * an arbiter of taste / style / fashion


Words: arbitrage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (business) the practice of buying sth (for example, shares or foreign money) in one place and selling it in another place where the price is higher\n    arbitrageur ) noun:\none of Wall Street’s most famous arbitrageurs


Words: arbitrary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an action, a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair:\nThe choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary. * He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions.\n  2  (formal) using power without restriction and without considering other people:\nthe arbitrary powers of officials\n    arbitrarily adverb:\nThe leaders of the groups were chosen arbitrarily. * The political frontiers in Africa were often arbitrarily drawn up by the old colonial powers.\n    arbitrariness noun [U]:\nCourt officials were suspected of arbitrariness and personal bias.


Words: arbitrate
Meaning:
verb\n~ (in / on sth) to officially settle an argument or a disagreement between two people or groups:\n[V] to arbitrate in a dispute * A committee was created to arbitrate between management and the unions. [also VN]


Words: arbitration
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the official process of settling an argument or a disagreement by sb who is not involved:\nBoth sides in the dispute have agreed to go to arbitration. * Trade unions want the question referred to arbitration.


Words: arboretum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural arboretums or arboreta ) a garden where many different types of tree are grown, for people to look at or for scientific study


Words: arbour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE arbor)  noun\na shelter in a garden/yard for people to sit under, made by growing climbing plants over a frame


Words: arc
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (geometry) part of a circle or a curved line:\nto draw an arc using a compass\n \n  2  a curved shape:\nthe arc of a rainbow * The beach swept around in an arc.\n \n  3  (technical) an electric current passing across a space between two TERMINALS\nsee also ARC LAMP\n    verb (arcing , arced) [V] (technical)\n  1  to move in the shape of an arc\n  2  to form an electric arc


Words: arcade
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a covered passage with arches along the side of a row of buildings (usually a row of shops/stores)\n  2  a covered passage between streets, with shops/stores on either side\n  3  (also shopping arcade) (both BrE) (also mall, shopping mall AmE, BrE) a large building with a number of shop/stores in it\n  4  = AMUSEMENT ARCADE:\narcade games


Words: arcane
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) secret and mysterious and therefore difficult to understand:\nthe arcane rules of cricket


Words: arch
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a curved structure that supports the weight of sth above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building:\na bridge with three arches\n \n  2  a structure with a curved top that is supported by straight sides, sometimes forming an entrance or built as a MONUMENT:\nGo through the arch and follow the path. * Marble Arch is a famous London landmark.\n \n  3  the raised part of the foot formed by a curved section of bones\n \n  4  anything that forms a curved shape at the top:\nthe delicate arch of her eyebrows\n    verb\n  1  if you arch part of your body, or if it arches, it moves and forms a curved shape:\n[VN] The cat arched its back and hissed. [also V]\n  2  [V] to be in a curved line or shape across or over sth:\nTall trees arched over the path.\n    adjective [usually before noun] (often disapproving) an arch look, tone of voice, etc. deliberately shows amusement because the person knows more than other people or more than they pretend about a situation:\nHe tapped the side of his nose in an uncharacteristically arch gesture.\n    archly adverb:\n’Guess what?’ she said archly.


Words: archaeology
Meaning:
(AmE also archeology)  noun\n[U] the study of cultures of the past, and of periods of history by examining the remains of buildings and objects found in the ground\nsee also INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY\n    archaeological (AmE also archeological)  adjective:\narchaeological excavations / evidence


Words: archaic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  old and no longer used:\n’Thou art’ is an archaic form of ’you are’.\n  2  very old-fashioned:\nThe system is archaic and unfair and needs changing.\n  3  from a much earlier or ancient period of history:\narchaic art


Words: archbishop
Meaning:
noun\na BISHOP of the highest rank, responsible for all the churches in a large area:\nthe Archbishop of Canterbury (= the head of the Church of England)


Words: archetypal
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) having all the important qualities and characteristics that make sb/sth a typical example of a particular kind of person or thing:\nThe Beatles were the archetypal pop group. * It was the archetypal British suburb, built in the 1930s.


Words: archetype
Meaning:
noun\n(written) the most typical or perfect example of a particular kind of person or thing:\nShe is the archetype of an American movie star.


Words: archipelago
Meaning:
noun\n(plural archipelagos or archipelagoes) a group of islands and the sea surrounding them:\nthe Indonesian archipelago


Words: architect
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person whose job is designing buildings, etc.\n \n  2  a person who is responsible for planning or creating an idea, an event or a situation:\nHe was one of the principal architects of the revolution.


Words: architectural
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with architecture:\narchitectural design / features / style\n    architecturally adverb:\nThe house is of little interest architecturally.


Words: architecture
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the art and study of designing buildings:\nto study architecture\n  2  [U] the design or style of a building or buildings:\nthe architecture of the eighteenth century * modern architecture\n  3  [C, U] (computing) the design and structure of a computer system


Words: archive
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (also archives [pl.]) a collection of historical documents or records of a government, a family, a place or an organization; the place where these records are stored:\nthe National Sound Archive * archive film * The BBC’s archives are bulging with material.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to put or store a document or other material in an archive\n  2  (computing) to move information that is not often needed to a tape or disk to store it


Words: archway
Meaning:
noun\na passage or an entrance with an arch over it:\nWe went through a stone archway into the courtyard.


Words: Arctic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] related to or happening in the regions around the North Pole:\nArctic explorers\ncompare ANTARCTIC\n  2  (arctic) extremely cold:\nTV pictures showed the arctic conditions.\n    noun [sing.] (the Arctic) the regions of the world around the North Pole


Words: ardent
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (written) very enthusiastic and showing strong feelings about sth/sb\nSYN PASSIONATE:\nan ardent supporter of European unity\n    ardently adverb:\nHe gazed at her ardently. * They had been ardently anti-Communist.


Words: ardour
Meaning:
(AmE ardor)  noun\n[U] (formal) very strong feelings of enthusiasm or love\nSYN PASSION:\nHis revolutionary ardour was an example to his followers. * sexual / romantic ardour


Words: arduous
Meaning:
adjective\ninvolving a lot of effort and energy, especially over a period of time:\nan arduous journey across the Andes * The work was arduous.\n    arduously adverb (rare):\nThey searched arduously for clues.


Words: area
Meaning:
noun\n  part of place\n  1  [C] part of a place, town, etc., or a region of a country or the world:\nmountainous / desert areas * rural / urban / inner-city areas * There is heavy traffic in the downtown area tonight. * She knows the local area very well. * John is the London area manager. * Wreckage from the plane was scattered over a wide area. * The farm and surrounding area was flooded.\nsee also CATCHMENT AREA, CONSERVATION AREA, DEVELOPMENT AREA, NO-GO AREA\n  2  [C] a part of a room, building or particular space that is used for a special purpose:\nthe hotel reception area * a play / parking / dining area\nsee also PENALTY AREA, REST AREA, SERVICE AREA\n  particular place\n  3  [C] a particular place on an object:\nMove the cursor to a blank area of the screen and double click with the mouse. * The tumour had not spread to other areas of the body.\n  subject / activity\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) a particular subject or activity, or an aspect of it:\nthe areas of training and development * Finance is Mark’s area. * The big growth area of recent years has been in health clubs.\nsee also GREY AREA\n  measurement\n  5  [C, U] the amount of space covered by a flat surface or piece of land, described as a measurement:\nthe area of a triangle * The room is 12 square metres in area. * Britain occupies a total area of 88 798 square miles.


Words: area code
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) the numbers for a particular area or city, that you use when you are making a telephone call from outside the local area:\nThe area code for New York is 212.\ncompare DIALLING CODE


Words: arena
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a place with a flat open area in the middle and seats around it where people can watch sports and entertainment:\na concert at Wembley Arena\n  2  (written) an area of activity that concerns the public, especially one where there is a lot of opposition between different groups or countries:\nthe political / international arena


Words: argon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Ar) a chemical element. Argon is a colourless gas that does not react with anything and is used in electric lights.


Words: argot
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] (from French) informal words and phrases that are used by a particular group of people and not easily understood by others


Words: arguable
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  that you can give good reasons for:\nIt is arguable that giving too much detail may actually be confusing. * He had a good arguable case.\n  2  not certain; that you do not accept without question:\nIt is arguable whether the case should have ever gone to trial (= perhaps it should not have).


Words: arguably
Meaning:
adverb\nused, often before a comparative or superlative adjective, when you are stating an opinion which you believe you could give reasons to support:\nHe is arguably the best actor of his generation.


Words: argue
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to speak angrily to sb because you disagree with them:\nMy brothers are always arguing. * We’re always arguing with each other about money. * I don’t want to argue with you-just do it! * He’s offering to pay so who am I to argue?\n  2  ~ (for / against sth) | ~ (for / against doing sth) to give reasons why you think that sth is right/wrong, true/not true, etc., especially to persuade people that you are right:\n[V] They argued for the right to strike. * [VN] She argued the case for bringing back the death penalty. * He was too tired to argue the point (= discuss the matter). * a well-argued article * [V that] He argued that they needed more time to finish the project. * [VN that] It could be argued that laws are made by and for men. [also V wh-]\n  3  [VN] (formal) to show clearly that sth exists or is true:\nThese latest developments argue a change in government policy.\n IDIOMS \n  argue the toss (BrE, informal) to continue to disagree about a decision, especially when it is too late to change it or it is not very important\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  argue sb into / out of doing sth to persuade sb to do/not do sth by giving them reasons:\nThey argued him into withdrawing his complaint.\n  argue with sth (usually used in negative sentences) (informal) to disagree with a statement:\nHe’s a really successful man-you can’t argue with that.


Words: argument
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) a conversation or discussion in which two or more people disagree, often angrily:\nWe had an argument with the waiter about the bill. * She got into an argument with the teacher. * to win / lose an argument * After some heated argument a decision was finally taken.\n  2  [C] ~ (for / against sth) | ~ (that ...) a reason or set of reasons that sb uses to show that sth is true or correct:\nThere are strong arguments for and against euthanasia. * His argument was that public spending must be reduced. * Her main argument was a moral one.\n  3  [U] ~ (about sth) the act of disagreeing in a conversation or discussion using a reason or set of reasons:\nLet’s assume for the sake of argument (= in order to discuss the problem completely) that we can’t start till March.


Words: argumentative
Meaning:
adjective\na person who is argumentative likes arguing or often starts arguing:\nEveryone in the family was argumentative.


Words: arid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; very dry:\narid and semi-arid deserts * Nothing grows in these arid regions. * The pioneers hoped to transform the arid outback into a workable landscape.\n  2  (formal) with nothing new or interesting in it:\nan arid discussion\n    aridity  noun [U]


Words: Aries
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the first sign of the ZODIAC, the RAM\n \n  2  [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 March and 20 April


Words: arise
Meaning:
[V] \n  1  (rather formal) (especially of a problem or a difficult situation) to happen; to start to exist\nSYN OCCUR:\nA new crisis has arisen. * We keep them informed of any changes as they arise. * Children should be disciplined when the need arises (= when it is necessary). * A storm arose during the night.\n  2  ~ (out of / from sth) (rather formal) to happen as a result of a particular situation:\ninjuries arising out of a road accident * Emotional or mental problems can arise from a physical cause. * Are there any matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting?\n  3  (formal) to begin to exist or develop:\nSeveral new industries arose in the town.\n  4  (old use or literary) to get out of bed; to stand up:\nHe arose at dawn.\n  5  (old use) to come together to protest about sth or to fight for sth:\nThe peasants arose against their masters.\n  6  (literary) (of a mountain, a tall building, etc.) to become visible gradually as you move towards it


Words: aristocracy
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] (in some countries) people born in the highest social class, who have special titles:\nmembers of the aristocracy * the shift of power from the aristocracy to the bourgeoisie


Words: arithmetic
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the type of mathematics that deals with the adding, multiplying, etc. of numbers:\nHe’s not very good at arithmetic\n  2  sums involving the adding, multiplying, etc. of numbers:\na quick bit of mental arithmetic * I think there’s something wrong with your arithmetic.


Words: arithmetic progression
Meaning:
(also arithmetical progression) noun\na series of numbers that decrease or increase by the same amount each time, for example 2, 4, 6, 8\ncompare GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION


Words: arithmetical
Meaning:
(also arithmetic) adjective\nrelating to arithmetic:\nan arithmetical calculation\n    arithmetically adverb


Words: ark
Meaning:
(the ark) (also Noah’s ark) noun [sing.] (in the Bible) a large boat which Noah built to save his family and two of every type of animal from the flood\n IDIOMS \n  out of the ark | sth went out with the ark (BrE, spoken) if sb says that an object or a custom is out of the ark or went out with the ark, they think that it is old or old-fashioned:\nThose computers went out with the ark.


Words: arm
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n-see also ARMS\n \n  part of body\n \n  1  either of the two long parts that stick out from the top of the body and connect the shoulders to the hands:\nHe escaped with only a broken arm. * She threw her arms around his neck. * The officer grabbed him by the arm (= grabbed his arm). * She touched him gently on the arm. * He held the dirty rag at arm’s length (= as far away from his body as possible). * They walked along arm in arm (= with the arm of one person linked with the arm of the other). * She cradled the child in her arms. * They fell asleep in each other’s arms (= holding each other). * He was carrying a number of files under his arm (= between his arm and his body). * He walked in with a tall blonde on his arm (= next to him and holding his arm).\n \n  of clothing\n \n  2  the part of a piece of clothing that covers the arm\nSYN SLEEVE:\nThe arms will need shortening.\n  of chair\n  3  the part of a chair, etc. on which you rest your arms:\nShe perched on the arm of his chair.\n  of machinery\n  4  a long narrow part of an object or a piece of machinery, especially one that moves, for example a record player\n  of water / land\n  5  a long narrow piece of water or land that is joined to a larger area:\nA small bridge spans the arm of the river.\n  of organization\n  6  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a section of a large organization that deals with one particular activity\nSYN WING:\nthe research arm of the company\n IDIOMS \n  cost / pay an arm and a leg (informal) to cost/pay a lot of money\n  keep sb at arm’s length to avoid having a close relationship with sb:\nHe keeps all his clients at arm’s length.\nmore at AKIMBO, BABE, BEAR v., CHANCE v., FOLD v., LONG adj., OPEN adj., RIGHT adj., SHOT n., TWIST v.\n    verb\n  1  ~ yourself / sb (with sth) to provide weapons for yourself/sb in order to fight a battle or a war:\n[VN] The crowd armed themselves with sticks and stones. * (figurative) She had armed herself for the meeting with all the latest statistics. * [V] The country was arming against the enemy.\nsee also ARMED\n  2  [VN] to make a bomb, etc. ready to explode\ncompare DISARM\n IDIOMS \n  armed to the teeth (written) having many weapons


Words: armada
Meaning:
noun\na large group of ships sailing together:\nThe Spanish Armada was sent to attack England in 1588. * (figurative) a vast armada of football fans


Words: armadillo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural armadillos) an American animal with a hard shell made of pieces of bone, that eats insects and rolls into a ball if sth attacks it


Words: Armageddon
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n  1  (in the Bible) a battle between good and evil at the end of the world\n  2  a terrible war that could destroy the world:\nnuclear Armageddon


Words: armament
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] weapons, especially large guns, bombs, TANKS, etc:\nthe armaments industry\n  2  [U] the process of increasing the amount of weapons an army or a country has, especially to prepare for war.\ncompare DISARMAMENT


Words: armband
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a band of fabric worn around the arm as a sign of sth, for example that sb has an official position:\nThe stewards all wore armbands. * Many people at the funeral service were wearing black armbands.\n  2  either of two plastic rings that can be filled with air and worn around the arms by sb who is learning to swim


Words: armchair
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  a comfortable chair with sides on which you can rest your arms:\nto sit in an armchair\n    adjective  [only before noun] knowing about a subject through books and television, rather than by doing it for yourself:\nan armchair critic / traveller * a generation of armchair athletes who prefer to watch sports on TV rather than play


Words: armed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  involving the use of weapons:\nan armed robbery * an international armed conflict (= a war) * Guerrillas have pledged to intensify the armed struggle against the new government.\nOPP UNARMED\n  2  ~ (with a gun, etc.) carrying a weapon, especially a gun:\nThe man is armed and dangerous. * armed guards * Police were heavily armed. * He was armed with a rifle.\nOPP UNARMED\n  3  ~ (with sth) knowing sth or carrying sth that you need in order to help you to perform a task:\nHe was armed with all the facts. * I sat down by the lake armed with a pair of binoculars.


Words: armistice
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a formal agreement during a war to stop fighting and discuss making peace:\nThe armistice was signed on 4 December.


Words: armlock
Meaning:
noun\n(in WRESTLING) a way of holding an opponent’s arm so that they cannot move:\nHe had him in an armlock.


Words: armour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE armor)  noun [U]\n  1  special metal clothing that soldiers wore in the past to protect their bodies while fighting:\na suit of armour * (figurative) Monkeys do not have any kind of protective armour and use their brains to solve problems.\n  2  metal covers that protect ships and military vehicles such as TANKS\n  3  (technical) military vehicles used in war:\nan attack by infantry and armour\n IDIOMS  see CHINK n., KNIGHT n.


Words: armour-plated
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE armor-plated) adjective\n(of vehicles) covered with sheets of metal to provide protection against bullets, etc.


Words: armoured
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE armored)  adjective\n  1  (especially of a military vehicle) protected by metal covers:\nThe cruiser was heavily armoured. * an armoured car\n  2  using armoured vehicles:\nan armoured division


Words: armoury
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE armory)  noun (plural armouries)\n  1  a place where weapons and armour are kept\nSYN ARSENAL\n  2  (AmE) a building which is the HEADQUARTERS for the National Guard or an Army Reserve Unit\n  3  (written) the things that sb has available to help them achieve sth:\nDoctors have an armoury of drugs available.\n  4  all the weapons and military equipment that a country has:\nBritain’s nuclear armoury


Words: armpit
Meaning:
(also AmE informal pit) noun\nthe part of the body under the arm where it joins the shoulder\nsee also UNDERARM


Words: armrest
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of some types of seat, especially in planes or cars, which supports your arm:\nreclining seats with headrests and armrests * a large centre armrest that folds down


Words: arms
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n \n  1  (formal) weapons, especially as used by the army, navy or air force:\narms and ammunition * Police officers in the UK do not usually carry arms.\nsee also FIREARM, SMALL ARMS\n \n  2  = COAT OF ARMS:\nthe King’s Arms (= used as the name of a pub)\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be under arms to have weapons and be ready to fight in a war\n  lay down your arms to stop fighting:\nThe government called on the terrorists to lay down their arms.\n  take up arms (against sb) to prepare to fight:\nHe encouraged his supporters to take up arms against the state.\n  (be) up in arms (about / over sth) (informal) (of a group of people) to be very angry about sth and ready to protest strongly about it\nmore at BEAR v., PRESENT v.


Words: army
Meaning:
noun (plural armies)\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a large organized group of soldiers who are trained to fight on land:\nThe two opposing armies faced each other across the battlefield.\n  2  (the army) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the part of a country’s armed forces that fights on land:\nHer husband is in the army. * After leaving school, Mike went into the army. * an army officer * army barracks / bases\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] a large number of people or things, especially when they are organized in some way or involved in a particular activity:\nan army of advisers / volunteers * An army of ants marched across the path.


Words: aroma
Meaning:
noun\na pleasant, noticeable smell:\nthe aroma of fresh coffee * A delicious aroma was coming from the kitchen.


Words: aromatherapy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the use of natural oils that smell sweet for controlling pain or for rubbing into the body during MASSAGE\n    aromatherapist noun


Words: aromatic
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a pleasant noticeable smell\nSYN FRAGRANT:\naromatic oils / herbs * The plant is strongly aromatic.


Words: around
Meaning:
adverb, preposition \n    adverb\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of around in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example come around to sth is in the phrasal verb section at come.\n  1  approximately:\nHe arrived around five o’clock. * The cost would be somewhere around ｣1 500.\n  2  on every side; surrounding sb/sth:\nI could hear laughter all around. * a yard with a fence all around\n  3  (especially AmE) (BrE usually round) moving in a circle:\nHow do you make the wheels go around?\n  4  (especially AmE) (BrE usually round) measured in a circle:\nan old tree that was at least ten feet around\n  5  in or to many places:\nWe were all running around trying to get ready in time. * This is our new office-Kay will show you around. * There were papers lying around all over the floor.\n  6  used to describe activities that have no real purpose:\nThere were several young people sitting around looking bored.\n  7  present in a place; available:\nThere was more money around in those days. * I knocked but there was no one around. * Digital television has been around for some time now.\n  8  active and well known in a sport, profession, etc:\na new tennis champion who could be around for a long time * She’s been around as a film director since the 1980s.\n  9  (especially AmE) (BrE usually round) in a circle or curve to face another way or the opposite way:\nShe turned the car around and drove off. * They looked around when he called.\nsee also ABOUT, ROUND\n IDIOMS \n  have been around to have gained knowledge and experience of the world\n    preposition (especially AmE) (BrE usually round)\n  1  surrounding sb/sth; on each side of sth:\nThe house is built around a central courtyard. * He put his arms around her.\n  2  on, to or from the other side of sb/sth:\nOur house is just around the corner. * The bus came around the bend. * There must be a way around the problem.\n  3  in a circle:\nThey walked around the lake.\n  4  to fit in with particular people, ideas, etc:\nI can’t arrange everything around your timetable!\n  5  in or to many places in an area:\nThey walked around the town looking for a place to eat.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \naround / round / about\nAround and round can often be used with the same meaning in BrE, though around is more formal: The earth goes round/around the sun. * They live round/around the corner. * We travelled round /around India. * She turned round/around when I came in. In AmE only around can be used in these meanings.\nAround, round and about can also sometimes be used with the same meaning in BrE: The kids were running around/round/about outside. * I’ve been waiting around/round/about to see her all day. In AmE only around can be used in these meanings. About or around can be used in both BrE and AmE to mean ’approximately’: We left around/about 8 o’clock.\n______________________________


Words: arouse
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb have a particular feeling or attitude:\nto arouse sb’s interest / curiosity / anger * Her strange behaviour aroused our suspicions. * Fox-hunting still succeeds in arousing a great deal of controversy.\n  2  to make sb feel sexually excited\n  3  to make you feel more active and want to start doing sth:\nThe whole community was aroused by the crime.\n  4  ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to wake sb from sleep\nsee also ROUSE\n    arousal  noun [U]:\nemotional / sexual arousal


Words: arr.
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  (in writing) arrives; ARRIVAL:\narr. London 06.00\ncompare DEP.\n  2  (music) (in writing) arranged by:\nHandel, arr. Mozart


Words: arraign
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) (law) to bring sb to court in order to formally accuse them of a crime:\nHe was arraigned for murder. * He was arraigned on a charge of murder.\n    arraignment noun [C, U]


Words: arrange
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to plan or organize sth in advance:\n[VN] The party was arranged quickly. * She arranged a loan with the bank. * Can I arrange an appointment for Monday? * We met at six, as arranged. * [V wh-] We’ve still got to arrange how to get to the airport. * [V] We arranged for a car to collect us from the airport. * I’ve arranged with the neighbours about feeding the cat while we are away. * [V to inf] Have you arranged to meet him? * [V that] I’ve arranged that we can borrow their car.\n  2  [VN] to put sth in a particular order; to make sth neat or attractive:\nThe books are arranged alphabetically by author. * I must arrange my financial affairs and make a will. * She arranged the flowers in a vase.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (for sth)(abbreviation arr.) to write or change a piece of music so that it is suitable for a particular instrument or voice:\nHe arranged traditional folk songs for the piano.


Words: arrangement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] ~ (for sth) a plan or preparation that you make so that sth can happen:\ntravel arrangements * I’ll make arrangements for you to be met at the airport.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] the way things are done or organized:\nShe’s happy with her unusual living arrangements. * new security arrangements * There are special arrangements for people working overseas.\n  3  [C, U] ~ (with sb) (to do sth) an agreement that you make with sb that you can both accept:\nan arrangement between the school and the parents * We can come to an arrangement over the price. * They had an arrangement that the children would spend two weeks with each parent. * You can cash cheques here by prior arrangement with the bank.\n  4  [C, U] a group of things that are organized or placed in a particular order or position; the act of placing things in a particular order:\nplans of the possible seating arrangements * a class on the art of flower arrangement\n  5  [C, U] a piece of music that has been changed, for example for another instrument to play


Words: arranger
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who arranges music that has been written by sb different\n  2  a person who arranges things:\narrangers of care services for the elderly


Words: array
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [usually sing.] a group or collection of things or people, often one that is large or impressive:\na vast array of bottles of different shapes and sizes * a dazzling array of talent\n  2  (computing) a way of organizing and storing related data in a computer memory\n  3  (technical) a set of numbers, signs or values arranged in rows and columns\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (formal)\n  1  to arrange a group of things in a pleasing way or so that they are in order:\nJars of all shapes and sizes were arrayed on the shelves.\n  2  to arrange soldiers in a position from which they are ready to attack


Words: arrayed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (in sth) (literary) dressed in a particular way, especially in beautiful clothes:\nShe was arrayed in a black velvet gown.


Words: arrears
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] money that sb owes that they have not paid at the right time:\nrent / mortgage / tax arrears\n IDIOMS \n  be in arrears | get / fall into arrears to be late in paying money that you owe:\nWe’re two months in arrears with the rent.\n  in arrears if money or a person is paid in arrears for work, the money is paid after the work has been done


Words: arrest
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth) if the police arrest sb, the person is taken to a POLICE STATION and kept there because the police believe they may be guilty of a crime:\nA man has been arrested in connection with the robbery. * Five people were arrested for drug-related offences. * You could get arrested for doing that.\n  2  [VN] (formal) to stop a process or a development:\nThey failed to arrest the company’s decline.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to make sb notice sth and pay attention to it:\nAn unusual noise arrested his attention.\n  4  [V] if sb arrests, their heart stops beating:\nHe arrested in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.\n    noun [C, U]\n  1  the act of arresting sb:\nThe police made several arrests. * a citizen’s arrest (= by a member of the public, not the police) * She was under arrest on suspicion of murder. * Opposition leaders were put under house arrest (= not allowed to leave their houses).\n  2  an act of sth stopping or being interrupted:\nHe died after suffering a cardiac arrest (= when his heart suddenly stopped).


Words: arrival
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] an act of coming or being brought to a place:\nGuests receive dinner on / upon arrival at the hotel. * We apologize for the late arrival of the train. * the arrival of the mail in the morning * daily arrivals of refugees * There are 120 arrivals and departures every day.\n  2  [C] a person or a thing that comes to a place:\nThe first arrivals at the concert got the best seats. * early / late / new arrivals * We’re expecting a new arrival (= a baby) in the family soon.\n  3  [U] the time when a new technology or idea is introduced:\nthe arrival of pay TV


Words: arrive
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (abbreviation arr.) ~ (at / in / on ...) to get to a place, especially at the end of a journey:\nI’ll wait until they arrive. * I was pleased to hear you arrived home safely. * to arrive early / late (for a meeting) * She’ll arrive in New York at noon. * The train arrived at the station 20 minutes late. * By the time I arrived on the scene, it was all over. * We didn’t arrive back at the hotel until very late. * The police arrived to arrest him.\n  2  (of things) to be brought to sb:\nA letter arrived for you this morning. * Send your application to arrive by 31 October. * We waited an hour for our lunch to arrive. * The new product will arrive on supermarket shelves (= be available) early next year.\n  3  (of an event or a moment) to happen or to come, especially when you have been waiting for it:\nThe wedding day finally arrived. * The baby arrived (= was born) early.\n IDIOMS \n  sb has arrived (informal) somebody has become successful:\nHe knew he had arrived when he was shortlisted for the Booker prize.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  arrive at sth to decide on or find sth, especially after discussion and thought\nSYN REACH:\nto arrive at an agreement / a decision / a conclusion * to arrive at the truth


Words: arrogance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the behaviour of a person when they feel that they are more important than other people, so that they are rude to them or do not consider them:\nHe has a reputation for rudeness and intellectual arrogance.


Words: arrogant
Meaning:
adjective\nbehaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other people\n    arrogantly adverb


Words: arrogate
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  arrogate to yourself sth (formal) to claim or take sth that you have no right to:\nI do not arrogate to myself the right to decide.


Words: arrow
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a thin stick with a sharp point at one end, which is shot from a BOW:\na bow and arrow * to fire / shoot an arrow * The road continues as straight as an arrow.\n \n  2  a mark or sign like an arrow (->), used to show direction or position:\nFollow the arrows. * Use the arrow keys to move the cursor.


Words: arrowroot
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a powder which is prepared from the root of an American plant and used in cooking, especially to make sauces thick:\narrowroot powder / biscuits


Words: arse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (BrE, !!!, slang)\n  1  (AmE ass) the part of the body that you sit on; your bottom:\nGet off your arse (= stop sitting around doing nothing)!\n  2  (usually following an adjective) a stupid person\nsee also SMART-ARSE\n IDIOMS \n  My arse! used by some people to show they do not believe what sb has said\n  work your arse off to work very hard\nmore at KISS v., KNOW v., LICK v., PAIN n.\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  can’t be arsed (to do sth) (BrE, !!!, slang) to not want to do sth because it is too much trouble:\nI was supposed to do some work this weekend but I couldn’t be arsed.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  arse about / around (BrE, !!!, slang) to waste time by behaving in a silly way


Words: arsehole
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE asshole) noun (!!!, slang)\n  1  the ANUS\n  2  a stupid or unpleasant person:\nWhat an arsehole!


Words: arsenal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a collection of weapons such as guns and explosives:\nBritain’s nuclear arsenal\n  2  a building where military weapons and explosives are made or stored


Words: arson
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the crime of deliberately setting fire to sth, especially a building:\nto carry out an arson attack


Words: art
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing or SCULPTURE:\nmodern / contemporary / American art * an art critic / historian / lover * Can we call television art? * an art form (= a particular type of artistic activity) * stolen works of art * Her performance displayed great art.\nsee also FINE ART\n  2  [U] examples of objects such as paintings, drawings or SCULPTURES:\nan art gallery / exhibition * a collection of art and antiques\n  3  [U] the skill of creating objects such as paintings and drawings, especially when you study it:\nShe’s good at art and design. * an art teacher / student / college / class\n  4  (the arts) [pl.] art, music, theatre, literature, etc. when you think of them as a group:\nlottery funding for the arts\nsee also PERFORMING ARTS\n  5  [C] a type of VISUAL or performing art:\nDance is a very theatrical art.\n  6  [C, usually pl.] the subjects you can study at school or university which are not scientific, such as languages, history or literature:\nan arts degree\ncompare SCIENCE\n  7  [C, U] an ability or a skill that you can develop with training and practice:\na therapist trained in the art of healing * Letter-writing is a lost art nowadays. * Appearing confident at interviews is quite an art (= rather difficult).\n IDIOMS  see FINE adj.\n    verb (thou art) (old use) used to mean ’you are’, when talking to one person


Words: art deco
Meaning:
(also Art Deco)  noun\n[U] a popular style of decorative art in the 1920s and 1930s that has GEOMETRIC shapes with clear outlines and bright strong colours. It was used especially on objects in the house, and in architecture.


Words: art-house
Meaning:
adjective\nart-house films/movies are usually made by small film companies and are not usually seen by a wide audience


Words: artefact
Meaning:
(also artifact especially in AmE)  noun\n(technical) an object that is made by a person, especially sth of historical or cultural interest


Words: arteriosclerosis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a condition in which the walls of the arteries become thick and hard, making it difficult for blood to flow


Words: artery
Meaning:
noun (plural arteries)\n  1  any of the tubes that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body:\nblocked arteries\ncompare VEIN\nsee also CORONARY ARTERY\n  2  a large and important road, river, railway/railroad line, etc.\n    arterial  adjective [only before noun]:\narterial blood / disease * an arterial road * arterial traffic


Words: artful
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (disapproving) clever at getting what you want, sometimes by not telling the truth\nSYN CRAFTY:\nHe was artful and cunning, and I didn’t really trust him.\n  2  (of things or actions) designed or done in a clever way\n    artfully  adverb:\nan artfully devised plot


Words: arthritis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease that causes pain and swelling in one or more joints of the body\nsee also OSTEOARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS


Words: artichoke
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n \n  1  (also globe artichoke) a round vegetable with a lot of thick green leaves. The bottom part of the leaves and the inside of the artichoke can be eaten when cooked.\n \n  2  (BrE) = JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE


Words: article
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (on / about sth) a piece of writing about a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine:\nHave you seen that article about young fashion designers?\nsee also LEADING ARTICLE\n  2  (law) a separate item in an agreement or a contract:\nThe proposal breaches article 10 of the European Convention, which guarantees free speech.\n  3  (formal) a particular item or separate thing, especially one of a set:\narticles of clothing * toilet articles such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo * The articles found in the car helped the police to identify the body.\n  4  (grammar) the words a and an (the indefinite article) or the (the definite article)


Words: article of faith
Meaning:
noun\n(plural articles of faith) something you believe very strongly, as if it were a religious belief:\nHe tried to believe, as an article of faith, that his daughter was not guilty.


Words: articled
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) employed by a group of lawyers, ARCHITECTS or ACCOUNTANTS while training to become qualified:\nan articled clerk (= a trainee solicitor) * She was articled to a firm of solicitors.


Words: articulate
Meaning:
verb, adjective \n    verb \n  1  [VN] (formal) to express or explain your thoughts or feelings clearly in words:\nShe struggled to articulate her thoughts. * It is the school’s duty to articulate its practices to parents.\n  2  to speak, pronounce or play sth in a clear way:\n[V] He was too drunk to articulate properly. * [VN] Every note was carefully articulated. [also V speech]\n  3  [V] ~ (with sth) (written) to be related to sth so that together the two parts form a whole:\n[V] These courses are designed to articulate with university degrees.\n  4  (technical) ~ (with sth) to be joined to sth else by a joint, so that movement is possible; to join sth in this way:\n[V] bones that articulate with others * [VN] a robot with articulated limbs\n    adjective \n  1  (of a person) good at expressing ideas or feelings clearly in words:\nHe was unusually articulate for a ten-year-old. * She is the most articulate critic of government policy.\n  2  (of speech) clearly expressed or pronounced:\nAll we could hear were loud sobs, but no articulate words.\nOPP INARTICULATE


Words: articulated
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) (of a vehicle) with two or more sections joined together in a way that makes it easier to turn corners:\nan articulated lorry / truck\nsee also TRACTOR-TRAILER


Words: articulation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) the expression of an idea or a feeling in words:\nthe articulation and defence of his theory\n  2  [U] (formal) the act of making sounds in speech or music:\nThe singer worked hard on the clear articulation of every note. * As he drank more wine, his articulation suffered.\n  3  [U, C, usually sing.] (technical) a joint or connection that allows movement


Words: artifice
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) the clever use of tricks to deceive sb:\nPretending to faint was merely (an) artifice. * the artifices of the theatre


Words: artificial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made or produced to copy sth natural; not real:\nan artificial limb / flower / sweetener / fertilizer * artificial lighting / light\n  2  created by people; not happening naturally:\nA job interview is a very artificial situation. * the artificial barriers of race, class and gender\n  3  false; not what it appears to be:\nartificial emotion\n    artificiality  noun [U]\n    artificially  adverb:\nartificially created lakes * artificially low prices


Words: artificial insemination
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation AI) the process of making a woman or female animal pregnant by an artificial method of putting male SPERM inside her, and not by sexual activity:\nartificial insemination by a donor, abbreviated to ’AID’


Words: artificial intelligence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation AI) (computing) an area of study concerned with making computers copy intelligent human behaviour


Words: artificial respiration
Meaning:
(BrE also artificial ventilation) noun\n[U] the process of helping a person who has stopped breathing begin to breathe again, usually by blowing into their mouth or nose\ncompare MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION


Words: artillery
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] large, heavy guns which are often moved on wheels:\nThe town is under heavy artillery fire. * artillery attacks / barrages / shells\n  2  (the artillery) [sing.] the section of an army trained to use these guns:\nHe was a captain in the Royal Artillery.


Words: artisan
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person who does skilled work, making things with their hands\nSYN CRAFTSMAN:\nThe hand-woven textiles were made by skilled local artisans.


Words: artist
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who creates works of art, especially paintings or drawings:\nan exhibition of work by contemporary British artists * a graphic artist * a make-up artist * Police have issued an artist’s impression of her attacker. * In Paris she met a group of young artists: poets, film-makers and painters. * (figurative) Whoever made this cake is a real artist.\n \n  2  = ARTISTE:\na recording / solo artist


Words: artiste
Meaning:
(also artist) noun\n(especially BrE) a professional entertainer such as a singer, a dancer or an actor:\nAmong the artistes appearing on our show tonight we have ... * a mime artiste


Words: artistic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with art or artists:\nthe surviving artistic works of the period * a work of great artistic merit * the artistic director of the theatre * an artistic temperament (= behaviour thought to be typical of artists, musicians, etc.)\n  2  showing a natural skill in or enjoyment of art, especially being able to paint or draw well:\nartistic abilities / achievements / skills / talent * She comes from a very artistic family.\n  3  done with skill and imagination; attractive or beautiful:\nan artistic arrangement of dried flowers * The decor inside the house was very artistic.\n IDIOMS  see LICENCE\n    artistically  adverb


Words: artistry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the skill of an artist:\nHe played the piece with effortless artistry. * an appreciation of the beauty and artistry of the painting


Words: artless
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  simple, natural and honest:\nthe artless sincerity of a young child\n  2  made without skill or art


Words: arts and crafts
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] activities that need both artistic and practical skills, such as weaving, making jewellery and POTTERY


Words: artwork
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] photographs and pictures prepared for books, advertisements and magazines:\nCan you let me have the finished artwork for the poster by Friday?\n  2  [C] a work of art, especially one in a museum:\n30 original artworks have gone missing from the museum.


Words: arty
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE artsy) adjective\n(informal, usually disapproving) seeming or wanting to be very artistic or interested in the arts:\nShe hangs out with the arty types she met at drama school. * Why do you pretend you like those boring, arty films?


Words: Aryan
Meaning:
noun\n(especially according to the ideas of the German Nazi party) a member of a Caucasian, not Jewish, race of people, especially one with fair hair and blue eyes\n    Aryan adjective


Words: as
Meaning:
preposition, adverb, conjunction \n    preposition\n  1  used to describe sb/sth appearing to be sb/sth else:\nThey were all dressed as clowns. * The bomb was disguised as a package.\n  2  used to describe the fact that sb/sth has a particular job or function:\nShe works as a courier. * Treat me as a friend. * I respect him as a doctor. * You can use that glass as a vase. * The news came as a shock. * She had been there often as a child (= when she was a child).\n    adverb\n  1  as ...as ... used when you are comparing two people or things, or two situations:\nYou’re as tall as your father. * He was as white as a sheet. * She doesn’t play as well as her sister. * I haven’t known him as long as you (= as you have known him). * He doesn’t earn as much as me. * He doesn’t earn as much as I do. * It’s not as hard as I thought. * Run as fast as you can. * We’d like it as soon as possible.\n  2  used to say that sth happens in the same way:\nAs always, he said little. * The ’h’ in honest is silent, as in ’hour’.\n    conjunction\n  1  while sth else is happening:\nHe sat watching her as she got ready. * As she grew older she gained in confidence.\n  2  in the way in which:\nThey did as I had asked. * Leave the papers as they are. * She lost it, just as I said she would.\n  3  used to state the reason for sth:\nAs you were out, I left a message. * She may need some help as she’s new.\n  4  used to make a comment or to add information about what you have just said:\nAs you know, Julia is leaving soon. * She’s very tall, as is her mother.\n  5  (written) used to say that in spite of sth being true, what follows is also true\nSYN THOUGH:\nHappy as they were, there was something missing. * Try as he might (= however hard he tried), he couldn’t open the door.\n IDIOMS \n  as against sth in contrast with sth:\nThey got 27% of the vote as against 32% at the last election.\n  as and when used to say that sth may happen at some time in the future, but only when sth else has happened:\nWe’ll decide on the team as and when we qualify. * I’ll tell you more as and when (= as soon as I can).\n  as for sb/sth used to start talking about sb/sth\nSYN REGARDING:\nAs for Jo, she’s doing fine. * As for food for the party, that’s all being taken care of.\n  as from ... / as of ... used to show the time or date from which sth starts:\nOur fax number is changing as from May 12.\n  as if / as though in a way that suggests sth:\nHe behaved as if nothing had happened. * It sounds as though you had a good time. * It’s my birthday. As if you didn’t know! * ’Don’t say anything’ ’As if I would!’ (= surely you do not expect me to)\n  as it is considering the present situation; as things are:\nWe were hoping to finish it by next week-as it is, it may be the week after. * I can’t help-I’ve got too much to do as it is (= already).\n  as it were used when a speaker is giving his or her own impression of a situation or expressing sth in a particular way:\nTeachers must put the brakes on, as it were, when they notice students looking puzzled.\n  as to sth | as regards sth used when you are referring to sth:\nAs to tax, that will be deducted from your salary.\n  as you do used as a comment on sth that you have just said:\nHe smiled and I smiled back. As you do.\nmore at WELL, YET\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nas / like\nYou can use both as and like to say that things are similar.\nLike is a preposition and is used before nouns and pronouns: He has blue eyes like me.\nAs is a conjunction and an adverb and is used before a clause, another adverb or a clause beginning with a preposition: She enjoys all kinds of music, as I do. * Repeat these five steps, as in the last exercise.\nIn informal English like is frequently used as a conjunction or an adverb instead of as: Nobody understands him like I do. * I don’t want to upset him again like before. It is also used instead of as if: It looks like we’re going to be late. These uses of like are common but are not considered correct in formal written English.\nYou will find more help on the use of as and like in the entries for particular verbs, such as act, behave, etc.\n______________________________


Words: ASA
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  Advertising Standards Authority (an organization in Britain which controls the standard of advertising)\n  2  American Standards Association (used especially to show the speed of film):\na 400 ASA film


Words: asbestos
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a soft grey mineral that does not burn, used especially in the past in building as a protection against fire or to prevent heat loss


Words: ascend
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) ~ (to sth) to rise; to go up; to climb up:\n[V] The path started to ascend more steeply. * Mist ascended from the valley. * The air became colder as we ascended. * The results, ranked in ascending order (from the lowest to the highest) are as follows: * (figurative) He ascended to the peak of sporting achievement. * Practise your scales ascending and descending. * [VN] Her heart was thumping as she ascended the stairs. * (figurative) to ascend the throne (= become king or queen)\nOPP DESCEND


Words: ascendancy
Meaning:
(also ascendency)  noun\n[U] (formal) ~ (over sb/sth) the position of having power or influence over sb/sth:\nmoral / political / intellectual ascendancy * The opposition party was in the ascendancy (= gaining control).


Words: ascendant
Meaning:
(also ascendent)  noun\n IDIOMS \n  in the ascendant (formal) being or becoming more powerful or popular:\nBritish pop music is once again in the ascendant.


Words: ascension
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  (the Ascension) (in the Christian religion) the journey of Jesus from the earth into heaven:\nthe death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ\n  2  (formal) the act of moving up or of reaching a high position:\nher ascension to the throne


Words: Ascension Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (in the Christian religion) the 40th day after Easter when Christians remember when Jesus left the earth and went into heaven


Words: ascent
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] the act of climbing or moving up; an upward journey:\nthe first ascent of Mount Everest * The cart began its gradual ascent up the hill.\nOPP DESCENT\n  2  [C, usually sing.] an upward path or slope:\nAt the other side of the valley was a steep ascent to the top of the hill.\nOPP DESCENT\n  3  [U] (formal) the process of moving forward to a better position or of making progress:\nman’s ascent to civilization


Words: ascertain
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to find out the true or correct information about sth:\n[VN] It can be difficult to ascertain the facts. * [V that] I ascertained that the driver was not badly hurt. * [VN that] It should be ascertained that the plans comply with the law. * [V wh-] The police are trying to ascertain what really happened. * Could you ascertain whether she will be coming to the meeting? * [VN wh-] It must be ascertained if the land is still owned by the government.


Words: ascetic
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] not allowing yourself physical pleasures, especially for religious reasons; related to a simple and strict way of living:\nThe monks lived a very ascetic life. * Living hidden away in the mountains suited his ascetic character.\n    ascetic noun:\nmonks, hermits and ascetics\n    asceticism  noun [U]:\na life of private prayer and asceticism


Words: ASCII
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (computing) a standard CODE used so that data can be moved between computers that use different programs (the abbreviation for ’American Standard Code for Information Interchange’):\nSave the text as an ASCII file.


Words: ascribe
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ascribe sth to sb to consider or state that a book, etc. was written by a particular person\nSYN ATTRIBUTE:\nThis play is usually ascribed to Shakespeare.\n  ascribe sth to sb/sth (formal)\n1 to consider that sth is caused by a particular thing or person:\nHe ascribed his failure to bad luck.\n2 to consider that sb/sth has or should have a particular quality:\nWe ascribe great importance to these policies.\nSYN ATTRIBUTE\n    ascribable adjective ~ to sb/sth:\nTheir success is ascribable to the quality of their goods.\n    ascription sth):\nthe ascription of meaning to objects and events


Words: asexual
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) not involving sex; not having sexual organs:\nasexual reproduction * asexual animals like greenfly\n  2  not having sexual qualities; not interested in sex:\nthe tendency to see old people as asexual


Words: ash
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the grey or black powder that is left after sth, especially tobacco, wood or coal, has burnt:\ncigarette ash * black volcanic ash * She flicked ash out of the window carelessly.\n  2  (ashes) [pl.] what is left after sth has been destroyed by burning:\nThe town was reduced to ashes in the fighting. * the glowing ashes of the campfire * (figurative) The party had risen, like a phoenix, from the ashes of electoral disaster. * She had seen all her dreams turn to ashes.\n  3  (ashes) [pl.] the powder that is left after a dead person’s body has been CREMATED (= burned):\nShe wanted her ashes to be scattered at sea.\n  4  [C, U] (also ash tree) a forest tree with grey bark\nsee also MOUNTAIN ASH\n  5  [U] the hard pale wood of the ash tree\n IDIOMS  see SACKCLOTH


Words: ashamed
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  ~ (of sth/sb / yourself) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (to be sth) feeling shame or embarrassment about sb/sth or because of sth you have done:\nShe was deeply ashamed of her behaviour at the party. * His daughter looked such a mess that he was ashamed of her. * You should be ashamed of yourself for telling such lies. * I feel almost ashamed that I’ve been so lucky. * The football riots made me ashamed to be English. * You act as if you’re ashamed to be seen with me.\n  2  ~ to do sth unwilling to do sth because of shame or embarrassment:\nI’m ashamed to say that I lied to her. * I cried at the end and I’m not ashamed to admit it. * He felt ashamed to let her see him in this state.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nashamed / embarrassed\nYou feel ashamed when you feel guilty because of something wrong that you have deliberately done: You should be ashamed of treating your daughter like that. Do not use ashamed when you are talking about something that is not very serious or important: I am sorry that I forgot to buy the milk. * _I_ _a_m_ _a_s_h_a_m_e_d_ _t_h_a_t_ _I_ _f_o_r_g_o_t_ _t_o_ _b_u_y_ _t_h_e_ _m_i_l_k_.\nYou feel embarrassed when you have made a mistake or done something stupid or feel awkward in front of other people: I was embarrassed about forgetting his name.\n______________________________


Words: ashen
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually of sb’s face) very pale; without colour because of illness or fear:\nThey listened ashen-faced to the news. * His face was ashen and wet with sweat.


Words: ashore
Meaning:
adverb\ntowards, onto or on land, having come from an area of water such as the sea or a river:\nto come / go ashore * a drowned body found washed ashore on the beach * The cruise included several days ashore. * natural gas brought ashore by pipelines


Words: ashram
Meaning:
noun\na place where Hindus who wish to live apart from society live together as a group; a place where other Hindus go for a short time to say prayers before returning to society


Words: ashtray
Meaning:
noun\na container into which people who smoke put tobacco ash, cigarette ends, etc:\noverflowing ashtrays


Words: Asian
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun a person from Asia, or whose family originally came from Asia:\nBritish Asians\n HELP NOTE  In BrE Asian is used especially to refer to people from India or Pakistan. In AmE it is used especially to refer to people from the Far East.\n    adjective of or connected with Asia:\nAsian music


Words: Asian American
Meaning:
noun\na person from America whose family come from Asia, especially E Asia\n    Asian-American adjective


Words: aside
Meaning:
adverb, noun \n    adverb\n  1  to one side; out of the way:\nShe pulled the curtain aside. * Stand aside and let these people pass. * He took me aside (= away from a group of people) to give me some advice. * (figurative) Leaving aside (= not considering at this stage) the cost of the scheme, let us examine its benefits. * All our protests were brushed aside (= ignored).\n  2  to be used later:\nWe set aside some money for repairs.\n  3  used after nouns to say that except for one thing, sth is true:\nMoney worries aside, things are going well.\n    noun\n  1  (in the theatre) something which a character in a play says to the audience, but which the other characters on stage are not intended to hear:\nShakespeare’s use of asides and soliloquies\n  2  a remark, often made in a low voice, which is not intended to be heard by everyone present:\nHe made several mocking asides about the inadequacy of women.\n  3  a remark that is not directly connected with the main subject that is being discussed:\nI mention it only as an aside ...


Words: ask
Meaning:
verb\n  question\n  1  ~ (sb) (about sb/sth) to say or write sth in the form of a question, in order to get information:\n[V speech] ’Where are you going?’ she asked. * [VN speech] ’Are you sure?’ he asked her. * [V] He asked about her family. * How old are you-if you don’t mind me / my asking? * [VN] The interviewer asked me about my future plans. * Can I ask a question? * Did you ask the price? * [VNN] She asked the students their names. * I often get asked that! * [V wh-] He asked where I lived. * [VN wh-] I had to ask the teacher what to do next. * I was asked if / whether I could drive.\n HELP NOTE  You cannot say ’ask to sb’: _I_ _a_s_k_e_d_ _t_o_ _m_y_ _f_r_i_e_n_d_ _w_h_a_t_ _h_a_d_ _h_a_p_p_e_n_e_d_.\n  request\n  2  to tell sb that you would like them to do sth or that you would like sth to happen:\n[VN to inf] All the students were asked to complete a questionnaire. * Eric asked me to marry him. * [V wh-] I asked whether they could change my ticket. * [VN wh-] She asked me if I would give her English lessons. * [V that] (formal) She asked that she be kept informed of developments. * (BrE also) She asked that she should be kept informed.\n  3  ~ (sb) (for sth) to say that you would like sb to give you sth:\n[V] to ask for a job / a drink / an explanation * I am writing to ask for some information about courses. * [VN] Why don’t you ask his advice? * Can I ask a favour of you? * [VNN] Why don’t you ask him for his advice? * Can I ask you a favour?\n  permission\n  4  to request permission to do sth:\n[V to inf] Did you ask to use the car? * I asked to see the manager. * [V wh-] I’ll ask if it’s all right to park here. * [VN wh-] She asked her boss whether she could have the day off.\n  invite\n  5  [usually +adv./prep.] to invite sb:\n[VN] They’ve asked me to dinner. * I didn’t ask them in (= to come into the house). * We must ask the neighbours round (= to our house). * [VN to inf] She’s asked him to come to the party.\n  money\n  6  [VN] ~ sth (for sth) to request a particular amount of money for sth that you are selling:\nHe’s asking ｣2 000 for the car. * How much were they asking for their house?\n  expect / demand\n  7  ~ sth (of sb) to expect or demand sth:\n[VN] I know I’m asking a great deal. * You’re asking too much of him. * [VN to inf] I know it’s asking a lot to expect them to win again.\n IDIOMS \n  ask for it (informal) to deserve sth bad that happens to you or that sb does to you:\n’You shouldn’t have said that to her.’ ’Well, she asked for it!’\n  be asking for trouble | be asking for it (informal) to behave in a way that is very likely to result in trouble\n  don’t ask (spoken, informal) if you say don’t ask to sb, you mean that you do not want to reply to their question, because it would be awkward, embarrassing, etc:\n’And what did he do then?’ ’Don’t ask!’\n  don’t ask me (spoken, informal) if you say don’t ask me, you mean that you do not know the answer to a question and are annoyed you have been asked:\n’What will the meeting be about?’ ’Don’t ask me.’\n  for the asking if you can have sth for the asking, it is very easy for you to get it if you ask for it:\nThe job is yours for the asking.\n  I ask you (spoken, informal) if you say I ask you, you are expressing disapproval, shock or anger about sth/sb:\nHe told me I had to work late on Friday night. I ask you!\n  if you ask me (spoken, informal) in my personal opinion:\nTheir marriage was a mistake, if you ask me.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ask after sb (BrE) to say that you would like to know how sb is, what they are doing, etc:\nHe always asks after you in his letters.\n  ask around to speak to a number of different people in order to try and get some information:\nI don’t know of any vacancies in the company but I’ll ask around.\n  ask sb back (especially BrE) to invite sb to come back to your house when you are both out together:\nI hoped he wouldn’t ask me back.\n  ask for sb/sth to say that you want to speak to sb or be directed to a place:\nWhen you arrive, ask for Jane.\n  ask sb out to invite sb to go out with you, especially as a way of starting a romantic relationship:\nHe’s too shy to ask her out.


Words: askance
Meaning:
adverb\n IDIOMS \n  look askance (at sb/sth) | look (at sb/sth) askance (written) to look at or react to sb/sth with suspicion or doubt, or in a critical way:\nThe opposition party looked askance at most of the government’s proposed policies. * She looked askance at him when he began to eat before everybody else. * A waiter in a tuxedo looked askance at his jeans.


Words: askew
Meaning:
adverb, adjective\n[not before noun] not in a straight or level position:\nHer hat was slightly askew. * His glasses had been knocked askew by the blow. * That picture is askew. * He arrived out of breath with his shirt undone and his tie askew.


Words: asleep
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] sleeping:\nThe baby was sound asleep (= sleeping deeply) upstairs. * I waited until they were all fast asleep (= sleeping deeply). * He was so exhausted that he fell asleep at his desk. * She was still half asleep (= not fully awake) when she arrived at work. * The police found him asleep in a garage.\n IDIOMS  see SOUND adv.


Words: aspect
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a particular part or feature of a situation, an idea, a problem, etc.; a way in which it may be considered:\nThe book aims to cover all aspects of city life. * the most important aspect of the debate * She felt she had looked at the problem from every aspect. * This was one aspect of her character he hadn’t seen before. * The consultancy gives advice to manufacturers on the health and safety aspects of their products.\n  2  [U, sing.] (formal) the appearance of a place, a situation or a person:\nEvents began to take on a more sinister aspect. * the dirty and seedy aspect of the bar\n  3  [C, usually sing.] (formal) the direction in which a building, window, piece of land, etc. faces; the side of a building which faces a particular direction:\nOur room had a western aspect. * The southern aspect of the school was dominated by the mountain.\n  4  [U, C] (grammar) the form of a verb that shows, for example, whether the action happens once or repeatedly, is completed or still continuing\nsee also PERFECT adj. (7), PROGRESSIVE adj.


Words: asperity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (rare, formal) the fact of being harsh or severe, especially in the way you speak to or treat sb:\nShe pointed out, with some asperity, that it had all been my fault. * There was a touch of asperity in his tone.


Words: aspersions
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal) critical or unpleasant remarks or judgements:\nI wouldn’t want to cast aspersions on your honesty.


Words: asphyxia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being unable to breathe, causing death or loss of consciousness:\nto die of asphyxia


Words: asphyxiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb become unconscious or die by preventing them from breathing\nSYN SUFFOCATE:\nHe was asphyxiated by the smoke. * asphyxiating gases\n    asphyxiation  noun [U]:\nThe cause of death was asphyxiation.


Words: aspic
Meaning:
noun\n[U] clear jelly which food can be put into when it is being served cold:\nchicken breast in aspic


Words: aspirant
Meaning:
noun\n~ (to / for sth) (formal) a person with a strong desire to achieve a position of importance or to win a competition:\naspirants to the title of world champion * They were asked to select the party candidate from 20 aspirants.\n    aspirant adjective [only before noun] = ASPIRING


Words: aspirate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  (phonetics) the sound of the letter ’h’:\nThe word ’hour’ is pronounced without an initial aspirate.\n    verb  [VN] \n  1  (medical) to remove liquid from a person’s body with a machine:\nSamples were aspirated from the stomach.\n  2  (phonetics) to pronounce sth with an ’h’ sound or with a breath


Words: aspiration
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl., U] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) a strong desire to have or do sth:\nI didn’t realize you had political aspirations. * He has never had any aspiration to earn a lot of money. * What changes are needed to meet women’s aspirations for employment?\n  2  [U] (phonetics) the action of pronouncing sth with an ’h’ sound


Words: aspire
Meaning:
verb\n~ (to sth) to have a strong desire to achieve or to become sth:\n[V] She aspired to a scientific career. * [V to inf] He aspired to be their next leader.


Words: aspirin
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural aspirin or aspirins) a drug used to reduce pain, fever and INFLAMMATION:\nDo you have any aspirin? * Take two aspirin(s) for a headache.


Words: aspiring
Meaning:
(also less frequent aspirant) adjective [only before noun]\n  1  wanting to start the career or activity that is mentioned:\nAspiring musicians need hours of practice every day.\n  2  wanting to be successful in life:\nHe came from an aspiring working-class background.


Words: ass
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE, !!!, slang) = ARSE\n  2  (BrE, informal) a stupid person:\nDon’t be such an ass! * I made an ass of myself at the meeting-standing up and then forgetting the question.\n  3  (BrE, old use) a DONKEY\n IDIOMS \n  get your ass in gear | move your ass (slang, especially AmE) a rude way of telling sb to hurry:\nIf you get your ass in gear, we can make it out of here tonight.\n  get your ass over / in here, etc. (slang, especially AmE) a rude way of telling sb to come here, etc.\nmore at KICK v., KISS v., PAIN n.


Words: assail
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to attack sb violently, either physically or with words:\nHe was assailed with fierce blows to the head. * The proposal was assailed by the opposition party. * (figurative) A vile smell assailed my nostrils.\n  2  [usually passive] to disturb or upset sb severely:\nto be assailed by worries / doubts / fears


Words: assailant
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person who attacks sb, especially physically:\nPolice have issued a description and an artist’s impression of the assailant. * He was immune to the criticisms of his assailants.


Words: assassin
Meaning:
noun\na person who murders sb important or famous, for money or for political reasons:\na hired / professional assassin


Words: assassinate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to murder an important or famous person, especially for political reasons:\nThe prime minister was assassinated by extremists. * a plot to assassinate the president\n    assassination  noun [U, C]:\nThe president survived a number of assassination attempts. * the assassination of John F. Kennedy


Words: assault
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (on / upon sb) the crime of attacking sb physically:\nBoth men were charged with assault. * A significant number of indecent assaults on women go unreported. * sexual assaults\n  2  [C] ~ (on / upon / against sb/sth) (by an army, etc.) the act of attacking a building, an area, etc. in order to take control of it:\nAn assault on the capital was launched in the early hours of the morning.\n  3  [C] ~ (on / upon sth) the act of trying to achieve sth that is difficult or dangerous:\nThe government has mounted a new assault on unemployment (= in order to reduce it). * Three people died during an assault on the mountain (= while trying to climb it).\n  4  [C] ~ (on / upon / against sb/sth) an act of criticizing sb/sth severely:\nThe paper’s assault on the president was totally unjustified. * The suggested closures came under assault from all parties.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to attack sb violently, especially when this is a crime:\nHe has been charged with assaulting a police officer. * Four women have been sexually assaulted in the area recently.\n  2  (formal) to affect your senses in a way that is very unpleasant or uncomfortable:\nLoud rock music assaulted our ears.


Words: assault course
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE obstacle course) noun\nan area of land with many objects that are difficult to climb, jump over or go through, which is used, especially by soldiers, for improving physical skills and strength


Words: assay
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (technical) the testing of metals and chemicals for quality, often to see how pure they are\n    assay verb [VN]


Words: assemblage
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, technical) a collection of things; a group of people:\nTropical rainforests have the most varied and abundant assemblage of plants in the world.


Words: assemble
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to come together as a group; to bring people or things together as a group:\n[V] All the students were asked to assemble in the main hall. * She then addressed the assembled company (= all the people there). * [VN] to assemble evidence / data * The manager has assembled a world-class team. * He tried to assemble his thoughts.\n  2  [VN] to fit together all the separate parts of sth, for example a piece of furniture:\nThe shelves are easy to assemble.


Words: assembly
Meaning:
noun (plural assemblies)\n  1  (also Assembly) [C] a group of people who have been elected to meet together regularly and make decisions or laws for a particular region or country:\nState / legislative / federal / local assemblies * Power has been handed over to provincial and regional assemblies. * The national assembly has voted to adopt the budget. * the California Assembly * the UN General Assembly * assembly elections * an elected assembly\n  2  [U, C] the meeting together of a group of people for a particular purpose; a group of people who meet together for a particular purpose:\nThey were fighting for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. * He was to address a public assembly on the issue. * an assembly point (= a place where people have been asked to meet) * the assembly rooms / hall\n  3  [C, U] a meeting of the teachers and students in a school, usually at the start of the day, to give information, discuss school events or say prayers together:\nThe deputy headmaster was taking (= leading) school assembly that day.\n  4  [U] the process of putting together the parts of sth such as a vehicle or piece of furniture:\nPutting the bookcase together should be a simple assembly job. * a car assembly plant * the correct assembly of the parts


Words: assent
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] ~ (to sth) (formal) official agreement to or approval of sth:\nThe director has given her assent to the proposals. * He nodded (his) assent. * There were murmurs of both assent and dissent from the crowd. * The bill passed in Parliament has now received the Royal Assent (= been approved by the king / queen). * She is by common assent, the best person for the job.\n    verb ~ (to sth) (formal) to agree to a request, an idea or a suggestion: [V] Nobody would assent to the terms they proposed. [also V speech]


Words: assert
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to state clearly and firmly that sth is true:\n[V that] She continued to assert that she was innocent. * [VN] She continued to assert her innocence. * The German Chancellor was anxious to assert his government’s commitment to further European unity. * [V speech] ’That is wrong,’ he asserted. * [VN that] It is commonly asserted that older people prefer to receive care from family members.\n  2  [VN] ~ yourself to behave in a confident and determined way so that other people pay attention to your opinions:\nYou’re too timid-you must try to assert yourself more.\n  3  [VN] to make other people recognize your right or authority to do sth, by behaving firmly and confidently:\nto assert your independence / rights * I was determined to assert my authority from the beginning.\n  4  [VN] ~ itself to start to have an effect:\nGood sense asserted itself.


Words: assertion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a statement saying that you strongly believe sth to be true\nSYN CLAIM:\nHe was correct in his assertion that the minister had been lying. * Do you have any evidence to support your assertions?\n  2  [U, C] the act of stating, using or claiming sth strongly:\nthe assertion of his authority * The demonstration was an assertion of the right to peaceful protest.


Words: assertive
Meaning:
adjective\nexpressing opinions or desires strongly and with confidence, so that people take notice:\nYou should try and be more assertive. * assertive behaviour\nOPP SUBMISSIVE\n    assertively adverb\n    assertiveness noun [U]:\nan assertiveness training course


Words: assess
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb/sth (as sth) to make a judgement about the nature or quality of sb/sth:\n[VN] It’s difficult to assess the effects of these changes. * to assess a patient’s needs * Interviews allow you to assess the suitability of candidates. * The young men were assessed as either safe or unsafe drivers. * I’d assess your chances as low. * [V wh-] The committee assesses whether a building is worth preserving. * We are trying to assess how well the system works.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (at sth) to calculate the amount or value of sth:\nThey have assessed the amount of compensation to be paid. * Damage to the building was assessed at ｣40 000.


Words: assessment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an opinion or a judgement about sb/sth that has been thought about very carefully\nSYN EVALUATION:\na detailed assessment of the risks involved * What is your assessment of the situation? * An adequate environmental impact assessment was not carried out on the bypass project.\n  2  [U] the act of judging or forming an opinion about sb/sth:\nwritten and oral exams and other forms of assessment * Objective assessment of the severity of the problem was difficult.\nsee also CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT\n  3  [C] an amount that has been calculated and that must be paid:\na tax assessment


Words: assessor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an expert in a particular subject who is asked by a court of law or other official group to give advice:\nThe government appointed independent assessors to review the viability of the remaining coal mines.\n  2  a person who calculates the value or cost of sth or the amount of money to be paid:\nan insurance / tax assessor\n  3  a person who judges how well sb has done in an exam, a competition, etc:\nCollege lecturers acted as external assessors of the exam results.


Words: asset
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that is valuable or useful to sb/sth:\nI’m sure she’ll be an asset to the team. * In his job, patience is an invaluable asset. * Being able to speak a foreign language is a major asset. * I’m not sure if his forcefulness is an asset or a liability.\n  2  [usually pl.] a thing of value, especially property, that a person or company owns, which can be used or sold to pay debts:\nthe net asset value of the company * Her assets include shares in the company and a house in France. * asset sales / management * income from fixed asset investments * financial / capital assets * to freeze a country’s assets\ncompare LIABILITY


Words: asset-stripping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (business) (usually disapproving) the practice of buying a company which is in financial difficulties at a low price and then selling everything that it owns in order to make a profit


Words: assiduous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) working very hard and taking great care that everything is done as well as it can be\nSYN DILIGENT:\none of the most assiduous members of the team * their assiduous efforts and attention to detail * She was assiduous in her duties.\n    assiduity  noun [U] (rare)\n    assiduously adverb:\nHe worked assiduously to earn the money for his son’s education.


Words: assign
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ (sb) sth to give sb sth that they can use, or some work or responsibility:\n[VN] The two large classrooms have been assigned to us. * The teacher assigned a different task to each of the children. * [VNN] We have been assigned the two large classrooms. * The teacher assigned each of the children a different task.\n  2  ~ sb (to sth / as sth) to provide a person for a particular task or position:\n[VN] They’ve assigned their best man to the job. * [VN to inf] British forces have been assigned to help with peacekeeping.\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb to sb/sth to send a person to work under the authority of sb or in a particular group:\nI was assigned to B platoon.\n  4  ~ sth to sth to say that sth has a particular value or function, or happens at a particular time or place:\n[VN] Assign a different colour to each different type of information. * [VNN] The painting cannot be assigned an exact date.\n  5  [VN] ~ sth to sb (law) to say that your property or rights now belong to sb else:\nThe agreement assigns copyright to the publisher. * She has assigned the lease to her daughter.


Words: assignation
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or humorous) a meeting, especially a secret one, often with a lover:\nrumours about his secret assignations with his friend’s wife


Words: assignment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a task or piece of work that sb is given to do, usually as part of their job or studies:\nYou will need to complete three written assignments per semester. * She is in Greece on an assignment for one of the Sunday newspapers. * one of our reporters on assignment in China * I had set myself a tough assignment. * a business / special assignment\n  2  [U] the act of giving sth to sb; the act of giving sb a particular task:\nhis assignment to other duties in the same company


Words: assimilate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to fully understand an idea or some information so that you are able to use it yourself:\nThe committee will need time to assimilate this report. * Some people can only assimilate change gradually.\n  2  ~ (sb) (into / to sth) to become, or allow sb to become, a part of a country or community rather than remaining in a separate group:\n[V] New arrivals find it hard to assimilate, and may not wish to. * [VN] Immigrants have been successfully assimilated into the community.\n  3  [VN] [often passive] ~ sth into / to sth to make an idea, a person’s attitude, etc. fit into sth or be acceptable:\nThese changes were gradually assimilated into everyday life.\n    assimilation  noun [U]:\nthe rapid assimilation of new ideas * his assimilation into the political community


Words: assist
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb) (in / with sth) | ~ (sb) (in doing sth) (especially written) to help sb to do sth:\n[VN] We’ll do all we can to assist you. * We will assist you in finding somewhere to live. * The play was directed by Mike Johnson, assisted by Sharon Gale. * Two men are assisting the police with their enquiries (= are being questioned by the police). * [VN to inf] a course to assist adults to return to the labour market * [V] Anyone willing to assist can contact this number. * We are looking for people who would be willing to assist in the group’s work.\n  2  [VN] to help sth to happen more easily:\nactivities that will assist the decision-making process -> HELP


Words: assistance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (with sth) | ~ (in doing sth / to do sth) (formal) help or support:\ntechnical / economic / military assistance * financial assistance for people on low incomes * Can I be of any assistance? * Despite his cries, no one came to his assistance. * She offered me practical assistance with my research. * The company provides advice and assistance in finding work. * He can walk only with the assistance of crutches.


Words: assistant
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a person who helps or supports sb, usually in their job:\nMy assistant will now demonstrate the machine in action. * a senior research assistant * She works as a care assistant in an old people’s home. * administrative / clerical / production assistants\nsee also PERSONAL ASSISTANT, TEACHING ASSISTANT\n  2  (BrE) = SHOP ASSISTANT:\na sales assistant in a department store * Maybe one of our assistants can help you make your choice?\n  3  (BrE) a student at university or college who spends time in a foreign country teaching their language in a school\n    adjective [only before noun] (abbreviation Asst) (often in titles) having a rank below a senior person and helping them in their work:\nthe assistant manager * Assistant Chief Constable Owen * Assistant Attorney General William Weld


Words: assistant professor
Meaning:
noun\n(in the US and Canada) a teacher at a college or university who has a rank just below the rank of an ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR


Words: assizes
Meaning:
noun\na court of law in the past which travelled to each county of England and Wales:\nHe was tried and sentenced at the assizes.\n    assize adjective [only before noun]:\nthe assize court


Words: associate
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb \n  1  [VN] ~ sb/sth (with sb/sth) to make a connection between people or things in your mind:\nI always associate the smell of baking with my childhood. * He is closely associated in the public mind with horror movies. * Most people immediately associate addictions with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. * You wouldn’t normally associate these two writers-their styles are completely different.\n  2  [V] ~ with sb to spend time with sb, especially a person or people that sb else does not approve of:\nI don’t like you associating with those people.\n  3  [VN] ~ yourself with sth (formal) to show that you support or agree with sth:\nMay I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks? (= I agree with them) * I have never associated myself with political extremism.\nOPP DISSOCIATE\n    adjective  [only before noun]\n  1  (often in titles) of a lower rank, having fewer rights in a particular profession or organization:\nassociate membership of the European Union * an associate member / director / editor * She was only the associate producer of the movie.\n  2  joined to or connected with a profession or an organization:\ntheir dealings with an associate company in Japan\n    noun \n  1  a person that you work with, do business with or spend a lot of time with:\nbusiness associates * a close political associate of * The company is called Landor Associates. * He was known to be one of the convicted man’s associates.\n  2  (also Associate) an associate member\n  3  (Associate) (AmE) a person who has an Associate’s degree (= one that is given after completing two years of study at a junior college)


Words: associate professor
Meaning:
noun\n(in the US and Canada) a teacher at a college or university who has a rank just below the rank of a PROFESSOR


Words: associated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  if one thing is associated with another, the two things are connected because they happen together or one thing causes the other:\nthe risks associated with taking drugs * Salaries and associated costs have risen substantially.\n  2  if a person is associated with an organization, etc. they support it:\nHe no longer wished to be associated with the party’s policy on education.\n  3  (Associated) used in the name of a business company that is made up of a number of smaller companies:\nAssociated Newspapers


Words: association
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbreviation Assoc.) an official group of people who have joined together for a particular purpose\nSYN ORGANIZATION:\nDo you belong to any professional or trade associations? * the Football Association * a residents’ association\nsee also HOUSING ASSOCIATION\n  2  [C, U] ~ (with sb/sth) a connection or relationship between people or organizations:\nhis alleged association with terrorist groups * They have maintained a close association with a college in the US. * The book was published in association with (= together with) British Heritage. * She became famous through her association with the group of poets.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] an idea or a memory that is suggested by sb/sth; a mental connection between ideas:\nThe seaside had all sorts of pleasant associations with childhood holidays for me. * The cat soon made the association between human beings and food. * Incense always had associations with religion for him.\n  4  [C] a connection between things where one is caused by the other:\na proven association between passive smoking and cancer


Words: assonance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the effect created when two syllables in words that are close together have the same vowel sound, but different consonants, or the same consonants but different vowels, for example, sonnet and porridge or cold and killed


Words: assorted
Meaning:
adjective\nof various different sorts:\nThe meat is served with salad or assorted vegetables. * The jumper comes in assorted colours. * The children arrived back from the game with their assorted friends. * a box of assorted chocolates


Words: assortment
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a collection of different things or of different types of the same thing\nSYN MIXTURE:\na wide assortment of gifts to choose from * He was dressed in an odd assortment of clothes. * an assortment of plates of varying sizes


Words: assuage
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make an unpleasant feeling less severe:\nHis reply did little to assuage my suspicions. * to assuage your guilt / fears


Words: assume
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to think or accept that sth is true but without having proof of it:\n[V (that)] It is reasonable to assume (that) the economy will continue to improve. * Let us assume for a moment that the plan succeeds. * I hope to go to college next year, always assuming (that) I pass my exams. * She would, he assumed, be home at the usual time. * [VN that] It is generally assumed that stress is caused by too much work. * [VN] Don’t always assume the worst (= that sth bad has happened). * In this example we have assumed a unit price of $10. * [VN to inf] I had assumed him to be a Belgian.\n  2  [VN] (formal) to take or begin to have power or responsibility:\nThe court assumed responsibility for the girl’s welfare. * Rebel forces have assumed control of the capital.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to begin to have a particular quality or appearance\nSYN TAKE ON:\nThis matter has assumed considerable importance. * In the story the god assumes the form of an eagle.\n  4  [VN] (formal) to pretend to have a particular feeling or quality\nSYN PUT ON:\nHe assumed an air of concern.


Words: assumed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] that you suppose to be true or to exist:\nthe assumed differences between the two states


Words: assumed name
Meaning:
noun\na name that sb uses that is not their real name\nSYN PSEUDONYM:\nHe was living under an assumed name.


Words: assumption
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a belief or feeling that sth is true or that sth will happen, although there is no proof:\nan underlying / implicit assumption * We need to challenge some of the basic assumptions of western philosophy. * We are working on the assumption that everyone invited will turn up. * It was impossible to make assumptions about people’s reactions. * His actions were based on a false assumption. * She arrived at college with a whole set of assumptions inherited from her family.\n  2  [C, U] ~ of sth (formal) the act of taking or beginning to have power or responsibility:\ntheir assumption of power / control * the assumption of responsibility by the government for the disaster


Words: assurance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a statement that sth will certainly be true or will certainly happen, particularly when there has been doubt about it\nSYN PROMISE:\nOpposition parties are calling for further assurances that the government is committed to its education policy. * Unemployment seems to be rising, despite repeated assurances to the contrary.\n  2  (also self-assurance) [U] belief in your own abilities or strengths\nSYN CONFIDENCE:\nThere was an air of easy assurance and calm about him. * It was good to see some of her old assurance coming back.\n  3  [U] (BrE) a type of insurance in which money is paid out when sb dies or after an agreed period of time:\na life assurance company\nsee also QUALITY ASSURANCE


Words: assure
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb (of sth) to tell sb that sth is definitely true or is definitely going to happen, especially when they have doubts about it:\n[VN (that)] I know you think I did it deliberately, but I assure you (that) I did not. * We were assured that everything possible was being done. * [VN] She’s perfectly safe, I can assure you. * We assured him of our loyal support. * I won’t let you down, I can assure you of that. * [VN speech] ’He’ll come back,’ Susan assured her.\n  2  ~ yourself (of sth) to make yourself certain about sth:\n[VN] He assured himself of her safety. * [VN that] She assured herself that the letter was still in the drawer.\n  3  to make sth certain to happen\nSYN GUARANTEE:\n[VN] Victory would assure a place in the finals. * [VNN] Victory would assure them a place in the finals. * This achievement has assured her a place in the history books.\n  4  [VN] (BrE) to INSURE sth, especially against sb’s death:\nWhat is the sum assured?\n IDIOMS  see REST v.


Words: assured
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (also self-assured) confident in yourself and your abilities:\nHe spoke in a calm, assured voice.\n  2  certain to happen\nSYN GUARANTEED:\nSuccess seemed assured.\n  3  ~ of sth (of a person) certain to get sth:\nYou are assured of a warm welcome at this hotel.


Words: aster
Meaning:
noun\na garden plant that has pink, purple, blue or white flowers with many long narrow PETALS around a dark centre


Words: asterisk
Meaning:
noun\nthe symbol ( * ) placed next to a particular word or phrase to make people notice it or to show that more information is given in another place:\nI’ve placed an asterisk next to the tasks I want you to do first. * If you have an asterisk key on your telephone, please press it now.\n    asterisk verb:\n[VN] I’ve asterisked the tasks I want you to do first.


Words: astern
Meaning:
adverb (technical)\n  1  in, at or towards the back part of a ship or boat:\nwith the wind and waves astern\n  2  if a ship or boat is moving astern, it is moving backwards


Words: asthmatic
Meaning:
noun\na person who suffers from asthma\n    asthmatic adjective:\nasthmatic patients * an asthmatic attack


Words: astonish
Meaning:
verb\nto surprise sb very much:\n[VN] You astonish me! * The news astonished everyone. * She astonished us by saying she was leaving. * [VN (that)] It astonishes me (that) he could be so thoughtless.


Words: astonished
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to find / hear / learn / see sth) | ~ (at / by sth/sb) | ~ (that ...) very surprised:\nHe was astonished to learn he’d won the competition. * My parents looked astonished at my news. * She seemed astonished (that) I had never been to Paris. * The helicopter landed before our astonished eyes.


Words: astonishing
Meaning:
adjective\nvery surprising; difficult to believe:\nShe ran 100m in an astonishing 10.9 seconds. * I find it absolutely astonishing that you didn’t like it.\n    astonishingly adverb:\nJack took the news astonishingly well. * Astonishingly, a crowd of several thousands turned out to hear him.


Words: astonishment
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a feeling of very great surprise:\nTo my utter astonishment, she remembered my name. * He stared in astonishment at the stranger.


Words: astound
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to surprise or shock sb very much:\nHis arrogance astounded her. * She was astounded by his arrogance.


Words: astounded
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to find, learn, see, etc. sth) | ~ (at / by sth) | ~ (that ...) very surprised or shocked by sth, because it seems very unlikely:\nan astounded expression * How can you say that? I’m absolutely astounded. * I was astounded to see her appear from the house. * She looked astounded at the news. * The doctors were astounded (that) he survived.


Words: astounding
Meaning:
adjective\nso surprising that it is difficult to believe:\nThere was an astounding 20% increase in sales.\n    astoundingly adverb


Words: astrakhan
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a black tightly-curled fabric made from the wool of a particular type of young sheep, used especially for making coats and hats; an artificial fabric that looks like this


Words: astray
Meaning:
adverb\n IDIOMS \n  go astray\n1 to become lost; to be stolen:\nSeveral letters went astray or were not delivered. * We locked up our valuables so they would not go astray.\n2 to go in the wrong direction or to have the wrong result:\nFortunately the gunman’s shots went astray. * Jack’s parents thought the other boys might lead him astray (= make him do things that are wrong). * The argument is so complex, a reader might easily go astray.


Words: astride
Meaning:
preposition, adverb \n    preposition with one leg on each side of sth:\nto sit astride a horse / bike / chair * (figurative) a town astride the river\n    adverb\n  1  with legs or feet wide apart\n  2  with one leg on each side


Words: astringent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (technical) (of a liquid or cream) able to make the skin feel less OILY or to stop a cut from bleeding:\nan astringent lotion * to have an astringent effect\n  2  (formal) critical in a harsh or clever way:\nastringent writers / comments\n  3  (formal) (of a taste or smell) slightly bitter but fresh:\nthe astringent taste of lemon juice\n    astringency  noun [U] \n    noun a liquid or cream used in COSMETICS or medicine to make the skin less OILY or to stop a cut from bleeding


Words: astro-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the stars or outer space:\nastronaut * astrophysics


Words: astrologer
Meaning:
noun\na person who uses astrology to tell people about their character, about what might happen to them in the future, etc.


Words: astrology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study of the positions of the stars and the movements of the planets in the belief that they influence human affairs\n    astrological  adjective:\nastrological influences


Words: astronomical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with ASTRONOMY:\nastronomical observations\n  2  (also astronomic) (informal) (of an amount, a price, etc.) very large:\nthe astronomical costs of land for building * The figures are astronomical.\n    astronomically  adverb:\nInterest rates are astronomically high.


Words: astrophysics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study of the physical and chemical structure of the stars, planets, etc.\n    astrophysicist  noun


Words: AstroTurf
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an artificial surface that looks like grass, for playing sports on:\nThe outdoor game is now played on AstroTurf.


Words: astute
Meaning:
adjective\nvery clever and quick at seeing what to do in a particular situation, especially how to get an advantage\nSYN SHREWD:\nan astute businessman / politician / observer * It was an astute move to sell the shares just then. * She was astute enough to realize that what Jack wanted was her money.\n    astutely adverb\n    astuteness noun [U]


Words: asunder
Meaning:
adverb\n(old-fashioned or literary) into pieces; apart:\nfamilies rent / torn asunder by the revolution


Words: asylum
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also formal political asylum) [U] protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons:\nto seek / apply for / be granted asylum * the rights of asylum seekers (= people asking for political asylum) * There was a nationwide debate on whether the asylum laws should be changed.\n  2  [C] (old use) a hospital where people who were mentally ill could be cared for, often for a long time


Words: asymmetric
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having two sides or parts that are not the same in size or shape:\nMost people’s faces are asymmetric.\nOPP SYMMETRICAL\n  2  (technical) not equal, for example in the way each side or part behaves:\nLinguists are studying the asymmetric use of Creole by parents and children (= parents use one language and children reply in another). * Pilots need training in asymmetric flying (= when only one of two engines is working).\n    asymmetrically  adverb\n    asymmetry  noun [C, U]


Words: at
Meaning:
preposition\n  1  used to say where sth/sb is or where sth happens:\nat the corner of the street * We changed at Crewe. * They arrived late at the airport. * At the roundabout take the third exit. * I’ll be at home all morning. * She’s at Tom’s (= at Tom’s house). * I met her at the hospital. * How many people were there at the concert?\n  2  used to say where sb works or studies:\nHe’s been at the bank longer than anyone else. * She’s at Yale (= Yale University).\n  3  used to say when sth happens:\nWe left at 2 o’clock. * at the end of the week * We woke at dawn. * I didn’t know at the time of writing (= when I wrote). * At night you can see the stars. * (BrE) What are you doing at the weekend?\n  4  used to state the age at which sb does sth:\nShe got married at 25. * He left school at the age of 16.\n  5  in the direction of or towards sb/sth:\nWhat are you looking at? * He pointed a gun at her. * Somebody threw paint at the prime minister.\n  6  used after a verb to show that sb tries to do sth, or partly does sth, but does not succeed or complete it:\nHe clutched wildly at the rope as he fell. * She nibbled at a sandwich (= ate only small bits of it).\n  7  used to state the distance away from sth:\nI held it at arm’s length. * Can you read a car number plate at fifty metres?\n  8  used to show the situation sb/sth is in, what sb is doing or what is happening:\nThe country is now at war. * I felt at a disadvantage. * I think Mr Harris is at lunch.\n  9  used to show a rate, speed, etc:\nHe was driving at 70 mph. * The noise came at two-minute intervals (= once every two minutes).\n  10  ~ sb’s / sth’s best / worst, etc. used to say that sb/sth is as good, bad, etc. as they can be:\nThis was Henman at his best. * The garden’s at its most beautiful in June.\n  11  used with adjectives to show how well sb does sth:\nI’m good at French. * She’s hopeless at managing people.\n  12  used with adjectives to show the cause of sth:\nThey were impatient at the delay. * She was delighted at the result.\n  13  (formal) in response to sth:\nThey attended the dinner at the chairman’s invitation.\n IDIOMS \n  at that used when you are giving an extra piece of information:\nHe managed to buy a car after all-and a nice one at that.\n  where it’s at (informal) a place or an activity that is very popular or fashionable:\nJudging by the crowds waiting to get in, this seems to be where it’s at.


Words: atavistic
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) related to the attitudes and behaviour of the first humans:\nan atavistic urge / instinct / fear


Words: athlete
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who competes in sports:\nOlympic athletes\n  2  (BrE) a person who competes in sports such as running and jumping\n  3  a person who is good at sports and physical exercise:\nShe is a natural athlete.


Words: athletic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  physically strong, fit and active:\nan athletic figure / build * a tall, slim athletic girl\n  2  [only before noun] (BrE) connected with sports such as running, jumping and throwing (= athletics):\nan athletic club / coach\n    athletically  adverb\n    athleticism  noun [U]:\nShe moved with great athleticism about the court.


Words: athletics
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (BrE) (AmE track and field) sports that people compete in, such as running and jumping\n  2  (AmE) any sports that people compete in:\nstudents involved in all forms of college athletics


Words: atmosphere
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the atmosphere) [sing.] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth:\nthe upper atmosphere * pollution of the atmosphere\n  2  [C] a mixture of gases that surrounds another planet or a star:\nSaturn’s atmosphere\n  3  [C] the air in a room or in an enclosed space; the air around a place:\na smoky / stuffy atmosphere * These plants love warm, humid atmospheres.\n  4  [C, U] the feeling or mood that you have in a particular place or situation; a feeling between two people or in a group of people:\na party atmosphere * The hotel offers a friendly atmosphere and personal service. * Use music and lighting to create a romantic atmosphere. * There was an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between them. * The children grew up in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity. * The old house is full of atmosphere (= it’s very interesting).\n IDIOMS  see HEAVY adj.


Words: atmospheric
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] related to the earth’s atmosphere:\natmospheric pollution / conditions * atmospheric pressure\n  2  creating an exciting or emotional mood:\natmospheric music * a stunningly atmospheric performance * The new restaurant is highly atmospheric.


Words: atmospherics
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  qualities in sth that create a particular atmosphere\n  2  noises that sometimes interrupt a radio broadcast


Words: atoll
Meaning:
noun\nan island made of CORAL and shaped like a ring with a lake of sea water (called a LAGOON) in the middle


Words: atom
Meaning:
noun\nthe smallest part of a chemical ELEMENT that can take part in a chemical reaction:\nthe splitting of the atom * Two atoms of hydrogen combine with one atom of oxygen to form a molecule of water.


Words: atomic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  connected with atoms or an atom:\natomic structure\n  2  related to the energy that is produced when atoms are split; related to weapons that use this energy:\natomic energy / power * the atomic bomb * the post-war atomic programme


Words: atomic number
Meaning:
noun\n(chemistry) the number of PROTONS in the NUCLEUS (= centre) of an atom, which is characteristic of a chemical element. Elements are placed in the PERIODIC TABLE according to their atomic numbers.


Words: atomic theory
Meaning:
noun\n(physics) the theory that atoms are made up of a central NUCLEUS surrounded by moving ELECTRONS


Words: atonal
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a piece of music) not written in any particular KEY\nOPP TONAL\n    atonality  noun [U]


Words: atone
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (for sth) (formal) to act in a way that shows you are sorry for doing sth wrong in the past:\nto atone for a crime * a desire to atone\n    atonement noun [U]:\nto make atonement for his sins * Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement


Words: atop
Meaning:
preposition\n(especially AmE) (old-fashioned or literary in BrE) on top of; at the top of:\na flag high atop a pole * a scoop of ice cream atop a slice of apple pie * The children piled atop one another in the sand. * Fruit and vegetable prices rose 1.3 per cent atop a 2 per cent gain last month. * Coca-Cola is atop the list of best-selling soft drinks in the US.


Words: atrium
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large high open space in the centre of a modern building:\nThe reception was held in the atrium.\n  2  an open space in the centre of an Ancient Roman VILLA (= a large house)\n  3  (anatomy) either of the two upper spaces in the heart used to pump blood\nSYN AURICLE


Words: atrocious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very bad or unpleasant\nSYN TERRIBLE:\nShe speaks French with an atrocious accent. * Isn’t the weather atrocious?\n  2  very cruel and shocking:\natrocious acts of brutality\n    atrociously adverb


Words: atrocity
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually pl., U] (plural atrocities) a terrible, cruel and violent act, especially in a war


Words: atrophy
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (medical) the condition of losing flesh, muscle, strength, etc. in a part of the body because it does not have enough blood: (figurative, formal) The cultural life of the country will sink into atrophy unless more writers and artists emerge.\n    verb (atrophies, atrophying, atrophied, atrophied) [V] if a part of the body atrophies, it becomes weak because it is not used or because it does not have enough blood: (figurative) Memory can atrophy through lack of use.\n    atrophied adjective:\natrophied muscles * atrophied religious values


Words: attach
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (to sth) to fasten or join one thing to another:\nAttach the coupon to the front of your letter. * (written) I attach a copy of my notes for your information. * (figurative) They have attached a number of conditions to the agreement (= said that the conditions must be part of the agreement).\ncompare DETACH\n  2  [VN] ~ importance, significance, value, weight, etc. (to sth) to believe that sth is important or worth thinking about:\nI attach great importance to this research. * I wouldn’t attach too much weight to these findings.\n  3  [VN] ~ yourself to sb to join sb for a time, sometimes when you are not welcome or have not been invited:\nHe attached himself to me at the party and I couldn’t get rid of him.\n  4  ~ to sb/sth (formal) to be connected with sb/sth; to connect sth to sth:\n[V] No one is suggesting that any health risks attach to this product. * No blame attaches to you. * [VN] This does not attach any blame to you.\n IDIOMS  see STRING n.


Words: attache
Meaning:
noun\na person who works at an EMBASSY, usually with a special responsibility for a particular area of activity:\na cultural / military attache


Words: attached
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) full of affection for sb/sth:\nI’ve never seen two people so attached to each other. * We’ve grown very attached to this house and would hate to move.\ncompare UNATTACHED\n  2  [not before noun] ~ to sth working for or forming part of an organization:\nThe research unit is attached to the university.\n  3  ~ (to sth) joined to sth:\nPlease complete the attached application form.


Words: attachment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a strong feeling of affection for sb/sth:\na child’s deep attachment to its parents\n  2  [C, U] belief in and continued support for an idea or a set of values:\nthe popular attachment to democratic government\n  3  [C] an object or a device that you can fix onto a machine, to make it do another job:\nan electric drill with a range of different attachments\n  4  [U, C] the act of joining one thing to another; a thing that joins two things together:\nAll cars built since 1981 have points for the attachment of safety restraints. * They discussed the attachment of new conditions to the peace plans. * They had to check the strength of the seat attachments to the floor of the plane.\n  5  [U, C] (BrE) a short time spent working with an organization such as a hospital, school or part of the armed forces:\nShe’s on attachment to the local hospital. * a 4-month training attachment\n  6  [C] (computing) a document that you send to sb using e-mail\n  7  [C, U] (law) the act of legally taking sb’s property or money when they have not paid money that they owe


Words: attack
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  violence\n  1  [C, U] ~ (on sb) an act of using violence to try to hurt or kill sb:\na series of racist attacks * A child is recovering in hospital after a serious attack by a stray dog.\n  in war\n  2  [C, U] ~ (on sb/sth) an act of trying to kill or injure the enemy in war, using weapons such as guns and bombs:\nto launch / make / mount an attack * The patrol came under attack from all sides.\nsee also COUNTER-ATTACK\n  criticism\n  3  [C, U] ~ (on sb/sth) strong criticism of sb/sth in speech or in writing:\na scathing attack on the government’s policies * The school has come under attack for failing to encourage bright pupils.\n  action to stop sth\n  4  [C] ~ (on sth) an action that you take to try to stop or change sth that you feel is bad:\nto launch an all-out attack on poverty / unemployment / smoking\n  of illness\n  5  [C] a sudden, short period of illness, usually severe, especially an illness that you have often:\nto suffer an asthma / migraine attack * an acute attack of food poisoning * a panic attack * (figurative) an attack of the giggles\nsee also HEART ATTACK\n  of emotion\n  6  [C] a sudden period of feeling an emotion such as fear:\nan attack of nerves\n  damage\n  7  [U, C] the action of sth such as an insect, or a disease, that causes damage to sth/sb:\nThe roof timbers were affected by rot and insect attack.\n  in sport\n  8  [sing.] (BrE) (AmE offense) the players in a team whose job is to try to score goals or points:\nGermany’s attack has been weakened by the loss of some key players through injury.\ncompare DEFENCE\n  9  [C, U] the actions that players take to try to score a goal or win the game:\na sustained attack on the Arsenal goal\n    verb\n  use violence\n  1  to use violence to try to hurt or kill sb: [VN] [often passive] A woman was attacked and robbed by a gang of youths. * The man attacked him with a knife. * [V] Most dogs will not attack unless provoked.\n  in war\n  2  to use weapons, such as guns and bombs against an enemy in a war, etc:\n[VN] At dawn the army attacked the town. * [V] The guerrillas usually attack at night.\n  criticize\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) to criticize sb/sth severely:\na newspaper article attacking the England football manager * She has been attacked for ignoring her own party members.\n  damage\n  4  [VN] to have a harmful effect on sth:\na disease that attacks the brain * The vines had been attacked by mildew.\n  do sth with energy\n  5  [VN] to deal with sth with a lot of energy and determination:\nLet’s attack one problem at a time.\n  in sport\n  6  [V] to go forward in a game in order to try to score goals or points:\nSpain attacked more in the second half and deserved a goal.


Words: attain
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to succeed in getting sth, usually after a lot of effort:\nMost of our students attained five ’A’ grades in their exams.\n  2  (formal) to reach a particular age, level or condition:\nThe cheetah can attain speeds of up to 97 kph.


Words: attainable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you can achieve:\nattainable goals / objectives / targets * This standard is easily attainable by most students.\nOPP UNATTAINABLE


Words: attainment
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C, usually pl.] (BrE) something that you learned or achieved:\na young woman of impressive educational attainments\n  2  [U] success in achieving sth:\nThe attainment of his ambitions was still a dream. * attainment targets (= for example in education) * Bonus payments encourage the attainment of higher production targets.


Words: attempt
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (at sth / at doing sth) an act of trying to do sth, especially sth difficult, often with no success:\nTwo factories were closed in an attempt to cut costs. * They made no attempt to escape. * I passed my driving test at the first attempt. * The couple made several unsuccessful attempts at a compromise.\n  2  [C] ~ (on sb/sb’s life) an act of trying to kill sb:\nSomeone has made an attempt on the President’s life. * an assassination / murder attempt\n  3  [C] ~ (on sth) an effort to do better than sth, such as a very good performance in sport:\nthe latest attempt on the world land speed record * a world-record attempt\n    verb to make an effort or try to do sth, especially sth difficult: [V to inf] I will attempt to answer all your questions. * Do not attempt to repair this yourself. * [VN] The prisoners attempted an escape, but failed.


Words: attempted
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a crime, etc.) that sb has tried to do but without success:\nattempted rape / murder / robbery * We were shocked by his attempted suicide.


Words: attend
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to be present at an event:\n[VN] The meeting was attended by 90% of shareholders. * to attend a wedding / funeral * [V] We’d like as many people as possible to attend. -> HELP\n  2  [VN] to go regularly to a place:\nOur children attend the same school. * How many people attend church every Sunday?\n  3  [V] ~ (to sb/sth) (formal) to pay attention to what sb is saying or to what you are doing:\nShe hadn’t been attending during the lesson.\n  4  [VN] (formal) to happen at the same time as sth:\nShe dislikes the loss of privacy that attends TV celebrity.\n  5  [VN] (formal) to be with sb and help them:\nThe President was attended by several members of his staff.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  attend to sb/sth to deal with sb/sth; to take care of sb/sth:\nI have some urgent business to attend to. * A nurse attended to his needs constantly. * (BrE, formal) Are you being attended to, Sir? (= for example, in a shop).


Words: attendance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of being present at a place, for example at school:\nAttendance at these lectures is not compulsory. * Teachers must keep a record of students’ attendances.\n  2  [C, U] the number of people present at an organized event:\nhigh / low / falling / poor attendances * There was an attendance of 42 at the meeting. * Cinema attendances have risen again recently.\n IDIOMS \n  be in attendance (formal) to be present at a special event:\nSeveral heads of state were in attendance at the funeral.\n  be in attendance (on sb) (formal) to be with or near sb in order to help them if necessary:\nHe always has at least two bodyguards in attendance.\n  take attendance (AmE) to check who is present and who is not present at a place and to mark this information on a list of names\nmore at DANCE v.


Words: attendance allowance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the money that a very sick or DISABLED older person receives from the government in Britain if they need sb to care for them at home nearly all the time


Words: attendant
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a person whose job is to serve or help people in a public place:\na cloakroom / parking / museum attendant\nsee also FLIGHT ATTENDANT\n \n  2  a person who takes care of and lives or travels with an important person or a sick or DISABLED person\n    adjective [usually before noun] ~ (upon sth) (formal) closely connected with sth that has just been mentioned:\nattendant problems / risks / circumstances * We had all the usual problems attendant upon starting a new business. * She wanted to avoid the awards ceremony and all its attendant publicity.


Words: attender
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually attendee) noun a person who goes to a place or an event, often on a regular basis:\nShe’s a regular attender at evening classes.


Words: attention
Meaning:
noun, exclamation \n    noun\n  listening / looking carefully\n  1  [U] the act of listening to, looking at or thinking about sth/sb carefully:\nthe report’s attention to detail * He turned his attention back to the road again. * Small children have a very short attention span. * Please pay attention (= listen carefully) to what I am saying. * Don’t pay any attention to what they say (= don’t think that it is important). * She tried to attract the waiter’s attention. * I tried not to draw attention to (= make people notice) the weak points in my argument. * An article in the newspaper caught my attention. * I couldn’t give the programme my undivided attention. * (formal) It has come to my attention (= I have been informed) that ... * (formal) He called (their) attention to the fact that many files were missing. * (formal, spoken) Can I have your attention please?\n  interest\n  2  [U] interest that people show in sb/sth:\nFilms with big stars always attract great attention. * As the youngest child, she was always the centre of attention.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] things that sb does to try to please you or to show their interest in you:\nShe tried to escape the unwanted attentions of her former boyfriend.\n  treatment\n  4  [U] special care, action or treatment:\nShe was in need of medical attention. * The roof needs attention (= needs to be repaired). * for the attention of ... (= written on the envelope of an official letter to say who should deal with it)\n  soldiers\n  5  [U] the position soldiers take when they stand very straight with their feet together and their arms at their sides:\nto stand at / to attention\ncompare (stand) at ease at EASE n.\n    exclamation\n  1  used for asking people to listen to sth that is being announced:\nAttention, please! Passengers for flight KL412 are requested to go to gate 21 immediately.\n  2  used for ordering soldiers to stand to attention


Words: attentive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  listening or watching carefully and with interest:\nan attentive audience\n  2  ~ (to sb/sth) helpful; making sure that people have what they need:\nThe hotel staff are friendly and attentive. * Ministers should be more attentive to the needs of families.\n    attentively adverb:\nThe children listened attentively to the story.\n    attentiveness noun [U]


Words: attenuate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make sth weaker or less effective:\nan attenuated strain of the virus\n    attenuation  noun [U]


Words: attest
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  ~ (to sth) to show or prove that sth is true:\n[V] Contemporary accounts attest to his courage and determination. * She is, as countless stories about her attest, deeply religious. [also V that, VN]\n  2  to state that you believe that sth is true or genuine, for example in a court of law:\n[VN] to attest a will * The signature was attested by two witnesses. [also V that]


Words: attic
Meaning:
noun\na room or space just below the roof of a house, often used for storing things:\nfurniture stored in the attic * an attic bedroom\ncompare GARRET, LOFT


Words: attired
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (formal or literary) dressed in a particular way:\nShe was fashionably attired in a black evening gown.


Words: attitude
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (to / towards sb/sth) the way that you think and feel about sb/sth; the way that you behave towards sb/sth that shows how you think and feel:\nchanges in public attitudes to marriage * the government’s attitude towards single parents * to have a good / bad / positive / negative attitude towards sb/sth * Youth is simply an attitude of mind. * If you want to pass your exams you’d better change your attitude! * You’re taking a pretty selfish attitude over this, aren’t you?\n  2  [U] confident, sometimes aggressive behaviour that shows you do not care about other people’s opinions and that you want to do things in an individual way:\na band with attitude * You’d better get rid of that attitude and shape up, young man. * A lot of drivers have a serious attitude problem (= they do not behave in a way that is acceptable to other people).\n  3  [C] (formal) a position of the body:\nHer hands were folded in an attitude of prayer.\n IDIOMS  see STRIKE v.


Words: attn
Meaning:
(also attn. especially in AmE) abbreviation\n(business) (in writing) for the attention of:\nSales Dept, attn C Biggs


Words: attorney
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially AmE) a lawyer, especially one who can act for sb in a court of law\nsee also DISTRICT ATTORNEY -> LAWYER\n  2  a person who is given the power to act on behalf of another in business or legal matters:\nShe was made her father’s attorney when he became ill.\nsee also POWER OF ATTORNEY


Words: Attorney-General
Meaning:
noun (plural Attorneys General or Attorney Generals)\n  1  the most senior legal officer in some countries or states, who advises the government or head of state on legal matters\n  2  (the Attorney-General) the head of the US Department of Justice and a member of the President’s CABINET (= a group of senior politicians who advise the President)


Words: attract
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sb (to sb/sth) if you are attracted by sth, it interests you and makes you want it; if you are attracted by sb, you like or admire them:\nI had always been attracted by the idea of working abroad. * What first attracted me to her was her sense of humour.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (to sth) to make sb/sth come somewhere or take part in sth:\nThe warm damp air attracts a lot of mosquitoes. * The exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors.\n  3  to make people have a particular reaction:\nThis proposal has attracted a lot of interest. * His comments were bound to attract criticism. * She tried to attract the attention of the waiter.\n  4  (physics) if a MAGNET or GRAVITY attracts sth, it makes it move towards it\nOPP REPEL\n IDIOMS  see OPPOSITE n.


Words: attraction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] a feeling of liking sb, especially sexually:\nShe felt an immediate attraction for him. * Sexual attraction is a large part of falling in love. * They felt a strong mutual attraction.\n  2  [C] an interesting or enjoyable place to go or thing to do:\nBuckingham Palace is a major tourist attraction. * The main attraction at Giverny is Monet’s garden. * Attractions at the fair include a mini-circus, clowns, dancers and a jazz band.\n  3  [C, U] a feature, quality or person that makes sth seem interesting and enjoyable, and worth having or doing:\nI can’t see the attraction of sitting on a beach all day. * City life holds little attraction for me. * She is the star attraction of the show. * And there’s the added attraction of free champagne on all flights.\n  4  [U] (physics) a force which pulls things towards each other:\ngravitational / magnetic attraction\ncompare REPULSION


Words: attractive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) pleasant to look at, especially in a sexual way:\nan attractive woman * I like John but I don’t find him attractive physically.\n  2  (of a thing or a place) pleasant to look at:\na big house with an attractive garden * Your new glasses are very attractive. * Antique furniture is used to make an attractive contrast with a modern setting.\n  3  having features or qualities that make sth seem interesting and worth having\nSYN APPEALING:\nan attractive offer / proposition * They are able to offer attractive career opportunities to graduates.\nOPP UNATTRACTIVE\n    attractively adverb:\nThe room is arranged very attractively. * attractively priced hotel rooms\n    attractiveness noun [U]:\nthe attractiveness of travelling abroad


Words: attributable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ to sb/sth (written) probably caused by the thing mentioned:\nTheir illnesses are attributable to a poor diet.


Words: attribute
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] \n  1  ~ sth to sth to say or believe that sth is the result of a particular thing:\nShe attributes her success to hard work and a little luck.\n  2  ~ sth (to sb) to say or believe that sb is responsible for doing sth, especially for saying, writing or painting sth:\nThe committee refused to attribute blame without further information. * This play is usually attributed to Shakespeare.\n    attribution  noun [U]:\nThe attribution of this painting to Rembrandt has never been questioned.\n    noun sth:\nPatience is one of the most important attributes in a teacher. * The most basic attribute of all animals is consciousness.


Words: attributive
Meaning:
adjective\n(grammar) (of adjectives or nouns) used before a noun to describe it:\nIn ’the blue sky’ and ’a family business’, ’blue’ and ’family’ are attributive.\ncompare PREDICATIVE\n    attributively adverb:\nSome adjectives can only be used attributively.


Words: attrition
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  a process of making sb/sth, especially your enemy, weaker by repeatedly attacking them or creating problems for them:\nIt was a war of attrition. * These were the economics not of efficiency but of attrition.\n  2  (especially AmE) = NATURAL WASTAGE


Words: attuned
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) familiar with sb/sth so that you can understand or recognize them or it and act in an appropriate way:\nShe wasn’t yet attuned to her baby’s needs.


Words: ATV
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) the abbreviation for ’all-terrain vehicle’ (a small open motor vehicle with one seat and four wheels with very thick tyres, designed especially for use on rough ground without roads)\nsee also FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE


Words: au fait
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (with sth) (from French) completely familiar with sth:\nIt’s my first week here so I’m not completely au fait with the system.


Words: au pair
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a young person, usually a woman, who lives with a family in a foreign country in order to learn the language. An au pair helps in the house and takes care of children and receives a small wage:\nShe worked in Paris for six months as an au pair. * There are very few male au pairs.


Words: aubergine
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE eggplant) noun\n[C, U] a large vegetable with shiny dark purple skin and soft white flesh


Words: auction
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] a public event at which things are sold to the person who offers the most money for them:\nan auction of paintings * The house is up for auction (= will be sold at an auction). * A classic Rolls Royce fetched (= was sold for) ｣25 000 at auction.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to sell sth at an auction:\nThe costumes from the movie are to be auctioned for charity.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  auction sth<->off to sell sth at an auction, especially sth that is no longer needed or wanted:\nThe Army is auctioning off a lot of surplus equipment.


Words: audacious
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) willing to take risks or to do sth shocking:\nan audacious decision\n    audaciously adverb


Words: audacity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] brave but rude or shocking behaviour:\nHe had the audacity to tell me I was too fat. * The sheer audacity of the plan amazed everyone.


Words: audible
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be heard clearly:\nHer voice was barely audible above the noise.\nOPP INAUDIBLE\n    audibility  noun [U]\n    audibly  adverb:\n’Yes?’ she said, yawning audibly.


Words: audience
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] the group of people who have gathered to watch or listen to sth (a play, concert, sb speaking, etc.):\nThe audience was / were clapping for 10 minutes. * an audience of 10 000 * The debate was televised in front of a live audience.\n \n  2  [C] a number of people or a particular group of people who watch, read or listen to the same thing:\nAn audience of millions watched the wedding on TV. * TV / cinema / movie audiences * His book reached an even wider audience when it was made into a movie. * The target audience for this advertisement was mainly teenagers.\n \n  3  [C] a formal meeting with an important person:\nan audience with the Pope


Words: audio
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with sound that is recorded:\naudio and video cassettes\n    audio noun [U]:\ndigital audio


Words: audio-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with hearing or sound:\nan audiobook (= a reading of a book on cassette) * audio-visual


Words: audio-visual
Meaning:
adjective\n(abbreviation AV) using both sound and pictures:\naudio-visual aids for the classroom * audio-visual materials / facilities


Words: audit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U]\n  1  an official examination of business and financial records to see that they are true and correct:\nan annual audit * a tax audit * preparing the accounts for audit\n  2  an official examination of the quality or standard of sth:\nan environmental audit\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to officially examine the financial accounts of a company:\nWe have just had our accounts audited.\n  2  (AmE) to attend a course at college or university but without taking any exams or receiving CREDIT:\nShe audited classes at the University of California.


Words: audition
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a short performance given by an actor, a singer, etc., so that sb can decide whether they are suitable to act in a play, sing in a concert, etc:\nAuditions will be held from 912 on Friday. * She had an audition for drama school.\n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (for sth) to take part in an audition:\nShe was auditioning for the role of Lady Macbeth. * Hundreds of people auditioned.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) to watch, listen to and judge sb at an audition:\nWe auditioned over 200 children for the part.


Words: auditor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who officially examines the business and financial records of a company:\nThe auditors’ report will be submitted to the directors at the end of the year.\n  2  (AmE) a person who attends a college course, but without having to take exams and without receiving CREDIT


Words: auditorium
Meaning:
1  the part of a theatre, concert hall, etc. in which the audience sits\n  2  (AmE) a large building or room in which public meetings, concerts, etc. are held


Words: augur
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ well / badly (formal) to be a sign that sth will be successful or not successful in the future:\nConflicts among the various groups do not augur well for the future of the peace talks.


Words: August
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (abbreviation Aug.) The 8th month of the year, between July and September: (BrE) August Bank Holiday (= a public holiday on the last Monday in August in Britain)\n HELP NOTE  To see how August is used, look at the examples at April.


Words: august
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) impressive, making you feel respect:\nan august group of statesmen


Words: auld lang syne
Meaning:
noun\nan old Scottish song expressing feelings of friendship, traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve


Words: aunt
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle:\nAunt Alice * My aunt lives in Canada.\n  2  (informal) used by children, with a first name, to address a woman who is a friend of their parents\nsee also AGONY AUNT


Words: aura
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) a feeling or particular quality that is very noticeable and seems to surround a person or place:\nShe always has an aura of confidence. * The mountains have a magical aura.


Words: aural
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) connected with hearing and listening:\naural and visual images * aural comprehension tests\n    aurally adverb


Words: auricle
Meaning:
noun (anatomy)\n  1  either of the two upper spaces in the heart used to pump blood\nSYN ATRIUM\ncompare VENTRICLE\n  2  the outer part of the ear


Words: auspices
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  under the auspices of sb/sth with the help, support or protection of sb/sth:\nThe community centre was set up under the auspices of a government initiative. * a peacekeeping force under United Nations auspices


Words: auspicious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing signs that sth is likely to be successful in the future\nSYN PROMISING:\nan auspicious start to the new school year * It was an auspicious date for a wedding. * Their first meeting was hardly auspicious.\nOPP INAUSPICIOUS


Words: austere
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  simple and plain; without any decorations:\nher austere bedroom with its simple narrow bed * Their clothes were always austere.\n  2  (of a person) strict and serious in appearance and behaviour:\nMy father was a distant, austere man.\n  3  allowing nothing that gives pleasure; not comfortable:\nthe monks’ austere way of life\n    austerely adverb


Words: austerity
Meaning:
noun (plural austerities)\n  1  [U] a situation when people do not have much money to spend because there are bad economic conditions:\nWar was followed by many years of austerity. * austerity measures and economic reforms\n  2  [U] the quality of being austere:\nthe austerity of the monks’ life\n  3  [C, usually pl.] something that is part of an austere way of life:\nthe austerities of wartime Europe


Words: authentic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  known to be real and genuine and not a copy:\nI don’t know if the painting is authentic.\n  2  true and accurate:\nan authentic account of life in the desert * the authentic voice of young black Americans\n  3  made to be exactly the same as the original:\nan authentic model of the ancient town * Take a trip on an authentic Spanish galleon to the famous Papagayo beach.\n    authentically  adverb:\nauthentically flavoured Mexican dishes * an authentically constructed Wild West town


Words: authenticate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ (sth as sth) to prove that sth is genuine, real or true:\nThe letter has been authenticated by handwriting experts. * Experts have authenticated the writing as that of Byron himself.\n    authentication  noun [U]


Words: authenticity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being genuine or true:\nThe authenticity of the letter is beyond doubt. * A sentry checked the ID card’s authenticity then activated the electronic turnstile.


Words: author
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a person who writes books or the person who wrote a particular book:\nWho is your favourite author? * He is the author of three books on art. * best-selling author Joan Collins * Who’s the author?\n  2  the person who creates or starts sth, especially a plan or an idea:\nAs the author of the proposal I cannot agree with you.\n    verb [VN] (formal) to be the author of a book, report, etc.


Words: authorial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) coming from or connected with the author of sth:\nthe authorial voice that speaks to the reader


Words: authoring
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (computing) creating computer programs without using programming language, for use in MULTIMEDIA products


Words: authoritarian
Meaning:
adjective\nbelieving that people should obey authority and rules, even when these are unfair, and even if it means that they lose their personal freedom:\nan authoritarian regime / government / state * The school was very authoritarian and exam-orientated. * Father was an authoritarian figure.\n    authoritarian noun:\nFather was a strict authoritarian.\n    authoritarianism noun [U]


Words: authoritative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  showing that you expect people to obey and respect you:\nan authoritative tone of voice\n  2  that you can trust and respect as true and correct:\nthe most authoritative and up-to-date book on the subject\n    authoritatively adverb


Words: authority
Meaning:
noun\n  power\n  1  [U] the power to give orders to people:\nin a position of authority * She now has authority over the people who used to be her bosses. * Nothing will be done because no one in authority (= who has a position of power) takes the matter seriously.\n  2  [U] ~ (to do sth) the power or right to do sth:\nOnly the manager has the authority to sign cheques. * We have the authority to search this building.\n  permission\n  3  [U] official permission to do sth:\nIt was done without the principal’s authority. * We acted under the authority of the UN.\n  organization\n  4  [C, usually pl.] the people or an organization who have the power to make decisions or who have a particular area of responsibility in a country or region:\nThe health authorities are investigating the problem. * I have to report this to the authorities. * the immigration authorities\nsee also LOCAL AUTHORITY\n  knowledge\n  5  [U] the power to influence people because they respect your knowledge or official position:\nHe spoke with authority on the topic. * the moral authority to run the country\n  expert\n  6  [C] ~ (on sth) a person with special knowledge:\nShe’s an authority on criminal law.\n IDIOMS \n  have sth on good authority to be able to believe sth because you trust the person who gave you the information:\nI have it on good authority that he is going to be promoted.


Words: authorization
Meaning:
(BrE also authorisation)  noun\n  1  [U, C] official permission or power to do sth; the act of giving permission:\nYou may not enter the security area without authorization. * Who gave the authorization to release the data?\n  2  [C] a document that gives sb official permission to do sth:\nCan I see your authorization?


Words: authorize
Meaning:
(BrE also authorise)  verb\nto give official permission for sth, or for sb to do sth:\n[VN] I can authorize payments up to ｣5 000. * an authorized biography * [VN to inf] [often passive] I have authorized him to act for me while I am away. * The soldiers were authorized to shoot at will.\nsee also UNAUTHORIZED


Words: authorship
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the identity of the person who wrote sth, especially a book:\nThe authorship of the poem is unknown.\n  2  the activity or fact of writing a book:\nHe published the report in joint authorship with a colleague.


Words: autism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a mental condition in which a person is unable to communicate or form relationships with others\n    autistic  adjective:\nautistic behaviour / children


Words: auto-
Meaning:
(also aut-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)\n  1  of or by yourself:\nautobiography\n  2  by itself without a person to operate it:\nautomatic


Words: auto-suggestion
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (psychology) a process that makes you believe sth or act in a particular way according to ideas that come from within yourself without you realizing it


Words: autobiography
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural autobiographies) the story of a person’s life, written by that person; this type of writing\ncompare BIOGRAPHY\n    autobiographical  adjective:\nan autobiographical novel (= one that contains many of the writer’s own experiences)


Words: autocracy
Meaning:
noun (plural autocracies)\n  1  [U] a system of government of a country in which one person has complete power\n  2  [C] a country that is ruled by one person who has complete power


Words: autocrat
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a ruler who has complete power\nSYN DESPOT\n  2  a person who expects to be obeyed by other people and does not care about their opinions or feelings\n    autocratic  adjective:\nan autocratic manager\n    autocratically  adverb


Words: Autocue
Meaning:
(BrE) (also teleprompter AmE, BrE) noun\na device used by people who are speaking in public, especially on television, which displays the words that they have to say


Words: autograph
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a famous person’s signature, especially when sb asks them to write it:\nCould I have your autograph? * She was surrounded by autograph hunters outside the theatre.\n    verb [VN] (of a famous person) to sign your name on sth for sb to keep:\nThe whole team has autographed a football, which will be used as a prize.


Words: autoimmune
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (medical) an autoimmune disease or medical condition is one which is caused by substances that usually prevent illness:\nan autoimmune response


Words: automate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to use machines and computers instead of people to do a job or task:\nThe entire manufacturing process has been automated. * The factory is now fully automated.


Words: automatic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n \n    adjective\n \n  1  (of a machine, device, etc.) having controls that work without needing a person to operate them:\nautomatic doors * a fully automatic driverless train * automatic transmission (= in a car, etc.) * an automatic rifle (= one that continues to fire as long as the trigger is pressed)\n \n  2  done or happening without thinking\nSYN INSTINCTIVE:\nBreathing is an automatic function of the body. * My reaction was automatic.\n \n  3  always happening as a result of a particular action or situation:\nA fine for this offence is automatic.\n    automatically  adverb:\nThe heating switches off automatically. * I turned left automatically without thinking. * You will automatically get free dental treatment if you are under 18.\n    noun\n  1  a gun that can fire bullets continuously as long as the TRIGGER is pressed\n  2  (BrE) a car with a system of GEARS that operates without direct action from the driver\ncompare STICK SHIFT


Words: automatic pilot
Meaning:
(also autopilot) noun\na device in an aircraft or a ship that keeps it on a fixed course without the need for a person to control it\n IDIOMS \n  be on automatic pilot to do sth without thinking because you have done the same thing many times before:\nI got up and dressed on automatic pilot.


Words: automatic transmission
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a system in a motor vehicle that changes the GEARS for the driver automatically:\na car with automatic transmission


Words: automation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the use of machines to do work that was previously done by people:\nAutomation meant the loss of many factory jobs.


Words: automaton
Meaning:
1  a person who behaves like a machine, without thinking or feeling anything\nSYN ROBOT\n  2  a machine that moves without human control; a small ROBOT


Words: autonomous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a country, a region or an organization) able to govern itself or control its own affairs:\nan autonomous republic / state / province * a federation of autonomous groups\n  2  (of a person) able to do things and make decisions without help from anyone else:\nTeachers aim to help children become autonomous learners.\n    autonomously adverb:\nEach bank acts autonomously.


Words: autonomy
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the freedom for a country, a region or an organization to govern itself independently:\na campaign in Wales for greater autonomy\n  2  the ability to act and make decisions without being controlled by anyone else:\ngiving individuals greater autonomy in their own lives


Words: autopsy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural autopsies) an official examination of a dead body by a doctor in order to discover the cause of death\nSYN POST-MORTEM:\nan autopsy report * to perform an autopsy


Words: autumn
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually fall) noun [U, C] the season of the year between summer and winter, when leaves change colour and the weather becomes colder:\nin the autumn of 1995 * in early / late autumn * the autumn term (= for example at a school or college in Britain) * autumn colours / leaves * It’s been a very mild autumn this year.


Words: auxiliary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (of workers) giving help or support to the main group of workers:\nauxiliary nurses / workers / services\n  2  (technical) (of a piece of equipment) used if there is a problem with the main piece of equipment:\nan auxiliary pump\n    noun (plural auxiliaries)\n  1  (also auxiliary verb) (grammar) a verb such as be, do and have used with main verbs to show tense, etc. and to form questions and negatives:\nIn the question ’Do you know where he has gone?’, ’do’ and ’has’ are auxiliaries.\n  2  a worker who gives help or support to the main group of workers:\nnursing auxiliaries


Words: avail
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  to little / no avail (formal) with little or no success:\nThe doctors tried everything to keep him alive but to no avail.\n  of little / no avail (formal) of little or no use:\nYour ability to argue is of little avail if the facts are wrong.\n    verb [VN] (formal or old-fashioned) to be helpful or useful to sb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  avail yourself of sth (formal) to make use of sth, especially an opportunity or offer:\nGuests are encouraged to avail themselves of the full range of hotel facilities.


Words: available
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of things) that you can get, buy or find:\navailable resources / facilities * readily / freely / publicly / generally available * Tickets are available free of charge from the school. * When will the information be made available? * Further information is available on request. * This was the only room available. * We’ll send you a copy as soon as it becomes available. * Every available doctor was called to the scene.\n  2  (of a person) free to see or talk to people:\nWill she be available this afternoon? * The director was not available for comment.\n    availability  noun [U]:\nthe availability of cheap flights * (BrE) This offer is subject to availability.


Words: avalanche
Meaning:
noun\na mass of snow, ice and rock that falls down the side of a mountain:\nalpine villages destroyed in an avalanche * He was killed in an avalanche while skiing. * (figurative) We received an avalanche of letters in reply to our advertisement.


Words: avant-garde
Meaning:
noun (the avant-garde) (from French)\n  1  [sing.] new and very modern ideas in art, music or literature that are sometimes surprising or shocking\n  2  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a group of artists, etc. who introduce new and very modern ideas\n    avant-garde adjective


Words: avenge
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth | ~ yourself on sb (formal) to punish or hurt sb in return for sth bad or wrong that they have done to you, your family or friends:\nHe promised to avenge his father’s murder. * She was determined to avenge herself on the man who had betrayed her.\n    avenger noun\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \navenge / revenge\nPeople avenge something or avenge themselves on somebody: She vowed to avenge her brother’s death. * He later avenged himself on his wife’s killers.\nPeople revenge themselves on somebody or are revenged on them: He was later revenged on his wife’s killers. You cannot revenge something: _S_h_e_ _v_o_w_e_d_ _t_o_ _r_e_v_e_n_g_e_ _h_e_r_ _b_r_o_t_h_e_r_’_s_ _d_e_a_t_h.\n______________________________


Words: avenue
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (abbreviation Ave.) a street in a town or city:\na hotel on Fifth Avenue * 120 Holland Park Avenue\n  2  (BrE) a wide straight road with trees on both sides, especially one leading to a big house:\nan avenue lined with plane trees\n  3  a choice or way of making progress towards sth:\nSeveral avenues are open to us. * We will explore every avenue until we find an answer. * He saw suicide as the only avenue left open to him.


Words: aver
Meaning:
verb\n(-rr-) (rare, formal) to state firmly and strongly that sth is true:\n[V that] She averred that she had never seen the man before. [also VN, V speech]


Words: average
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] calculated by adding several amounts together, finding a total, and dividing the total by the number of amounts:\nan average rate / cost / price * Average earnings are around ｣20 000 per annum. * at an average speed of 100 miles per hour\n  2  typical or normal:\n40 hours is a fairly average working week for most people. * children of above / below average intelligence * ｣20 for dinner is about average.\n  3  ordinary; not special:\nI was just an average sort of student.\n    averagely adverb (rare):\nHe was attractive and averagely intelligent.\n    noun [C, U]\n  1  the result of adding several amounts together, finding a total, and dividing the total by the number of amounts:\nThe average of 4, 5 and 9 is 6. * Parents spend an average of $220 a year on toys for their children. * If I get an A on this essay, that will bring my average (= average mark / grade) up to a B+.\nsee also GRADE POINT AVERAGE\n  2  a level which is usual:\nTemperatures are above / below average for the time of year. * 400 people a year die of this disease on average. * Class sizes in the school are below the national average.\n IDIOMS  see LAW\n    verb\n  1  [VN] [no passive] to be equal to a particular amount as an average:\nEconomic growth is expected to average 2% next year. * Drivers in London can expect to average about 12 miles per hour (= to have that as their average speed).\n  2  to calculate the average of sth:\n[VN] Earnings are averaged over the whole period. [also V]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  average out (at sth) to result in an average amount over a period of time or when several things are considered:\nThe cost should average out at about ｣6 per person. * Sometimes I pay, sometimes he pays-it seems to average out (= result in us paying the same amount).\n  average sth<->out (at sth) to calculate the average of sth


Words: averse
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  not ~ to sth / to doing sth liking sth or wanting to do sth; not opposed to doing sth:\nI mentioned it to Kate and she wasn’t averse to the idea.\n  2  ~ to sth / to doing sth (formal) not liking sth or wanting to do sth; opposed to doing sth:\nHe was averse to any change.


Words: aversion
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) a strong feeling of not liking sb/sth:\na strong aversion * He had an aversion to getting up early. * feelings of aversion and disgust


Words: avert
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to prevent sth bad or dangerous from happening:\nA disaster was narrowly averted. * He did his best to avert suspicion. * Talks are taking place in an attempt to avert a strike.\n  2  ~ your eyes, gaze, face (from sth) to turn your eyes, etc. away from sth that you do not want to see:\nShe averted her eyes from the terrible scene in front of her.


Words: aviation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the designing, building and flying of aircraft:\ncivil / military aviation * the aviation business / industry


Words: aviator
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a person who flies an aircraft:\nOne of Australia’s pioneering women aviators learnt to fly in the 1930s. * an intrepid aviator


Words: avid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] very enthusiastic about sth (often a hobby):\nan avid reader / collector * She has taken an avid interest in the project (= she is extremely interested in it).\n  2  ~ for sth wanting to get sth very much:\nHe was avid for more information.\n    avidity  noun [U] (rare)\n    avidly adverb:\nShe reads avidly.


Words: avionics
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the science of ELECTRONICS when used in designing and making aircraft\n  2  [pl.] the electronic devices in an aircraft or a spacecraft\n    avionic adjective


Words: avocado
Meaning:
noun\n(plural avocados) (BrE also avocado pear) a tropical fruit with hard, dark green skin, soft, light green flesh and a large stone/pit inside. Avocados are not sweet and are sometimes eaten at the beginning of a meal.


Words: avoid
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to prevent sth bad from happening:\n[VN] The accident could have been avoided. * They narrowly avoided defeat in the semi-final. * The name was changed to avoid confusion with another firm. * [VN -ing] They built a wall to avoid soil being washed away.\n  2  to keep away from sb/sth; to try not to do sth:\n[VN] He’s been avoiding me all week. * She kept avoiding my eyes (= avoided looking at me). * I left early to avoid the rush hour. * [V -ing] I’ve been avoiding getting down to work all day. * You should avoid mentioning his divorce.\n  3  [VN] to prevent yourself from hitting sth:\nI had to swerve to avoid a cat.\n IDIOMS \n  avoid sb/sth like the plague (informal) to try very hard not to meet sb, do sth, etc:\nShe’s been avoiding me like the plague since the party last Saturday.\nmore at TRAP n.


Words: avoidable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be prevented:\nMany deaths from heart disease are actually avoidable.\nOPP UNAVOIDABLE


Words: avoidance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (of sth) not doing sth; preventing sth from existing or happening:\nA person’s health improves with the avoidance of stress.\nsee also TAX AVOIDANCE


Words: avow
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to say firmly and often publicly what your opinion is, what you think is true, etc:\n[V that] An aide avowed that the President had known nothing of the deals. [also VN, V speech]\n    avowal  noun (formal):\nan avowal of love


Words: avowed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) that has been admitted or stated in public:\nan avowed anti-communist * an avowed aim / intention / objective / purpose\n    avowedly  adverb


Words: avuncular
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) behaving in a kind and friendly way towards young people, similar to the way an uncle treats his NIECES or NEPHEWS


Words: await
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to wait for sb/sth:\nHe is in custody awaiting trial. * Her latest novel is eagerly awaited.\n  2  to be going to happen to sb:\nA warm welcome awaits all our guests. * Who knows what dangers may await us?


Words: awake
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective [not before noun] not asleep (especially immediately before or after sleeping):\nto be half / fully awake * to be wide awake (= fully awake) * I was still awake when he came to bed. * The noise was keeping everyone awake. * I was finding it hard to stay awake. * He lies awake at night worrying about his job. * She was awake (= not unconscious) during the operation on her leg.\n    verb (awoke ) (formal)\n  1  ~ (sb) (from / to sth) to wake up; to make sb wake up:\n[V] I awoke from a deep sleep. * The girls awoke to the sound of rain rattling on the windows. * [V to inf] He awoke to find her gone. * [VN] Her voice awoke the sleeping child.\n  2  if an emotion awakes or sth awakes an emotion, you start to feel that emotion:\n[VN] His speech is bound to awake old fears and hostilities. [also V]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  awake to sth to become aware of sth and its possible effects or results:\nIt took her some time to awake to the dangers of her situation.\ncompare WAKE\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nawake / awaken / wake up / waken\nWake (up) is the most common of these verbs. It can mean somebody has finished sleeping: What time do you usually wake up? or that somebody or something has disturbed your sleep: The children woke me up. * I was woken (up) by the telephone.\nThe verb awake is usually only used in writing and in the past tense awoke: She awoke to a day of brilliant sunshine. Waken and awaken are much more formal. Awaken is used especially in literature: The Prince awakened Sleeping Beauty with a kiss.\nAwake is also an adjective: I was awake half the night worrying. * Is the baby awake yet? Waking is not used in this way.\nLook also at ASLEEP and the verb SLEEP.\n______________________________


Words: awaken
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  [often passive] ~ (sb) (from / to sth) to wake up; to make sb wake up:\n[V] She awakened to the sound of birds singing. * [V to inf] We awakened to find the others gone. * [VN] He was awakened at dawn by the sound of crying.\n  2  if an emotion awakens or sth awakens an emotion, you start to feel that emotion:\n[VN] The dream awakened terrible memories. [also V]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  awaken (sb) to sth to become aware or to make sb aware of sth and its possible effects or results:\nI gradually awakened to the realization that our marriage was over.\ncompare WAKEN


Words: awakening
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] an occasion when you realize sth or become aware of sth:\nIf they had expected a warm welcome, they were in for a rude awakening (= they would soon realize that it would not be warm).\n  2  [C, U] the act of beginning to understand or feel sth; the act of sth starting or waking:\nsexual awakening * the awakening of interest in the environment


Words: award
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (for sth) (often in names of particular awards) a prize such as money, etc. for sth that sb has done:\nto win / receive / get an award for sth * He was nominated for the best actor award. * an award presentation / ceremony * the Housing Design Award\nsee also ACADEMY AWARD\n  2  [C] an increase in the amount of money sb earns:\nan annual pay award\n  3  [C, U] the amount of money that a court decides should be given to sb who has won a case; the decision to give this money:\nan award of ｣600 000 libel damages\n  4  [U] the official decision to give sth (such as a DIPLOMA) to sb:\nSatisfactory completion of the course will lead to the award of the Diploma of Social Work.\n  5  [C] (BrE) money that students get to help pay for living costs while they study or do research:\na mandatory / discretionary award * an award holder (= the person who has been given an award) * He is eligible for the basic award.\n    verb ~ (sb) sth | ~ sth (to sb) to make an official decision to give sth to sb as a payment, prize, etc.: [VN] He was awarded damages of ｣50 000. * [VN, VNN] The judges awarded equal points to both finalists. * The judges awarded both finalists equal points.


Words: aware
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (of sth) | ~ (that ...) knowing or realizing sth:\nI don’t think people are really aware of just how much it costs. * He was well aware of the problem. * Were you aware that something was wrong? * Everybody should be made aware of the risks involved. * As you’re aware, this is not a new problem. * As far as I’m aware, nobody has done anything about it. * acutely / painfully (= very) aware\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (of sb/sth) | ~ (that ...) noticing that sth is present, or that sth is happening:\nShe slipped away without him being aware of it. * They suddenly became aware of people looking at them. * I was aware that she was trembling.\n  3  (used with an adverb) interested in and knowing about sth, and thinking it is important:\nYoung people are more environmentally aware than their parents.\nOPP UNAWARE


Words: awareness
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (of sth) | ~ (that ...) knowing sth; knowing that sth exists and is important; being interested in sth:\nan awareness of the importance of eating a healthy diet * There was an almost complete lack of awareness of the issues involved. * It is important that students develop an awareness of how the Internet can be used. * to raise / heighten / increase public awareness of sth * a greater / a growing / an increasing awareness of sth * environmental awareness (= knowing that looking after the environment is important) * Energy Awareness Week


Words: awash
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  ~ (with water) covered or flooded with water:\nThe river had burst its banks and the road was awash.\n  2  ~ with sth having sth in large quantities:\nThe city is awash with drugs. * The computer market is awash with software for every kind of computer. * The village is awash with history, legends and local charm.


Words: away
Meaning:
adverb\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of away in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get away with sth is in the phrasal verb section at get.\n  1  ~ (from sb/sth) to or at a distance from sb/sth in space or time:\nThe beach is a mile away. * The station is a few minutes’ walk away. * Christmas is still months away.\n  2  to a different place or in a different direction:\nGo away! * Put your toys away. * The bright light made her look away.\n  3  ~ (from sb/sth) not present\nSYN ABSENT:\nShe was away from work for a week. * There were ten children away yesterday. * Sorry, he’s away.\n  4  used after verbs to say that sth is done continuously or with a lot of energy:\nShe was still writing away furiously when the bell went. * They were soon chatting away like old friends.\n  5  until disappearing completely:\nThe water boiled away. * The music faded away. * They danced the night away (= all night).\n  6  (sport) at the opponent’s ground or STADIUM:\nChelsea are playing away this Saturday. * an away match / game\ncompare HOME\n IDIOMS \n  away with ... (literary) used to say that you would like to be rid of sb/sth:\nAway with all these rules and regulations!\nmore at COBWEBS, FAR adv., DANCE v., RIGHT adv., STRAIGHT adv.


Words: awe
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] feelings of respect and slight fear; feelings of being very impressed by sth/sb:\nawe and respect * awe and wonder * He speaks of her with awe. * ’It’s magnificent,’ she whispered in awe.\n IDIOMS \n  be / stand in awe of sb/sth to admire sb/sth and be slightly frightened of them/it:\nWhile Diana was in awe of her grandfather, she adored her grandmother.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to fill sb with awe:\nShe seemed awed by the presence of so many famous people.\n    awed adjective:\nWe watched in awed silence.


Words: awe-inspiring
Meaning:
adjective\nimpressive; making you feel respect and admiration:\nThe building was awe-inspiring in size and design.


Words: awesome
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very impressive or very difficult and perhaps rather frightening:\nan awesome sight * awesome beauty / power * They had an awesome task ahead.\n  2  (AmE, informal) very good, enjoyable, etc:\nHey, dudes! I just bought this awesome new CD! * Wow! That’s totally awesome!\n    awesomely adverb (rare):\nawesomely beautiful * The issue is awesomely complex.


Words: awestruck
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) feeling very impressed by sth:\nPeople were awestruck by the pictures the satellite sent back to earth.


Words: awful
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  (especially spoken) very bad or unpleasant:\nThat’s an awful colour. * ’They didn’t even offer to pay.’ ’Oh that’s awful.’ * It’s awful, isn’t it? * The weather last summer was awful. * I feel awful about forgetting her birthday. * to look / feel awful (= to look / feel ill) * There’s an awful smell in here. * The awful thing is, it was my fault.\n  2  (especially spoken) used to emphasize sth, especially that there is a large amount or too much of sth:\nIt’s going to cost an awful lot of money. * There’s not an awful lot of room. * I feel an awful lot better than I did yesterday. * (BrE) I had an awful job persuading him to come (= it was very difficult).\n  3  very shocking\nSYN TERRIBLE:\nthe awful horrors of war\n    awfulness noun [U]:\nthe sheer awfulness of the situation\n    adverb (informal, especially AmE) very; extremely:\nClint is awful smart.


Words: awfully
Meaning:
adverb\nvery; extremely:\nI’m awfully sorry about that problem the other day. * That name sounds awfully familiar. * I’m not awfully keen on fish.


Words: awkward
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  making you feel embarrassed:\nThere was an awkward silence. * I felt awkward because they obviously wanted to be alone.\n  2  difficult to deal with:\nDon’t ask awkward questions. * You’ve put me in an awkward position. * an awkward customer (= a person who is difficult to deal with) * Please don’t be awkward about letting him come. * It makes things awkward for everyone when you behave like that.\n  3  not convenient:\nHave I come at an awkward time?\n  4  difficult or dangerous because of its shape or design:\nThis box is very awkward for one person to carry. * This tool will reach into awkward corners, such as under kitchen units.\n  5  not graceful; not comfortable:\nHe tried to dance, but he was too clumsy and awkward. * I must have slept in an awkward position-I’m aching all over.\n    awkwardly adverb:\n’I’m sorry,’ he said awkwardly. * She fell awkwardly and broke her ankle. * an awkwardly shaped room\n    awkwardness noun [U]:\nShe laughed to cover up her feeling of awkwardness. * There was no awkwardness between them.


Words: awning
Meaning:
noun\na sheet of fabric that stretches out from above a door or window to keep off the sun or rain:\nWe sat under the blue and white striped awning of the cafe.


Words: AWOL
Meaning:
abbreviation\nabsent without leave (used especially in the armed forces when sb has left their group without permission):\nHe’s gone AWOL from his base. * (humorous) The guitarist went AWOL in the middle of the recording.


Words: awry
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  if sth goes awry, it does not happen in the way that was planned:\nAll my plans for the party had gone awry.\n  2  not in the right position\nSYN UNTIDY:\nShe rushed out, her hair awry.


Words: axe
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (especially BrE) (AmE usually ax)\n \n  1  a tool with a wooden handle and a heavy metal blade, used for chopping wood, cutting down trees, etc.\nsee also BATTLEAXE, ICE AXE, PICKAXE\n \n  2  (the axe) [sing.] (informal) if sb gets the axe, they lose their job; if an institution or a project gets the axe, it is closed or stopped, usually because of a lack of money:\nUp to 300 workers are facing the axe at a struggling Merseyside firm. * Patients are delighted their local hospital has been saved from the axe. * Protesters, anxious over the spending cuts, urged councillors to think again before wielding the axe.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  have an axe to grind to have private reasons for being involved in sth or for arguing for a particular cause:\nShe had no axe to grind and was only acting out of concern for their safety. * These criticisms are commonly voiced by those who have some political axe to grind.\n    verb (BrE) (AmE ax) [VN] [often passive]\n  1  to get rid of a service, system, etc. or to reduce the money spent on it by a large amount:\nOther less profitable services are to be axed later this year.\n  2  to remove sb from their job:\nJones has been axed from the team.\n  3  to kill sb with an axe


Words: axeman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural axemen ) (especially BrE) (AmE usually axman) (informal) a man who attacks other people with an axe


Words: axiom
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a rule or principle that most people believe to be true:\nthe old axiom that you can only succeed through hard work


Words: axiomatic
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (formal) true in such an obvious way that you do not need to prove it:\nIt is axiomatic that life is not always easy.\n    axiomatically adverb


Words: axis
Meaning:
1  an imaginary line through the centre of an object, around which the object turns:\nMars takes longer to revolve on its axis than the earth.\n  2  (technical) a fixed line against which the positions of points are measured, especially points on a GRAPH:\nthe vertical / horizontal axis * The real wage is measured along the horizontal axis and the quantity of labour is measured along the vertical axis. * The main road is on a north-south axis.\n  3  (geometry) a line that divides a shape into two equal parts:\nan axis of symmetry * The axis of a circle is its diameter\n  4  [usually sing.] (formal) an agreement or ALLIANCE between two or more countries:\nthe Franco-German axis


Words: aye
Meaning:
(also ay)  exclamation\n(old use or dialect) yes:\n’Did you see what happened?’ ’Oh aye, I was there.’


Words: ayes
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the total number of people voting ’yes’ in a formal debate, for example in a parliament:\nThe ayes have it (= more people have voted for sth than against it).\nOPP NOES


Words: azalea
Meaning:
noun\na plant or bush with large flowers that may be pink, purple, white or yellow, grown in a pot or in a garden


Words: azimuth
Meaning:
noun\n(astronomy) an angle related to a distance around the earth’s HORIZON, used to find out the position of a star, planet, etc.


Words: azure
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) bright blue in colour like the sky:\nThe sun shone out of a clear azure sky.\n    azure noun [U]


Words: B
Meaning:
noun, symbol \n    noun (also b) (plural B’s, b’s )\n  1  [C, U] the second letter of the English alphabet:\n’Butter’ begins with (a) B / ’B’.\n  2  (B) [C, U] (music) the 7th note in the scale of C MAJOR\n  3  (B) [C, U] the second highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work:\nShe got (a) B in / for History.\n  4  (B) [U] used to represent the second of two or more possibilities:\nShall we go for plan A or plan B?\n  5  (B) [U] used to represent a person, for example in an imagined situation or to hide their identity:\nLet’s pretend A meets B in the park.\nsee also B-ROAD\n IDIOMS  see A\n    symbol used in Britain before a number to refer to a particular secondary road:\nthe B1224 to York


Words: B-road
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a road that is less important than an A-ROAD and usually joins small towns and villages


Words: BA
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE B.A.)  noun\nthe abbreviation for ’Bachelor of Arts’ (a first university degree in an ARTS subject):\nto be / have / do a BA * (BrE) Darren Green BA


Words: babble
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [sing.]\n  1  the sound of many people speaking at the same time:\na babble of voices\n  2  talking that is confused or silly and is difficult to understand:\nI can’t listen to his constant babble.\n  3  the sounds a baby makes before beginning to say actual words\nsee also PSYCHOBABBLE\n    verb\n  1  ~ (away / on) to talk in a quick and excited way that is difficult to understand:\n[V] They were all babbling away in a foreign language. * I realized I was babbling like an idiot. [also V speech, VN]\n  2  [V] to make the sound of water flowing over rocks, like a stream:\na babbling brook


Words: babe
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (old use) a baby\n  2  (slang) a word used to address a young woman, or your wife, husband or lover, usually expressing affection but sometimes considered offensive if used by a man to a woman he does not know:\nWhat’re you doing tonight, babe?\n  3  (informal) an attractive young woman\n IDIOMS \n  a babe in arms (old-fashioned) a very small baby that cannot yet walk\nmore at MOUTH n.


Words: babel
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (written) the sound of many voices talking at one time, especially when more than one language is being spoken\n ORIGIN  From the Bible story in which God punished the people who were trying to build a tower to reach heaven (the tower of Babel) by making them unable to understand each others’ languages.


Words: baby
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n (plural babies)\n \n  1  a very young child or animal:\nThe baby’s crying! * a newborn baby * My sister’s expecting a baby. * She had a baby last year. * a baby boy / girl * baby food / clothes * a baby monkey / blackbird\n \n  2  (informal) the youngest member of a family or group:\nHe’s the baby of the team.\n \n  3  (disapproving) a person who behaves like a young child and is easily upset:\nStop crying and don’t be such a baby.\n \n  4  (slang, especially AmE) a word used to address sb, especially your wife, husband or lover, in a way that expresses affection but that can be offensive if used by a man to a woman he does not know\n IDIOMS \n  be your / sb’s baby (informal) to be a plan or project that sb is responsible for and cares about because they have created it\n  leave sb holding the baby (informal) to suddenly make sb responsible for sth important that is really your responsibility:\nHe changed to another job and we were left holding the baby.\n  throw the baby out with the bathwater (informal) to lose sth that you want at the same time as you are trying to get rid of sth that you do not want\nmore at SLEEP v.\n    adjective [only before noun] baby vegetables are a very small version of particular vegetables, or are picked when they are very small:\nbaby carrots\n    verb (babies, babying, babied, babied) [VN] to treat sb with too much care, as if they were a baby


Words: baby talk
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the words or sounds a baby says when it is learning to talk; the special language adults sometimes use when talking to babies


Words: baby walker
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE walker) noun\na frame with wheels and a HARNESS for a baby who can walk around a room, supported by the frame


Words: Babygro
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Babygros) (BrE) a piece of clothing for babies, usually covering the whole body except the head and hands, made of a fabric that stretches easily


Words: babyish
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually disapproving) typical of or suitable for a baby:\nNow she’s nine, she thinks toys are babyish and wants a computer.


Words: babysit
Meaning:
verb\n(babysitting, babysat, babysat) (also sit) to take care of babies or children for a short time while their parents are out:\n[V] She regularly babysits for us. * [VN] He’s babysitting the neighbour’s children.\n    babysitting noun [U]:\nI used to do babysitting to earn money.


Words: babysitter
Meaning:
(also sitter especially in AmE) noun\na person who takes care of babies or children while their parents are away from home and is usually paid to do this:\nI can’t find a babysitter for tonight.\nsee also CHILDMINDER


Words: baccalaureate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the last secondary school exam in France and other countries, and in some international schools:\nto sit / take / pass / fail your baccalaureate\n  2  (in the US) a religious service or talk for students who have completed high school or college


Words: bachelor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a man who has never been married:\nan eligible bachelor (= one that many people want to marry, especially because he is rich) * He was a confirmed bachelor (= a person who intended never to marry; often used in newspapers to refer to a homosexual man) * (BrE) a bachelor flat (= one suitable for a person living alone)\ncompare SPINSTER\n  2  (usually Bachelor) a person who has a Bachelor’s degree (= a first university degree):\na Bachelor of Arts / Engineering / Science\nsee also BA, BED, BSC


Words: bacillus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural bacilli ) a type of bacteria. There are several types of bacillus, some of which cause disease.


Words: back
Meaning:
noun, adjective, adverb, verb \n    noun\n  part of body\n \n  1  the part of the human body that is on the opposite side to the chest, between the neck and the tops of the legs; the part of an animal’s body that CORRESPONDS to this:\nDo you sleep on your back or your front? * He stood with his back to the door. * They had their hands tied behind their backs. * They set off with the wind at their backs (= behind them). * I pulled (= injured the muscles in) my back playing squash. * back pain * a back massage * A small boy rode on the elephant’s back.\nsee also BAREBACK, HORSEBACK\n \n  2  the row of bones in the middle of the back\nSYN BACKBONE, SPINE:\nShe broke her back in a riding accident. * He put his back out (= DISLOCATED sth in his back) lifting the crates.\n \n  part furthest from front\n  3  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the part or area of sth that is furthest from the front:\nWe could only get seats at the back (= of the room). * I found some old photos at the back of the drawer. * He was shot in the back of the knee. * (BrE) There’s room for three people in the back. * (AmE) There’s room for three people in back. * The house has three bedrooms at the front and two at the back. * (BrE) If you’d like to come round the back (= to the area behind the house), I’ll show you the garden.\nsee also HARDBACK, PAPERBACK, SHORT BACK AND SIDES\n  of piece of paper\n  4  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the part of a piece of paper, etc. that is on the opposite side to the one that has information or the most important information on it:\nWrite your name on the back of the cheque.\n  of book\n  5  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the last few pages of a book, etc:\nThe television guide is at the back of the paper.\n  of chair\n  6  the part of a chair, etc. against which you lean your back\n  -backed\n  7  (in adjectives) used to describe furniture which has the type of back mentioned:\na high-backed sofa\n  in sport\n  8  (in football, hockey, etc.) a player whose main role is to defend their team’s goal\ncompare FORWARD n.\nsee also FULLBACK, HALFBACK\n IDIOMS \n  at / in the back of your mind if a thought, etc. is at the back of your mind, you are aware of it but it is not what you are mainly thinking about:\nAt the back of my mind was a small, warning voice, telling me it was wrong.\n  the back of beyond (informal) a place that is a long way from other houses, towns, etc:\nWe stayed in some farmhouse in the back of beyond.\n  back to back\n1 if two people stand back to back, they stand with their backs facing or touching each other\nsee also BACK-TO-BACK\n2 if two or more things happen back to back, they happen one after the other:\nThe team had to play three games back to back.\n  back to front (BrE) (AmE backwards) if you put on a piece of clothing back to front, you make a mistake and put the back where the front should be:\nI think you’ve got that sweater on back to front.\ncompare inside out at INSIDE n.\n  be glad, etc. to see the back of sb/sth (informal, especially BrE) to be happy that you will not have to deal with or see sb/sth again because you do not like them:\nWas I pleased to see the back of her! * I can’t wait to see the back of that old car.\n  behind sb’s back without sb’s knowledge or permission:\nHave you been talking about me behind my back? * They went ahead and sold it behind my back.\ncompare to sb’s face at FACE n.\n  be on sb’s back (informal) to keep asking or telling sb to do sth that they do not want to do, in a way that they find annoying:\nHe’s still on my back about that money I borrowed.\n  break the back of sth to finish the largest or most important part of a task:\nI want to break the back of this translation before the weekend.\n  get / put sb’s back up (informal) to annoy sb:\nThat sort of attitude really gets my back up!\n  get off sb’s back (informal) to stop annoying sb, for example by criticizing them, or asking them to do sth:\nJust get off my back, will you!\n  have your back to the wall (informal) to be in a difficult situation in which you are forced to do sth but are unable to make the choices that you would like:\nWe had our backs to the wall with no choice but to sell.\n  off the back of a lorry (BrE, informal, humorous) goods that fell off the back of a lorry were probably stolen. People say or accept that they came ’off the back of a lorry’ to avoid saying or asking where they really came from.\n  on the back of sth as a result of an achievement or a success:\nThe profits growth came on the back of a 26 per cent rise in sales.\n  (flat) on your back (informal) in bed because you are ill/sick:\nShe’s been flat on her back for over a week now. * (figurative) The UK market was flat on its back (= business was very bad).\n  put your back into sth to use a lot of effort and energy on a particular task\n  turn your back to turn so that you are facing in the opposite direction\n  turn your back on sb/sth\n1 to move so that you are standing or sitting with your back facing sb/sth:\nWhen on stage, try not to turn your back on the audience.\n2 to reject sb/sth that you have previously been connected with:\nShe turned her back on them when they needed her. * Some newspapers have turned their backs on discussion and argument.\nmore at EYE n., KNOW v., PAT n., PAT v., PUSH v., ROD, SCRATCH v., SHIRT, STAB n., STAB v., STRAW, WATER n.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  away from front\n  1  situated behind or at the back of sth:\nthe back door * We were sitting in the back row. * back teeth * a back room (= one at the back of a building) * the back page of a newspaper\ncompare FRONT adj.\n  from past\n  2  of or from a past time:\na back number of the magazine\n  owed\n  3  owed for a time in the past:\nback pay / taxes / rent\n IDIOMS \n  by / through the back door in an unfair or indirect way:\nHe used his friends to help him get into the civil service by the back door.\nsee also BACK-DOOR\n  on the back burner (informal) (of an idea, a plan, etc.) left for the present time, to be done or considered later\ncompare on the front burner at FRONT adj.\n    adverb\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of back in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example pay sb back is in the phrasal verb section at pay.\n  away from front\n  1  away from the front or centre; behind you:\nI stepped back to let them pass. * Sit back and relax. * You’ve combed your hair back. * He turned and looked back. * She fell back towards the end of the race.\nOPP FORWARD\n  at a distance\n  2  at a distance away from sth:\nThe barriers failed to keep the crowds back. * Stand back and give me some room.\n  under control\n  3  under control; prevented from being expressed or coming out:\nHe could no longer hold back his tears.\n  as before\n  4  to or into the place, condition, situation or activity where sb/sth was before:\nPut the book back on the shelf. * Please give me my ball back. * He’ll be back (= will return) on Monday. * It takes me an hour to walk there and back. * Could you go back to the beginning of the story? * She woke up briefly and then went back to sleep. * We were right back where we started, only this time without any money.\n  in past\n  5  in or into the past; ago:\nThe village has a history going back to the Middle Ages. * She left back in November. * That was a few years back.\n  at a previous place\n  6  at a place previously left or mentioned:\nWe should have turned left five kilometres back. * Back at home, her parents were worried. * I can’t wait to get back home.\n  in return\n  7  in return or reply:\nIf he kicks me, I’ll kick him back. * Could you call back later, please?\n IDIOMS \n  back and forth from one place to another and back again repeatedly:\nferries sailing back and forth between the island and the mainland\n  back of sth (AmE, informal) behind sth:\nthe houses back of the church\nmore at EARTH n.\n    verb\n  move backwards\n  1  [+adv./prep.] to move or make sth move backwards:\n[V] He backed against the wall, terrified. * to back out of a parking space * [VN] If you can’t drive in forwards, try backing it in.\ncompare REVERSE\n  support\n  2  [VN] to give help or support to sb/sth:\nHer parents backed her in her choice of career. * Doctors have backed plans to raise the tax on cigarettes. * The programme of economic reform is backed (= supported financially) by foreign aid. * a United Nations-backed peace plan\n  bet money\n  3  [VN] to bet money on a horse in a race, a team in a competition, etc:\nI backed the winner and won fifty pounds.\n  music\n  4  [VN] to play or sing music that supports the main singer or instrument\nsee also BACKING\n  cover back\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) [usually passive] to cover the back of sth in order to support or protect it\n  be behind\n  6  [VN] [usually passive] (BrE) to be situated behind sth:\nThe house is backed by fields.\n IDIOMS \n  back the wrong horse (BrE) to support sb/sth that is not successful\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  back away (from sb/sth) to move away backwards from sth that is frightening or unpleasant; to avoid doing sth that is unpleasant\n  back down (on / from sth) (AmE also back off) to take back a demand, an opinion, etc. that other people are strongly opposed to; to admit defeat:\nShe refused to back down on a point of principle.\n  back off (from sth) to move away from sb, especially in order to stop threatening or annoying them or to avoid a difficult situation:\nThe government has backed off from a fundamental reform of the system. * Back off! There’s no need to yell at me.\n  back onto sth (BrE) (of a building) to have sth directly behind it:\nOur house backs onto the river.\n  back out (of sth) to decide that you are no longer going to take part in sth that has been agreed:\nHe lost confidence and backed out of the deal at the last minute.\n  back up | back sth<->up to move backwards, especially in a vehicle:\nYou can back up another two feet or so. * I backed the car up to the door.\n  back sb/sth<->up to support sb/sth; to say that what sb says, etc. is true:\nI’ll back you up if they don’t believe you. * The writer doesn’t back up his opinions with examples.\n  back sth<->up\n1 (computing) to prepare a second copy of a file, program, etc. that can be used if the main one fails or needs extra support:\nIt’s a good idea to back up your files onto floppy disk.\nrelated noun BACK-UP\n2 to provide support for sb/sth:\nThe rebels backed up their demands with threats. * two doctors backed up by a team of nurses\nrelated noun BACK-UP\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nat the back / at the rear / behind\nAt the back and at the rear have a similar meaning,\nbut at the rear is used more in formal or official language: What’s that at the back of the fridge? * Smoking is only allowed at the rear of the aircraft. It is more usual to talk about the back door of a house but the rear exit of an aircraft or public building. If something is behind something else it is near to the back of it but not part of it. Compare: Our room was at the back of the hotel and There’s a lovely wood just behind our hotel.\n______________________________


Words: back bench
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (in Britain) any of the seats in the House of Commons for Members of Parliament who do not have senior positions in the government or the other parties:\nHe resigned as Home Secretary and returned to the back benches. * back-bench MPs\ncompare THE FRONT BENCH\n    back-bencher noun-compare FRONTBENCHER


Words: back room
Meaning:
noun\na room at the back of a building, away from the entrance, often where secret activities take place


Words: back seat
Meaning:
noun\na seat at the back of a vehicle\n IDIOMS \n  a back-seat driver\n1 a passenger in a vehicle who keeps giving advice to the driver about how he or she should drive\n2 a person who wants to be in control of sth that is not really their responsibility\n  take a back seat to allow sb else to play a more active and important role in a particular situation than you do:\nMany managers take a back seat and leave recruitment to specialists.


Words: back-pedal
Meaning:
verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [V] \n  1  ~ (on sth) to change an earlier statement or opinion; to not do sth that you promised to do:\nThe protests have forced the government to back-pedal on plans to introduce a new tax.\n  2  to PEDAL backwards on a bicycle; to walk or run backwards


Words: back-room boys
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE) people who do important work for a person or an organization but who are not well known themselves:\nMuch of a racing driver’s success is due to the back-room boys.


Words: back-to-back
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a house in a row of houses which share walls with the houses on each side and behind:\nback-to-backs and tenements built for the poor in the 19th century


Words: back-up
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  extra help or support that you can get if necessary:\nThe police had back-up from the army. * We can use him as a back-up if one of the other players drops out. * a back-up power supply\n  2  (computing) a copy of a file, etc. that can be used if the original is lost or damaged:\nAlways make a back-up of your work. * a back-up copy


Words: backache
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a continuous pain in the back: (BrE) to have backache / a backache * (AmE) to have a backache


Words: backbiting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] unpleasant and unkind talk about sb who is not present:\nHe was tired of all the backbiting and gossip in the office.


Words: backbone
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] the row of small bones that are connected together down the middle of the back\nSYN SPINE\n \n  2  [sing.] the most important part of a system, an organization, etc. that gives it support and strength:\nAgriculture forms the backbone of the rural economy.\n \n  3  [U] the strength of character that you need to do sth difficult:\nHe doesn’t have the backbone to face the truth.


Words: backchat
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE back talk) noun\n[U] (informal) a way of answering that shows no respect for sb in authority:\nIf we gave the teachers any backchat, they used to give us extra work.


Words: backcomb
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tease) verb\n[VN] to comb your hair in the opposite direction to the way it grows so that it looks thicker


Words: backdate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to write a date on a cheque or other document that is earlier then the actual date\ncompare POST-DATE\n  2  (BrE) to make sth, especially a payment, take effect from an earlier date:\nPostal workers are getting a 5.2% pay rise, backdated to February.


Words: backdrop
Meaning:
(BrE also backcloth) noun\n  1  a painted piece of fabric that is hung behind the stage in a theatre as part of the scenery\n  2  (written) the scenery surrounding an event:\nThe mountains provided a dramatic backdrop for our picnic.\n  3  (written) the general conditions in which an event takes place, which sometimes help to explain that event:\nIt was against this backdrop of racial tension that the civil war began.


Words: backer
Meaning:
noun\na person or company that gives support to sb/sth, especially financial support:\nThe project receives its money from European backers.


Words: backfire
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  ~ (on sb) to have the opposite effect to the one intended, with bad or dangerous results:\nUnfortunately the plan backfired.\n  2  (of an engine or a vehicle) to make a sudden noise like an explosion\ncompare MISFIRE


Words: backgammon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a game for two people played on a board marked with long thin triangles. Players throw DICE and move pieces around the board.


Words: background
Meaning:
noun\n  family / education, etc.\n  1  [C] the details of a person’s family, education, experience etc:\na person’s family / social / cultural / educational / class background * The job would suit someone with a business background. * In spite of their very different backgrounds, they immediately became friends.\n  past\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] the circumstances or past events which help explain why sth is how it is; information about these:\nthe historical background to the war * background information / knowledge * The elections are taking place against a background of violence. * Can you give me more background on the company’s financial position?\n  of picture / photo\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the part of a picture, photograph or view behind the main objects, people, etc:\na photograph with trees in the background\ncompare FOREGROUND\n  less important position\n  4  [sing.] a position in which people are not paying attention to sb/sth or not as much attention as they are paying to sb/sth else:\nHe prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant talk to the press. * A piano tinkled gently in the background. * background music * There was a lot of background noise (= that you could hear, but were not listening to).\ncompare FOREGROUND\n  colour under sth\n  5  [C, usually sing.] a colour or design on which sth is painted, drawn, etc:\nThe name of the company is written in red on a white background.\n IDIOMS  see MERGE


Words: backhand
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (in tennis, etc.) a stroke played with the back of the hand turned in the direction towards which the ball is hit:\nHe has a good backhand (= he can make good backhand strokes). * a backhand volley / drive\ncompare FOREHAND


Words: backhanded
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a meaning that is not directly or clearly expressed, or that is not intended\n IDIOMS \n  a backhanded compliment (AmE also left-handed compliment) a remark that seems to express admiration but could also be understood as an insult


Words: backing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] help; support:\nfinancial backing * The police gave the proposals their full backing.\n  2  [U] material attached to the back of sth in order to protect it or make it stronger:\nRemove the backing paper from the adhesive tape.\n  3  [U, C, usually sing.] (in pop songs) music that ACCOMPANIES (= is played with) the main singer or tune:\na backing group / singer / track


Words: backlash
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] ~ (against sth) | ~ (from sb) a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, for example to sth that has recently changed in society:\nThe government is facing an angry backlash from voters over the new tax.


Words: backlog
Meaning:
noun\na quantity of work that should have been done already, but has not yet been done:\nWhen she eventually returned to work, there was a tremendous backlog of paperwork to catch up on.


Words: backpack
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (especially AmE) = RUCKSACK\n    verb [V] (usually go backpacking) to travel on holiday/vacation carrying your equipment and clothes in a backpack:\nThey went backpacking in Spain last year.\n    backpacker noun


Words: backscratching
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal, often disapproving) the fact of giving sb help in return for help that they have given you, often in connection with sth that might be illegal


Words: backside
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) the part of the body that you sit on\nSYN BEHIND, BOTTOM:\nGet up off your backside and do some work!\n IDIOMS  see PAIN n.


Words: backslapping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] loud and enthusiastic behaviour when people are praising each other for sth good they have done\n    backslapping adjective [only before noun]:\nbackslapping tributes


Words: backsliding
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the situation when sb fails to do sth that they agreed to do and returns to their former bad behaviour


Words: backstage
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in the part of the theatre where the actors and artists get ready and wait to perform:\nAfter the show, we were allowed to go backstage to meet the cast.\n  2  away from the attention of the public; in secret:\nI’d like to know what really goes on backstage in government.\n    backstage adjective:\nbackstage staff * backstage diplomacy


Words: backstreet
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun a small quiet street, usually in a poor part of a town or city, away from main roads:\nHe was born in the backstreets of Leeds.\n    adjective [only before noun] acting or happening secretly, often dishonestly or illegally:\nbackstreet dealers


Words: backstroke
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] a style of swimming in which you lie on your back:\nCan you do (the) backstroke? * He won the 100 metres backstroke (= the race).


Words: backtrack
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to go back along the same route that you have just come along:\nThe path suddenly disappeared and we had to backtrack.\n  2  to change an earlier statement, opinion or promise because of pressure from sb/sth


Words: backward
Meaning:
adjective\n \n  1  [only before noun] directed or moving towards the back:\nShe strode past him without a backward glance.\n \n  2  moving in a direction that means that no progress is being made\nSYN RETROGRADE:\nShe felt that going back to live in her home town would be a backward step.\n \n  3  having made less progress than normal; developing slowly:\na backward part of the country, with no paved roads and no electricity * a backward child * (BrE, spoken) She’s not backward in coming forward (= she’s not shy).\ncompare FORWARD


Words: backwards
Meaning:
(also backward especially in AmE) adverb\n  1  towards a place or position that is behind:\nI lost my balance and fell backwards. * He took a step backwards.\nOPP FORWARD\n  2  in the opposite direction to the usual one:\n’Ambulance’ is written backwards so you can read it in the mirror. * In the movie they take a journey backwards through time.\n  3  towards a worse state:\nI felt that going to live with my parents would be a step backwards.\nOPP FORWARD\n  4  (AmE) = back to front at BACK n.\n IDIOMS \n  backward(s) and forward(s) from one place or position to another and back again many times:\nShe rocked backwards and forwards on her chair.\n  bend / lean over backwards (to do sth) to make a great effort, especially in order to be helpful or fair:\nI’ve bent over backwards to help him.\nmore at KNOW v.


Words: backwash
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  (written) the unpleasant result of an event\n  2  waves caused by a boat or ship moving through water; the movement of water back into the sea after a wave has hit the beach


Words: backwater
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a part of a river away from the main part, where the water only moves slowly\n  2  (often disapproving) a place that is away from the places where most things happen, and is therefore not affected by events, progress, new ideas, etc:\na sleepy / quiet / rural backwater * The region became more and more of an economic backwater.


Words: backyard
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) an area with a hard surface behind a house, often surrounded by a wall\n  2  (AmE) the whole area behind and belonging to a house, including an area of grass and the garden:\na backyard barbecue\nsee also YARD\n IDIOMS \n  in your (own) backyard in or near the place where you live or work:\nThe residents didn’t want a new factory in their backyard. * The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard (= from his own members).


Words: bacon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] meat from the back or sides of a pig that has been CURED (= preserved using salt or smoke), usually served in thin slices:\na rasher of bacon * bacon and eggs * smoked / unsmoked bacon\ncompare GAMMON, HAM (1), PORK\n IDIOMS  see HOME adv., SAVE v.


Words: bacteria
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (singular bacterium ) the simplest and smallest forms of plant life. Bacteria exist in large numbers in air, water and soil, and also in living and dead creatures and plants, and are often a cause of disease\n    bacterial  adjective:\nbacterial infections / growth


Words: bad
Meaning:
adjective, noun, adverb \n    adjective (worse )\n  unpleasant\n  1  unpleasant; full of problems:\nbad news / weather / dreams / habits * I’m having a really bad day. * It was the worst experience of her life. * Smoking gives you bad breath. * Things are bad enough without our own guns shelling us.\n  poor quality\n  2  of poor quality; below an acceptable standard:\nbad conditions / driving * a bad copy / diet * I thought it was a very bad article. * This isn’t as bad as I thought. * That’s not a bad idea.\n  not good at sth\n  3  ~ at sth / at doing sth (of a person) not able to do sth well or in a satisfactory way\nSYN POOR:\na bad teacher * You’re a bad liar! * He’s a bad loser (= he complains when he loses a game). * She is so bad at keeping secrets.\n  serious\n  4  serious; severe:\nYou’re heading for a bad attack of sunburn. * The engagement was a bad mistake. * My headache is getting worse.\n  not appropriate\n  5  [only before noun] not appropriate in a particular situation:\nI know that this is a bad time to ask for help. * He now realized that it had been a bad decision on his part.\n  wicked\n  6  morally unacceptable:\nThe hero gets to shoot all the bad guys. * He said I must have done something bad to deserve it.\n  children\n  7  [usually before noun] (especially of children) not behaving well\nSYN NAUGHTY:\nHave you been a bad boy?\n  harmful\n  8  [not before noun] ~ for sb/sth harmful; causing or likely to cause damage:\nThose shoes are bad for her feet. * Weather like this is bad for business. * Too much work is bad for your health.\n  painful\n  9  [usually before noun] (of parts of the body) not healthy; painful:\nI’ve got a bad back.\n  food\n  10  not safe to eat because it has decayed:\nPut the meat in the fridge so it doesn’t go bad.\n  temper / mood\n  11  ~ temper / mood the state of feeling annoyed or angry:\nIt put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.\n  guilty / sorry\n  12  feel ~ to feel guilty or sorry about sth:\nShe felt bad about leaving him. * Why should I want to make you feel bad?\n  ill / sick\n  13  feel / look ~ to feel or look ill/sick:\nI’m afraid I’m feeling pretty bad.\n  excellent\n  14  (badder, baddest) (slang, especially AmE) good; excellent\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing bad are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example be bad news (for sb/sth) is at news.\n  can’t be bad (spoken) used to try to persuade sb to agree that sth is good:\nYou’ll save fifty dollars, which can’t be bad, can it?\n  not bad (spoken) quite good; better than you expected:\n’How are you?’ ’Not too bad.’ * That wasn’t bad for a first attempt.\n  too bad (spoken)\n1 (ironic) used to say ’bad luck’ or ’it’s a shame’ when you do not really mean it:\nIf sometimes they’re the wrong decisions, too bad.\n2 a shame; a pity:\nToo bad every day can’t be as good as this.\n3 (old-fashioned, spoken) annoying:\nReally, it was too bad of you to be so late.\n    noun (the bad) [U] bad people, things, or events:\nYou will always have the bad as well as the good in the world.\n IDIOMS \n  go to the bad (old-fashioned) to begin behaving in an immoral way:\nI hate to see you going to the bad.\n  take the bad with the good to accept the bad aspects of sth as well as the good ones\n  to the bad (BrE) used to say that sb now has a particular amount less money than they did before:\nAfter the sale they were ｣300 to the bad.\n    adverb (AmE, informal) badly:\nShe wanted it real bad. * Are you hurt bad?\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \nbad and very bad\nInstead of saying that something is bad or very bad, try to use more precise and interesting adjectives to describe things:\nan unpleasant/a foul/a disgusting smell\nappalling/dreadful/severe weather\nan unpleasant/a frightening/a traumatic experience\npoor/weak eyesight\na terrible/serious/horrific accident\na wicked/an evil/an immoral person\nan awkward/an embarrassing/a difficult situation\nWe were working in difficult/appalling conditions.\nTo refer to your health, you can say: I feel unwell/sick/terrible; I don’t feel (very) well.\nIn conversation words like terrible, horrible, awful and dreadful can be used in most situations to mean ’very bad’.\n______________________________


Words: bad-mouth
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (informal) to say unpleasant things about sb:\nNo one wants to employ somebody who badmouths their former employer.


Words: bad-tempered
Meaning:
adjective\noften angry; in an angry mood:\nShe gets very bad-tempered when she’s tired. * He sat in bad-tempered silence.


Words: baddy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural baddies) (BrE, informal) a bad or evil character in a film/movie, book, play, etc:\nAs usual, the cops get the baddies in the end.


Words: badge
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) a small piece of metal, fabric or plastic, with a design or words on it, that a person wears to show that they belong to an organization, support sth, have achieved sth, have a particular rank, etc:\nthe school badge * She wore a badge saying ’Vote for Coates’. * All employees have to wear name badges.\ncompare BUTTON\n \n  2  a small piece of metal that you carry or wear to prove who you are, used, for example, by police officers:\nHe pulled out a badge and said he was a cop.\n \n  3  (written) something that shows that a particular quality is present:\nHis gun was a badge of power for him.\n  4  (especially AmE) = PATCH


Words: badger
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n an animal with grey fur and wide black and white lines on its head. Badgers are NOCTURNAL (= active mostly at night) and live in holes in the ground.\n    verb ~ sb (into doing sth) | ~ sb (about sth) to put pressure on sb by repeatedly asking them questions or asking them to do sth:\n[VN] I finally badgered him into coming with us. * Reporters constantly badger her about her private life. * [VN to inf] His daughter was always badgering him to let her join the club.


Words: badly
Meaning:
adverb (worse, worst)\n  1  not skilfully or not carefully:\nto play / sing badly * badly designed / organized\n  2  not successfully:\nThings have been going badly. * I did badly (= was not successful) in my exams.\n  3  not in a satisfactory way:\nto behave / sleep badly * badly paid / treated * The kids took the dog’s death very badly (= they were very unhappy).\n  4  in a way that makes people get a bad opinion about sth:\nThe economic crisis reflects badly on the government’s policies. * She’s only trying to help, so don’t think badly of her.\n  5  used to emphasize how much you want, need, etc. sb/sth:\nThe building is badly in need of repair. * They wanted to win so badly. * I miss her badly.\n  6  used to emphasize how serious a situation or an event is:\nbadly damaged / injured / hurt * The country has been badly affected by recession. * Everything’s gone badly wrong!\n IDIOMS \n  badly off\n1 not having much money; poor\n2 not in a good situation:\nI’ve got quite a big room so I’m not too badly off. * Lots of people are far worse off than we are.\n  be badly off for sth (BrE) to not have enough of sth


Words: badminton
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a game like tennis played by two or four people, usually indoors. Players hit a small light kind of ball, originally with feathers around it (= a SHUTTLECOCK) across a high net using a RACKET.


Words: baffle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to confuse sb completely; to be too difficult or strange for sb to understand or explain:\n[VN] His behaviour baffles me. * [VN, VN wh-] I’m baffled as to why she hasn’t called. * I’m baffled why she hasn’t called.\n    bafflement noun [U]:\nHis reaction was one of bafflement.\n    baffling adjective:\nSome of the country’s customs are baffling to outsiders.\n    noun (technical) a screen used to control or prevent the flow of sound, light or liquid


Words: bag
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  container\n \n  1  [C] (often in compounds) a container made of paper or plastic, that opens at the top, used especially in shops/stores:\na plastic / polythene / paper bag * a laundry / mail bag * a black plastic rubbish / garbage bag\n \n  2  [C] a strong container made from cloth, plastic, leather, etc., usually with one or two handles, used to carry things in when shopping or travelling:\na shopping bag * a make-up bag * He’s upstairs unpacking his bags. * She opened her bag (= her handbag) and took out her comb.\nsee also AIR BAG, BEANBAG, BUMBAG, PUNCHBAG, SANDBAG, TEA BAG\n \n  amount\n \n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) the amount contained in a bag:\nShe ate a bag of chips.\nsee also MIXED BAG, RAGBAG\n  4  (bags (of sth)) [U, pl.] (BrE, informal) a large amount or a large number of sth:\nGet in! There’s bags of room.\n  under eyes\n  5  (bags) [pl.] dark circles or loose folds of skin under the eyes, because of old age or lack of sleep\n  unpleasant woman\n  6  [C] (informal, especially BrE) an insulting word for an unpleasant or bad-tempered older woman:\nStupid old bag!\nsee also MONEYBAGS, RATBAG, SCUMBAG, WINDBAG\n  birds / animals\n  7  [C, usually sing.] all the birds, animals, etc. shot or caught on one occasion:\nWe got a good bag today.\n HELP NOTE  There are many other compounds ending in bag. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  bag and baggage with all your possessions, especially secretly or suddenly:\nHe threw her out onto the street, bag and baggage.\n  a bag of bones (informal) a very thin person or animal:\nThe cat hadn’t been fed for weeks and was just a bag of bones.\n  be in the bag (informal) if sth is in the bag, it is almost certain to be won or achieved\n  (not) sb’s bag (informal) (not) sth that you are interested in or good at:\nPoetry isn’t really my bag.\nmore at CAT, NERVE n., PACK v., TRICK n.\n    verb (-gg-) [VN]\n  put into bags\n  1  ~ sth (up) to put sth into bags:\nThe fruit is washed, sorted and bagged at the farm.\n  catch animal\n  2  (informal) to catch or kill an animal:\nWe bagged ten fish in two hours.\n  in sport\n  3  (informal) to score a goal, point, etc:\nDublin bagged two goals in last night’s win.\n  claim sth\n  4  (BrE, informal) to claim sth as yours before sb else claims it; to take sth before sb else can get it:\nSally had managed to bag the two best seats. * Quick, bag that table over there!\n IDIOMS \n  bags (I) ... (BrE) (AmE dibs on ...) used to claim sth as yours before sb else can claim it:\nBags I sit in the front seat!


Words: bagatelle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a game played on a board with small balls that you try to hit into holes\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (literary) a small and unimportant thing or amount:\nIt cost a mere bagatelle.


Words: baggage
Meaning:
noun [U]\n \n  1  (especially AmE) = LUGGAGE:\nexcess baggage (= weighing more than the limit allowed on a plane) * baggage handlers (= people employed to load and unload baggage at airports)\n \n  2  the beliefs and attitudes that sb has as a result of their past experiences:\nThe party has now jettisoned its traditional ideological baggage.\n \n IDIOMS  see BAG n.\n______________________________\n \n WHICH WORD? \nbaggage / luggage\nLuggage is the usual word in BrE, but baggage is also used, especially in the context of the bags and cases that passengers take on a flight. In AmE baggage is usually used.\nBoth these words are uncountable nouns: Do you have a lot of luggage? * Two pieces of luggage have gone missing. * Never leave baggage unattended.\n______________________________


Words: baggage reclaim
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE baggage claim) noun\n[U] the place at an airport where you get your suitcases, etc. again after you have flown


Words: bagpipes
Meaning:
(also pipes) noun\n[pl.] (AmE also bagpipe [sing.]) a musical instrument played especially in Scotland. The player blows air into a bag held under the arm and then slowly forces the air out through pipes to produce a noise.\n \n    bagpipe adjective:\nbagpipe music


Words: baguette
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also French loaf, French stick) a LOAF of white bread in the shape of a long thick stick that is crisp on the outside and soft inside\n  2  a small baguette or part of one that is filled with food and eaten as a sandwich:\na cheese baguette


Words: bail
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] money that sb agrees to pay if a person accused of a crime does not appear at their trial. When bail has been arranged, the accused person is allowed to go free until the trial:\nCan anyone put up bail for you? * She was released on ｣2 000 bail. * Bail was set at $1 million. * He committed another offence while he was out on bail (= after bail had been agreed). * The judge granted / refused bail. * She jumped / skipped bail (= did not appear at her trial).\n \n  2  [C, usually pl.] (in cricket) either of the two small pieces of wood on top of each set of three wooden posts (called STUMPS)\n    verb (BrE also bale) to release sb on bail:\n[VN to inf] He was bailed to appear in court on 15 March. [also VN] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bail out (of sth) to jump out of a plane that is going to crash:\nThe pilot bailed out and parachuted into the sea.\n  bail out | bail sth<->out to empty water from sth by lifting it out with your hand or a container:\nHe had to stop rowing to bail water out of the boat. * The boat will sink unless we bail out.\n  bail sb<->out to pay sb’s bail for them\n  bail sb<->out (of sth) to rescue sb from a difficult situation:\nThe government had to bail the company out of financial difficulty. * Ryan’s late goal bailed out his team.


Words: bailiff
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a law officer whose job is to take the possessions and property of people who cannot pay their debts\n  2  (BrE) a person employed to manage land or a large farm for sb else\n  3  (AmE) an official who keeps order in a court of law, takes people to their seats, watches prisoners, etc.


Words: bait
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U, C]\n \n  1  food put on a hook to catch fish or in nets, traps, etc. to catch animals or birds:\nLive worms are used as bait. * The fish took the bait.\n \n  2  a person or thing that is used to catch sb or to attract them, for example to make them do what you want:\nHe had chosen the right bait to persuade her to go. * The police used him as bait to trap the killers.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to place food on a hook, in a trap, etc. in order to attract or catch an animal:\nHe baited the trap with a piece of meat.\n  2  to deliberately try to make sb angry by making cruel or insulting remarks:\nThe soldiers remained calm even though the crowd was baiting them.\n  3  (- baiting) (in compound nouns) the activity of attacking a wild animal with dogs:\nbear-baiting * badger-baiting


Words: baize
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thick woollen fabric that is usually green, used especially for covering card tables and BILLIARD, SNOOKER or POOL tables


Words: bake
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (for sb) | ~ (sb) sth to cook food in an oven without extra fat or liquid; to be cooked in this way:\n[VN] baked potatoes * [VN, VNN] I’m baking a birthday cake for Alex. * I’m baking Alex a cake. * [V] the delicious smell of baking bread\n  2  to become or to make sth become hard by heating:\n[V] The bricks are left in the kiln to bake. * [VN-ADJ] The sun had baked the ground hard. [also VN]\n  3  [V] (informal) to be or become very hot:\nWe sat baking in the sun.\nsee also HALF-BAKED


Words: baked beans
Meaning:
(AmE also Boston baked beans) noun\n[pl.] small white beans cooked in a tomato sauce and usually sold in cans


Words: baker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person whose job is baking and selling bread and cakes\n \n  2  (baker’s) (plural bakers) (BrE) a shop that sells bread and cakes:\nI’m just going to the baker’s.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  a baker’s dozen (old-fashioned) 13


Words: baking
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] the process of cooking using dry heat in an oven:\na baking dish / sheet / tin\n    adjective (also baking hot) extremely hot:\nWe waited for hours in the baking sun.


Words: balaclava
Meaning:
(also balaclava helmet) noun\n(especially BrE) a type of woollen hat that covers most of the head, neck and face:\nThe two attackers were wearing balaclavas.


Words: balalaika
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument like a guitar with a body shaped like a triangle and two, three, or four strings, popular especially in Russia


Words: balance
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  equal amounts\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (between A and B) a situation in which different things exist in equal, correct or good amounts:\nTry to keep a balance between work and relaxation. * This newspaper maintains a good balance in its presentation of different opinions. * Tourists often disturb the delicate balance of nature on the island. * His wife’s death disturbed the balance of his mind.\n  of body\n  2  [U] the ability to keep steady with an equal amount of weight on each side of the body:\nAthletes need a good sense of balance. * I struggled to keep my balance on my new skates. * She cycled round the corner, lost her balance and fell off.\n  money\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the amount that is left after taking numbers or money away from a total:\nto check your bank balance (= to find out how much money there is in your account)\n  4  [C, usually sing.] an amount of money still owed after some payment has been made:\nThe balance of $500 must be paid within 90 days.\n  instrument for weighing\n  5  [C] an instrument for weighing things, with a bar that is supported in the middle and has dishes hanging from each end\n IDIOMS \n  (on) the balance of evidence / probability (formal) (considering) the evidence on both sides of an argument, to find the most likely reason for or result of sth:\nThe balance of evidence suggests the Liberal party’s decline began before the First World War.\n  (be / hang) in the balance if the future of sth/sb, or the result of sth is/hangs in the balance, it is uncertain:\nThe long-term future of the space programme hangs in the balance. * Tom’s life hung in the balance for two weeks as he lay in a coma.\n  (catch / throw sb) off balance\n1 to make sb/sth unsteady and in danger of falling:\nI was thrown off balance by the sudden gust of wind.\n2 to make sb surprised and no longer calm:\nThe senator was clearly caught off balance by the unexpected question.\n  on balance after considering all the information:\nOn balance, the company has had a successful year.\nmore at REDRESS v., STRIKE v., SWING v., TIP v.\n    verb\n  keep steady\n  1  ~ (sth) (on sth) to put your body or sth else into a position where it is steady and does not fall:\n[V] How long can you balance on one leg? * [VN] The television was precariously balanced on top of a pile of books. * She balanced the cup on her knee.\n  be / keep equal\n  2  ~ (sth) (out) to be equal in value, amount, etc. to sth else that has the opposite effect\nSYN OFFSET:\n[VN] This year’s profits will balance our previous losses. * His lack of experience was balanced by a willingness to learn. * [V] The good and bad effects of any decision will usually balance out.\n  3  [VN] ~ A with / and B to give equal importance to two contrasting things or parts of sth:\nShe tries to balance home life and career.\n  compare\n  4  ~ A against B to compare the relative importance of two contrasting things:\nThe cost of obtaining legal advice needs to be balanced against its benefits.\n  money\n  5  [VN] (finance) to show that in an account the total money spent is equal to the total money received; to calculate the difference between the two totals


Words: balance of payments
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the difference between the amount a country pays for imports and the amount it receives for exports in a particular period of time


Words: balance of power
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  a situation in which political or military strength is divided between two countries or groups of countries:\na commitment to maintaining the balance of power in Europe\n  2  the power held by a small group which can give its support to either of two larger and equally strong groups:\nWith 18% of the votes, the Green Party now holds the balance of power in the national assembly.


Words: balance of trade
Meaning:
(also trade balance) noun\n[sing.] the difference in value between imports and exports:\na balance-of-trade deficit (= when a country spends more on imports than it earns from exports)


Words: balance sheet
Meaning:
noun\n(finance) a written statement showing the amount of money and property that a company has and listing what has been received and paid out


Words: balanced
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (approving) keeping or showing a balance so that different things or different parts of sth exist in equal or correct amounts:\nThe programme presented a balanced view of the two sides of the conflict. * a balanced diet (= one with the quantity and variety of food needed for good health)


Words: balancing act
Meaning:
noun\na process in which sb tries to please two or more people or groups who want different things:\nThe UN must perform a delicate balancing act between the different sides in the conflict.


Words: balcony
Meaning:
noun (plural balconies)\n \n  1  a platform that is built on the upstairs outside wall of a building, with a wall or rail around it. You can get out onto a balcony from an upstairs room.\n \n  2  an area of seats upstairs in a theatre\nsee also CIRCLE, FIRST BALCONY


Words: bald
Meaning:
adjective\n \n  1  having little or no hair on the head:\nHe started going bald in his twenties.\n \n  2  without any of the usual hair, marks, etc. covering the skin or surface of sth:\nOur dog has a bald patch on its leg. * a bald tyre (= a tyre whose surface has become smooth)\n \n  3  without any extra explanation or detail to help you understand or accept what is being said:\nThe bald fact is that we don’t need you any longer. * The letter was a bald statement of our legal position.\nsee also BALDLY\n    baldness noun [U]:\nHe wore a hat to hide his baldness.\n IDIOMS \n  (as) bald as a coot (BrE, informal) completely bald


Words: bald eagle
Meaning:
noun\na N American BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) with a white head and white tail feathers. The bald eagle is used as a symbol of the US.


Words: bald-faced
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving, especially AmE) making no attempt to hide your dishonest behaviour:\nbald-faced lies


Words: bale
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a large amount of a light material pressed tightly together and tied up:\nbales of hay / straw / cotton / wool\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to make sth into bales:\nThe waste paper is baled, then sent for recycling.\n  2  [VN, VN to inf] (BrE) = BAIL\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bale out | bale sth<->out | bale sb<->out (BrE) = BAIL OUT, BAIL STH OUT, BAIL SB<->OUT


Words: ball
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a round object used for throwing, hitting or kicking in games and sports:\na golf / tennis / cricket ball * Bounce the ball and try and hit it over the net.\n \n  2  a round object or a thing that has been formed into a round shape:\nThe sun was a huge ball of fire low on the horizon. * a ball of string * Some animals roll themselves into a ball for protection.\n \n  3  a kick or hit of the ball in some sports, or (in cricket) a throw of the ball by the BOWLER to the BATSMAN:\nHe sent over a high ball.\n \n  4  (in baseball) a throw by the PITCHER that the BATTER does not have to hit because it is not accurate\n  5  ~ of the foot / hand the part underneath the big toe or the thumb\n  6  [usually pl.] (!!!, informal) a TESTICLE\nsee also BALLS\n  7  a large formal party with dancing\n IDIOMS \n  a ball and chain (BrE) a problem that prevents you from doing what you would like to do\n  the ball is in your / sb’s court it is your/sb’s responsibility to take action next:\nThey’ve offered me the job, so the ball’s in my court now.\n  get / set / start / keep the ball rolling to make sth start happening; to make sure that sth continues to happen\n  have a ball (informal) to enjoy yourself a lot\n  have something / a lot on the ball (AmE, informal) to be capable of doing a job very well; to be intelligent\n  (be) on the ball to be aware of and understand what is happening and able to react quickly:\nThe new publicity manager is really on the ball.\n  play ball (with sb) (informal) to be willing to work with other people in a helpful way, especially so that sb can get what they want\n    verb\n  1  to form sth or be formed into the shape of a ball:\n[V] Her hands balled into fists. * [VN] My hands were balled into fists.\n  2  [VN] (AmE, !!!, slang) (of a man) to have sex with a woman


Words: ball bearing
Meaning:
noun\na ring of small metal balls used in a machine to enable the parts to turn smoothly; one of these small metal balls


Words: ball game
Meaning:
noun\n  1  any game played with a ball\n  2  (AmE) a game of baseball:\nAre you going to the ball game?\n IDIOMS \n  a (whole) different / new ball game (informal) a completely different kind of situation:\nCamping in summer is fun, but in winter it’s a whole different ball game.


Words: ballad
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a song or poem that tells a story:\na medieval ballad about a knight and a lady\n  2  a slow popular song about love:\nHer latest single is a ballad.


Words: ballast
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  heavy material placed in a ship or HOT-AIR BALLOON to make it heavier and keep it steady\n  2  a layer of stones that makes a strong base on which a road, railway/railroad, etc. can be built


Words: ballcock
Meaning:
noun\na device with a floating ball that controls the amount of water going into a container, for example the water TANK of a toilet


Words: ballet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a style of dancing that tells a dramatic story with music but no talking or singing:\nShe wants to be a ballet dancer. * ballet shoes\n  2  [C] a story or work of art performed by a group of ballet dancers:\n’Swan Lake’ is one of the great classical ballets.\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of dancers who work and perform ballet together:\nmembers of the Royal Ballet


Words: ballistic
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with ballistics\n IDIOMS \n  go ballistic (informal) to become very angry:\nHe went ballistic when I told him.


Words: ballistic missile
Meaning:
noun\na MISSILE that is fired into the air at a particular speed and angle in order to fall in the right place


Words: ballistics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study of things that are shot or fired through the air, such as bullets and MISSILES


Words: balloon
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a small bag made of very thin rubber that becomes larger and rounder when you fill it with air or gas. Balloons are brightly coloured and used as decorations or toys:\nto blow up / burst / pop a balloon * My balloon has burst! * A thousand balloons were released to mark the event.\n \n  2  (also hot-air balloon) a large balloon made of strong fabric that is filled with hot air or gas to make it rise in the air, usually carrying a basket for passengers\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  when the balloon goes up (BrE, informal) when the trouble that you are expecting begins:\nWe have to get out of here before the balloon goes up!\nmore at LEAD\n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (out / up) to suddenly swell out or get bigger:\nHer skirt ballooned out in the wind. * Unemployment ballooned to fourteen per cent.\n  2  (usually go ballooning) to travel in a HOT-AIR BALLOON as a sport


Words: ballot
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] the system of voting in writing and usually in secret; an occasion on which a vote is held:\nThe chairperson is chosen by secret ballot. * The union cannot call a strike unless it holds a ballot of members.\n  2  (BrE also ballot paper) [C] the piece of paper on which sb marks who they are voting for:\nWhat percentage of eligible voters cast their ballots?\n  3  (the ballot) [sing.] the total number of votes in an election:\nShe won 58.8% of the ballot.\nsee also POLL\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (on sth) to ask sb to vote in writing and secretly about sth\nSYN POLL:\nThe union balloted its members on the proposed changes.\n  2  [V] to vote secretly about sth:\nThe workers balloted for a strike.


Words: ballot box
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a box in which people put their ballots after voting\n  2  (the ballot box) [sing.] the system of voting in an election:\nThe people make their wishes known through the ballot box.


Words: ballpark
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (especially AmE) a place where baseball is played\n  2  [sing.] an area or a range within which an amount is likely to be correct or within which sth can be measured:\nThe offers for the contract were all in the same ballpark. * If you said five million you’d be in the ballpark. * Give me a ballpark figure (= a number that is approximately right).


Words: ballpoint
Meaning:
(also ballpoint pen) noun\na pen with a very small metal ball at its point, that rolls ink onto the paper\ncompare BIRO


Words: ballroom dancing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of dancing done with a partner and using particular fixed steps and movements to particular types of music such as the WALTZ


Words: balls
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (!!!, slang)\n  1  [U] (BrE) nonsense:\nThat’s a load of balls!\n  2  [pl.] courage:\nShe’s got balls, I’ll say that for her. * It took a lot of balls to do that.\n  3  (Balls!) (BrE) exclamation used as a swear word when you are are disagreeing with sth, or when you are angry about sth\n HELP NOTE  Less offensive ways to express this are ’Nonsense!’, or ’Come off it!’\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  balls sth<->up (BrE, !!!, slang) to spoil sth; to do sth very badly\nrelated noun BALLS-UP\n HELP NOTE  A more polite, informal way of saying this is foul sth up, cock sth up (slang), or bungle sth.


Words: balls-up
Meaning:
noun\n(!!! slang, especially BrE) something that has been done very badly:\nI made a real balls-up of my exams.\n HELP NOTE  A more polite, informal way of saying this is foul-up or (BrE) cock-up.


Words: balm
Meaning:
noun [U, C, usually sing.]\n  1  (also balsam) oil with a pleasant smell that is obtained from some types of trees and plants, used in the past to help heal wounds, for example\n  2  a liquid, cream, etc. that has a pleasant smell and is used to make wounds less painful or skin softer:\nHe used a skin balm after shaving.\n  3  (literary) something that makes you feel calm or relaxed:\nThe gentle music was a balm to his spirit.


Words: baloney
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (informal, especially AmE) nonsense; lies:\nDon’t give me that baloney!\n  2  (AmE) = BOLOGNA


Words: balsa
Meaning:
(also balsa wood) noun\n[U] the light wood of the tropical American balsa tree, used especially for making models


Words: balustrade
Meaning:
noun\na row of posts, joined together at the top, built along the edge of a BALCONY, bridge, etc. to prevent people from falling off, or as a decoration


Words: bamboo
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural bamboos) a tall tropical plant that is a member of the grass family and has hard hollow stems that are used for making furniture, poles, etc:\na bamboo grove * a bamboo chair * bamboo shoots (= young bamboo plants that can be eaten)


Words: ban
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-nn-) [VN] \n  1  to forbid sth officially:\nChemical weapons are banned internationally. * a campaign to ban smoking in public places\n  2  [usually passive] ~ sb from sth / from doing sth to forbid sb to do sth, go somewhere, etc., especially officially:\nHe was banned from the meeting. * She’s been banned from leaving Greece while the allegations are investigated. * (BrE) He was banned from driving for six months.\n    noun ~ (on sth) an official rule that says that sth is not allowed:\nThere is to be a total ban on smoking in the office. * to impose / lift a ban


Words: banal
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) very ordinary and containing nothing that is interesting or important:\na banal conversation about the weather


Words: banality
Meaning:
noun\n(plural banalities) [U, C] (disapproving) the quality of being banal; things, remarks, etc. that are banal:\nthe banality of modern city life * They exchanged banalities for a couple of minutes.


Words: banana
Meaning:
noun\na long curved fruit with a thick yellow skin and soft flesh, that grows on trees in hot countries:\na bunch of bananas\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  go bananas (slang) to become angry, crazy or silly:\nHe lost his job and just went bananas. * The British press has gone bananas, proclaiming the end of civilization as we know it.


Words: banana republic
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving, offensive) a small poor country with a weak government, that depends on foreign money


Words: banana skin
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) something that could cause difficulty or embarrassment, especially to sb in a public position:\nPutting even more tax on fuel could prove to be a banana skin for the government.


Words: banana split
Meaning:
noun\na cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from a BANANA that is cut in half along its length and filled with ice cream, nuts, etc.


Words: band
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  group of musicians\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a small group of musicians who play popular music together, often with a singer or singers:\na rock / jazz band * She’s a singer with a band.\n  2  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of musicians who play BRASS and PERCUSSION instruments:\na military band\nsee also BRASS BAND, MARCHING BAND, ONE-MAN BAND\n  group of people\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who do sth together or who have the same ideas:\na band of outlaws * He persuaded a small band of volunteers to help.\n  strip of material / colour\n  4  [C] a thin flat strip or circle of any material that is put around things, for example to hold them together or to strengthen them:\nShe always ties her hair back in a band. * All babies in the hospital have name bands on their wrists. * She wore a simple band of gold on her finger.\nsee also ARMBAND, HAIRBAND, HATBAND, RUBBER BAND, SWEATBAND, WAISTBAND\n  5  [C] a strip of colour or material on sth that is different from what is around it:\na white plate with a blue band around the edge\n  of radio waves\n  6  (also waveband) [C] a range of radio waves:\nShort-wave radio uses the 20-50 metre band.\n  range\n  7  [C] a range of numbers, ages, prices, etc. within which people or things are counted or measured:\nthe 25-35 age band * tax bands\n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  with colour / material\n  1  to put a band of a different colour or material around sth:\n[VN-ADJ] Many insects are banded black and yellow. [also VN]\n  put into range\n  2  (BrE) to be organized into bands of price, income, etc:\nTax is banded according to income.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  band together to form a group in order to achieve sth:\nLocal people banded together to fight the drug dealers.


Words: Band-Aid
Meaning:
noun (especially AmE)\n \n  1  = PLASTER (3)\n \n  2  (disapproving) a temporary solution to a problem that does not really solve it at all:\nThe food and clothes sent to the victims of the earthquake are only a Band-Aid solution.


Words: bandage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a strip of fabric used for tying around a part of the body that has been hurt in order to protect or support it\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (up) to wrap a bandage around a part of the body in order to protect it because it is injured:\nDon’t bandage the wound too tightly. * His injured leg was all bandaged up.


Words: bandit
Meaning:
noun\na member of an armed group of thieves who attack travellers:\nBuses driving through the mountains have been attacked by bandits.


Words: bandstand
Meaning:
noun\na covered platform outdoors, where musicians, especially a BRASS or military band, can stand and play


Words: bandwagon
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an activity that more and more people are becoming involved in:\nThe World Cup bandwagon is starting to roll.\n IDIOMS \n  climb / jump on the bandwagon (informal, disapproving) to join others in doing sth that is becoming fashionable because you hope to become popular or successful yourself:\npoliticians eager to jump on the environmental bandwagon


Words: bandy
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (of the legs) curving outwards so that the knees are wide apart:\nto be bandy-legged\n    verb (bandies, bandying, bandied, bandied)\n IDIOMS \n  bandy words (with sb) (old-fashioned) to argue with sb or speak rudely to them\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bandy sth<->about / around [usually passive] if a name, a word, a story, etc., is bandied about/around, it is mentioned frequently by many people:\nHis name was being bandied about as a future prime minister.


Words: bane
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the ~ of sb/sth something that causes trouble and makes people unhappy:\nThe neighbours’ kids are the bane of my life. * The poor train service has been the bane of commuters for years.


Words: bang
Meaning:
verb, noun, adverb, exclamation \n    verb\n  1  ~ (on) sth to hit sth in a way that makes a loud noise:\n[VN] The baby was banging the table with his spoon. * [V] She banged on the door angrily.\n  2  to close sth or to be closed with a loud noise:\n[VN] Don’t bang the door when you go out! * [V] A window was banging somewhere (= opening and closing noisily). * [V-ADJ] The door banged shut behind her.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to put sth somewhere suddenly and violently:\nHe banged the money down on the counter. * She banged saucepans around irritably.\n  4  [VN] to hit sth, especially a part of the body, against sth by accident:\nShe tripped and banged her knee on the desk.\n  5  [VN] (!!!, slang) (of a man) to have sex with a woman\n IDIOMS  see DRUM n., HEAD n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bang about / around to move around noisily:\nWe could hear the kids banging around upstairs.\n  bang into sth to crash into or hit sth by mistake:\nI banged into a chair and hurt my leg.\n  bang on about sth (BrE, informal) to talk a lot about sth in a boring way:\nHe keeps banging on about his new job.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  a sudden loud noise:\nThe door swung shut with a bang. * Suddenly there was a loud bang and a puff of smoke.\nsee also BIG BANG\n \n  2  a sudden painful blow on a part of the body:\na bang on the head\n \n  3  (bangs) [pl.] (AmE) = FRINGE (1)\n \n IDIOMS \n  with a bang (informal)\n1 very successfully:\nThe party went with a bang.\n2 in a way that everyone notices; with a powerful effect:\nThe team won their last four games, ending the season with a bang.\nmore at EARTH n., SLAP adv.\n    adverb (informal, especially BrE) exactly; completely:\nOur computers are bang up to date. * My estimate was bang on target. * You’re bang on time, as usual\nsee also SLAP BANG\n IDIOMS \n  bang goes sth (BrE, informal) used when you say that sth you hoped to have or achieve is no longer possible:\nBang went my hopes of promotion.\n  go bang (informal) to burst or explode with a loud noise; to make a sudden loud noise:\nA balloon suddenly went bang.\n IDIOMS  see RIGHT n.\n    exclamation used to show the sound of sth loud, like a gun:\n’Bang, bang, you’re dead!’ shouted the little boy.


Words: banger
Meaning:
noun (BrE, informal)\n  1  a sausage:\nbangers and mash\n  2  (AmE beater) an old car that is in bad condition:\nYou’re not still driving that old banger, are you?\n  3  a FIREWORK that makes a loud noise when it explodes


Words: bangle
Meaning:
noun\na piece of jewellery in the form of a large ring of gold, silver, etc. worn loosely around the wrist


Words: banish
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sb (from ...) (to ...) to order sb to leave a place, especially a country, as a punishment:\nHe was banished to Australia, where he died five years later. * The children were banished from the dining room.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (from sth) (written) to make sb/sth go away; to get rid of sb/sth:\nThe sight of food banished all other thoughts from my mind.


Words: banishment
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the punishment of being sent away from a place, especially from a country:\na life of banishment in an alien country


Words: banister
Meaning:
(also bannister)  noun\n(BrE also banisters [pl.]) the posts and rail at the side of a staircase:\nto hold on to the banister / banisters * The kids were sliding down the banisters.


Words: banjo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural banjos) a musical instrument like a guitar, with a long neck, a round body and four or more strings


Words: bank
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  for money\n \n  1  an organization that provides various financial services, for example keeping or lending money:\nMy salary is paid directly into my bank. * I need to go to the bank (= the local office of a bank). * a bank account / loan * a bank manager\n \n  in gambling\n \n  2  a supply of money or things that are used as money in some games, especially those in which gambling is involved\n \n  sth collected / stored\n \n  3  an amount of sth that is collected; a place where sth is stored ready for use:\na bank of knowledge * a blood / sperm bank * a databank\n  of river / canal\n  4  the side of a river, canal, etc. and the land near it:\nHe jumped in and swam to the opposite bank. * It’s on the north bank of the Thames. * They built a house on the banks of the River Severn (= on land near the river).\n  slope\n  5  a raised area of ground that slopes at the sides, often at the edge of sth or dividing sth:\nThere were low banks of earth between the rice fields. * The girls ran down the steep grassy bank.\n  6  an artificial slope built at the side of a road, so that cars can drive fast around bends\n  of cloud / snow, etc.\n  7  a mass of cloud, snow, etc., especially one formed by the wind:\nThe sun disappeared behind a bank of clouds.\n  of machines, etc.\n  8  a row or series of similar objects, especially machines:\na bank of lights / switches / computers\n IDIOMS \n  not break the bank (informal, humorous) if you say sth won’t break the bank, you mean that it won’t cost a lot of money, or more than you can afford:\nWe can just get a sandwich if you want-that won’t break the bank.\nmore at LAUGH v.\n    verb\n  money\n  1  [VN] to put money into a bank account:\nShe is believed to have banked (= been paid) ｣10 million in two years.\n  2  [V] ~ (with / at ...) to have an account with a particular bank:\nThe family had banked with Coutts for generations.\n  of plane\n  3  [V] to travel with one side higher than the other when turning:\nThe plane banked steeply to the left.\n  form piles\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (up) to form sth into piles:\nThey banked the earth (up) into a mound.\n  a fire\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (up) to pile coal, etc. on a fire so that the fire burns slowly for a long time:\nThe fire was banked up as high as if it were midwinter.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bank on sb/sth to rely on sb/sth:\nI’m banking on your help. * [+ to inf] I’m banking on you to help me. * [+ -ing] I was banking on getting something to eat on the train.\n  bank up to form into piles, especially because of the wind:\nThe snow had banked up against the wall.


Words: bank balance
Meaning:
noun\nthe amount of money that sb has in their bank account at a particular time:\nMy bank balance is always low at the end of the month.


Words: bank card
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also banker’s card) (both BrE) a plastic card provided by your bank that may be used as a CHEQUE CARD or DEBIT CARD or to get money from your account out of a machine\n  2  (AmE) a CREDIT CARD provided by your bank, that can also be used as a DEBIT CARD and to get money from your account out of a machine


Words: bank draft
Meaning:
(also banker’s draft) noun\na cheque paid by a bank to another bank or to a particular person or organization


Words: bank holiday
Meaning:
(BrE) noun\na public holiday, for example Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, etc:\nBank Holiday Monday * a bank holiday weekend (= a weekend followed by a Monday which is a holiday)\nsee also HOLIDAY\ncompare LEGAL HOLIDAY, PUBLIC HOLIDAY


Words: bank rate
Meaning:
noun\nthe rate of interest charged by a bank for lending money, which is fixed by a central bank in a country


Words: bank statement
Meaning:
(also statement) noun\na printed record of all the money paid into and out of a customer’s bank account within a particular period:\nAll transactions appear on a monthly bank statement.


Words: bankable
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) likely to make money for sb:\nThe movie’s success has made her one of the world’s most bankable stars.


Words: banker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who owns a bank or has an important job at a bank:\na merchant banker\n  2  a person who is in charge of the money in particular games


Words: banker’s order
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an instruction to your bank to pay money to sb directly from your bank account\ncompare STANDING ORDER


Words: bankroll
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] (informal, especially AmE) to support sb/sth financially:\nThey claimed his campaign had been bankrolled with drug money.\n    noun (especially AmE) a supply of money:\nHe is the candidate with the biggest campaign bankroll.


Words: bankrupt
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  without enough money to pay what you owe:\nThey went bankrupt in 1993. * The company was declared bankrupt in the High Court.\n  2  ~ (of sth) (formal, disapproving) completely lacking in anything that has value:\na government bankrupt of new ideas * a society that is morally bankrupt\n    noun (law) a person who has been judged by a court of law to be unable to pay his or her debts\n    verb [VN] to make sb bankrupt:\nThe company was almost bankrupted by legal costs.


Words: bankruptcy
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural bankruptcies) the state of being bankrupt:\nThe company filed for bankruptcy (= asked to be officially bankrupt) in 1993. * moral / political bankruptcy * There could be further bankruptcies among small farmers.


Words: banner
Meaning:
noun\na long piece of fabric with a message on it that is carried between two poles or hung in a public place to show support for sth:\nA huge banner over the street said ’Welcome home’. * Protesters carried a banner reading ’Save our Wildlife’.\n IDIOMS \n  under the banner (of sth) (written)\n1 claiming to support a particular set of ideas:\nThey fought the election under the banner of ’No new taxes’.\n2 as part of a particular group or organization:\nTroops are in the country under the banner of the United Nations.


Words: banner year
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a year in which sth is especially successful:\nIt was a banner year for Mexico’s tourist industry.


Words: banns
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] a public statement in church that two people intend to marry each other:\nto read / publish the banns


Words: banquet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a formal meal for a large number of people, usually for a special occasion, at which speeches are often made:\na state banquet in honour of the visiting President\n  2  a large impressive meal


Words: banshee
Meaning:
noun\n(in Irish stories) a female spirit who gives a long sad cry as a warning to people that sb in their family is going to die soon


Words: bantamweight
Meaning:
noun\na boxer weighing between 51 and 53.5 kilograms, or a WRESTLER who weighs between 52 and 57 kilograms, heavier than a FLYWEIGHT:\na bantamweight champion


Words: banter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] friendly remarks and jokes:\nHe enjoyed exchanging banter with the customers.\n    verb [V] ~ (with sb) to joke with sb:\nHe bantered with reporters and posed for photographers.


Words: bantering
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a way of talking) amusing and friendly:\nThere was a friendly, bantering tone in his voice.


Words: banyan
Meaning:
(also banyan tree) noun\nan Indian fruit tree with branches that grow down to the ground and form new roots


Words: baptism
Meaning:
noun\na Christian ceremony in which a few drops of water are poured on sb or they are covered with water, to welcome them into the Christian Church and often to name them\ncompare CHRISTENING\n IDIOMS \n  a baptism of fire a difficult introduction to a new job or activity


Words: Baptist
Meaning:
noun\na member of a Christian Protestant Church that believes that baptism should take place when a person is old enough to understand what it means, and not as a baby\n    Baptist adjective [usually before noun]:\na Baptist church


Words: baptize
Meaning:
(BrE also baptise)  verb\n[usually passive] to give sb BAPTISM:\n[VN-N] She was baptized Mary. * I was baptized a Catholic. [also VN] \nsee also CHRISTEN


Words: bar
Meaning:
noun, verb, preposition \n    noun\n  for drinks / food\n \n  1  [C] a place where you can buy and drink alcoholic and other drinks:\nHe’s been working at a bar called the Flamingo. * the island’s only licensed bar (= one that is allowed to sell alcoholic drinks) * a cocktail bar * The hotel has a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. * (BrE) I found David in the bar of the Red Lion (= a room in a pub where drinks are served).\nsee also BAR ROOM, LOUNGE BAR, MINIBAR, PUBLIC BAR, SALOON BAR\n \n  2  [C] a long wide wooden surface where drinks, etc. are served:\nShe was sitting at the bar. * It was so crowded I couldn’t get to the bar.\n \n  3  [C] (especially in compounds) a place in which a particular kind of food or drink is the main thing that is served:\na sandwich bar * a coffee bar\nsee also SNACK BAR, WINE BAR\n  of chocolate / soap\n  4  [C] a piece of sth with straight sides:\na bar of chocolate / soap * The kids never eat candy bars.\n  of metal / wood\n  5  [C] a long straight piece of metal or wood. Bars are often used to stop sb from getting through a space:\nHe smashed the window with an iron bar. * All the ground floor windows were fitted with bars. * a five-bar gate (= one made with five bars of wood)\nsee also SPACE BAR, TOW BAR\n  in electric fire\n  6  [C] a piece of metal with wire wrapped around it that becomes red and hot when electricity is passed through it:\nSwitch another bar on if you’re cold.\n  of colour / light\n  7  [C] a band of colour or light:\nBars of sunlight slanted down from the tall narrow windows.\n  that prevents sth\n  8  [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that stops sb from doing sth:\nAt that time being a woman was a bar to promotion in most professions.\nsee also COLOUR BAR\n  in music\n  9  (BrE) (AmE measure) [C] one of the short sections of equal length that a piece of music is divided into, and the notes that are in it:\nfour beats to the bar * Hum the opening bars of your favourite piece of music.\n  law\n  10  (the Bar) [sing.] (BrE) the profession of BARRISTER (= a lawyer in a higher court):\nto be called to the Bar (= allowed to work as a qualified BARRISTER)\n  11  (the Bar) [sing.] (AmE) the profession of any kind of lawyer\n  measurement\n  12  = MILLIBAR\nsee also SCROLL BAR\n IDIOMS \n  behind bars (informal) in prison:\nThe murderer is now safely behind bars.\n    verb (-rr-) [VN]\n  close with bars\n  1  [usually passive] to close sth with a bar or bars:\nAll the doors and windows were barred.\n  block\n  2  to block a road, path, etc. so that nobody can pass:\nTwo police officers were barring her exit. * We found our way barred by rocks.\n  prevent\n  3  ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to forbid or prevent sb from doing sth:\nThe players are barred from drinking alcohol the night before a match.\n IDIOMS  see HOLD n.\n    preposition except for sb/sth:\nThe students all attended, bar two who were ill. * It’s the best result we’ve ever had, bar none (= none was better).\n IDIOMS  see SHOUTING\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \na bar of chocolate\nIf you want to describe a whole unit of a particular substance, or a group of things that are normally together, for example when you buy them, you need to use the correct word.\na bar of soap/chocolate; a candy bar\na block of ice/stone/wood\na bolt/roll/length of fabric\na cube of ice/sugar; an ice/sugar cube\na loaf of bread\na roll of film/carpet\na slab of marble/concrete\na stick of gum\na bunch of bananas/grapes\na bunch/bouquet of flowers\na bundle of papers/sticks\na set/bunch of keys a set of chairs/glasses/clothes/guitar strings\n-> note at BIT\n______________________________


Words: bar chart
Meaning:
(AmE also bar graph) noun\na diagram which uses narrow bands of different heights to show different amounts, so that they can be compared


Words: bar code
Meaning:
noun\na pattern of thick and thin lines that is printed on things you buy. It contains information that a computer can read.


Words: bar mitzvah
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a ceremony and celebration for a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13, at which he accepts the religious responsibilities of an adult\n  2  the boy who is celebrating this occasion\ncompare BAT MITZVAH


Words: bar room
Meaning:
noun\na room in which alcoholic drinks are served at a bar:\na topic much discussed in bar rooms across the country * a bar-room brawl


Words: barb
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the point of an arrow or a hook that is curved backwards to make it difficult to pull out\n \n  2  a remark that is meant to hurt sb’s feelings:\nThe accusation that she did not trust him was a barb that hurt more than he wanted to admit.\nsee also BARBED


Words: barbarian
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person long ago in the past who belonged to a European tribe which was considered wild and UNCIVILIZED:\nbarbarian invasions of the fifth century\n  2  a person who behaves very badly and has no respect for art, education, etc.


Words: barbaric
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  cruel and violent and not as expected from people who are educated and respect each other:\na barbaric act / custom / ritual * The way these animals are killed is barbaric.\n  2  connected with a tribe of BARBARIANS (1)


Words: barbarism
Meaning:
noun [U] (written)\n  1  a state of not having any education, respect for art, etc:\nthe long, slow descent of the Roman Empire into barbarism\n  2  cruel or violent behaviour:\nthe barbarism of war


Words: barbarity
Meaning:
noun\n(plural barbarities) [U, C] behaviour that deliberately causes extreme pain or suffering to others:\nThe barbarity of the old regime was eventually exposed.


Words: barbarous
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  extremely cruel and shocking:\nthe barbarous treatment of these prisoners of war\n  2  showing a lack of education and good manners\n    barbarously adverb


Words: barbecue
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (abbreviation BBQ) (also informal barbie BrE, AustralE)\n \n  1  a metal frame for cooking food on over an open fire outdoors:\nI put another steak on the barbecue. * a barbecue sausage (= cooked in this way) * barbecue sauce (= a spicy sauce eaten with barbecue food)\n \n  2  an outdoor meal or party when food is cooked in this way:\nLet’s have a barbecue!\ncompare COOKOUT\n    verb [V, VN] to cook food on a barbecue\ncompare BROIL


Words: barbed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an arrow or a hook) having a point that is curved backwards (called a BARB)\n  2  (of a remark or comment) meant to hurt sb’s feelings


Words: barbed wire
Meaning:
noun\n[U] strong wire with short sharp points on it, used especially for fences:\na barbed wire fence


Words: barbell
Meaning:
noun\na long metal bar with weights at each end, used in the sport of WEIGHTLIFTING and for exercise


Words: barber
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to cut men’s hair and sometimes to shave them\n  2  (also barber’s) (both BrE) (plural barbers) a shop where men can have their hair cut\ncompare HAIRDRESSER


Words: barbershop
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially AmE) (BrE usually barber’s) [C] a place where a barber works\n  2  [U] a type of light music for four parts sung by men, without instruments:\na barbershop quartet


Words: barbiturate
Meaning:
noun\na powerful drug that makes you feel calm and relaxed or puts you to sleep. There are several types of barbiturate:\nHe died from an overdose of barbiturates.


Words: bare
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (barer, barest)\n  1  not covered by any clothes:\nShe likes to walk around in bare feet. * They wore shabby clothes and their feet were bare.\n  2  (of trees or countryside) not covered with leaves; without plants or trees:\nthe bare branches of winter trees * a bare mountainside * We looked out over a bare, open landscape, stripped of vegetation.\n  3  (of surfaces) not covered with or protected by anything:\nbare wooden floorboards * Bare wires were sticking out of the cable. * The walls were bare except for a clock.\n  4  (of a room, cupboard, etc.) empty:\nThe fridge was completely bare. * bare shelves * a room bare of furniture\n  5  [only before noun] just enough; the most basic or simple:\nThe family was short of even the bare necessities of life. * We only had the bare essentials in the way of equipment. * He did the bare minimum of work but still passed the exam. * She gave me only the bare facts of the case. * It was the barest hint of a smile. * Nothing more is known apart from the bare statement issued to the press. -> NAKED\n    bareness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  the bare bones (of sth) the basic facts:\nthe bare bones of the story\n  with your bare hands without weapons or tools:\nHe was capable of killing a man with his bare hands. * We pulled the wall down with our bare hands.\n  lay sth bare (written) to show sth that was covered or to make sth known that was secret:\nEvery aspect of their private lives has been laid bare.\nmore at CUPBOARD\n    verb [VN] to remove the covering from sth, especially from part of the body:\nShe was paid several thousand dollars to bare all (= take all her clothes off) for the magazine.\n IDIOMS \n  bare your soul (to sb) to tell sb your deepest and most private feelings\n  bare your teeth to show your teeth in a fierce and threatening way:\nThe dog bared its teeth and growled.


Words: barefaced
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (disapproving) showing that you do not care about offending sb or about behaving badly:\na barefaced lie * barefaced cheek


Words: barefoot
Meaning:
(also less frequent barefooted) adjective, adverb\nnot wearing anything on your feet:\npoor children going barefoot in the street


Words: barely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is just possible but only with difficulty:\nHe could barely read and write. * The music was barely audible. * She was barely able to stand. * We barely had time to catch the train.\n  2  in a way that almost does not happen or exist:\nShe barely acknowledged his presence. * There was barely any smell.\n  3  just; certainly not more than (a particular amount, age, time, etc.):\nBarely 50% of the population voted. * He was barely 20 years old and already running his own company. * They arrived barely a minute later.\n  4  only a very short time before:\nI had barely started speaking when he interrupted me. -> HARDLY


Words: bargain
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a thing bought for less than the usual price:\nI picked up a few good bargains in the sale. * The car was a bargain at that price. * bargain prices\n  2  ~ (with sb) an agreement between two or more people or groups, to do sth for each other:\nHe and his partner had made a bargain to tell each other everything. * I’ve done what I promised and I expect you to keep your side of the bargain (= do what you agreed in return). * Finally the two sides struck a bargain (= reached an agreement).\n IDIOMS \n  into the bargain (BrE) (AmE in the bargain) (used to emphasize an extra piece of information) also; as well:\nVolunteers learn a lot and enjoy themselves into the bargain.\nmore at HARD adj., STRIKE v.\n    verb [V] ~ (with sb) (about / over / for sth) to discuss prices, conditions, etc. with sb in order to reach an agreement that is satisfactory:\nHe said he wasn’t prepared to bargain. * In the market dealers were bargaining with growers over the price of coffee.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bargain sth<->away to give sth away and not get sth of equal value in return:\nThey felt that their leaders had bargained away their freedom.\n  bargain for / on sth (usually in negative sentences) to expect sth to happen and be prepared for it:\nWe hadn’t bargained for this sudden change in the weather. * When he agreed to answer a few questions, he got more than he bargained for (= he got more questions, or more difficult ones, than he had expected). * [+ -ing] I didn’t bargain on finding them here as well. * I hadn’t bargained on them being here.


Words: bargain basement
Meaning:
noun\na part of a large shop/store, usually in the floor below street level, where goods are sold at reduced prices:\nbargain-basement prices


Words: bargain hunter
Meaning:
noun\na person who is looking for goods that are good value for money, usually because they are being sold at prices that are lower than usual\n    bargain hunting noun [U]


Words: bargaining
Meaning:
noun\n[U] discussion of prices, conditions, etc. with the aim of reaching an agreement that is satisfactory:\nAfter much hard bargaining we reached an agreement with the finance committee. * wage bargaining * Exporters are in a strong bargaining position at the moment.\nsee also COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, PLEA BARGAINING


Words: bargaining counter
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE bargaining chip) noun\na fact or a thing that a person or a group of people can use to get an advantage for themselves when they are trying to reach an agreement with another group:\nOwnership of the land gives us a strong bargaining counter. * Should nuclear weapons be used as bargaining chips in arms negotiations?


Words: bargaining power
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the amount of control a person or group has when trying to reach an agreement with another group in a work, business or political situation:\nThe smaller states’ efforts to exercise their collective bargaining power against multinationals have failed.


Words: barge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a large boat with a flat bottom, used for carrying goods and people on canals and rivers\n    verb [+adv./prep.] to move in an awkward way, pushing people out of the way or crashing into them:\n[V] He barged past me to get to the bar. * [VN] They barged their way through the crowds.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  barge in (on sb/sth) to enter a place or join a group of people rudely interrupting what sb else is doing or saying:\nI hope you don’t mind me barging in like this. * He barged in on us while we were having a meeting.


Words: baritone
Meaning:
noun\na man’s singing voice with a range between TENOR and BASS; a man with a baritone voice\ncompare ALTO, BASS, TENOR


Words: barium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Ba) a chemical element. Barium is a soft silver-white metal that is often combined with other elements to form PIGMENTS.


Words: barium meal
Meaning:
noun\na substance containing barium that a doctor gives sb to swallow before an X-RAY because it makes organs in the body easier to see


Words: bark
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U, C]\n \n  1  the outer covering of a tree\n \n  2  the short loud sound made by dogs and some other animals\n \n  3  a short loud sound made by a gun or a voice:\na bark of laughter\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  sb’s bark is worse than their bite (informal) used to say that sb is not really as angry or as fierce as they sound\n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (at sb/sth) when a dog barks, it makes a short loud sound:\nThe dog suddenly started barking at us.\n  2  ~ (out) sth to give orders, ask questions, etc. in a loud, unfriendly way:\n[VN] She barked out an order. * He barked questions at her. [also V speech]\n  3  (especially BrE) to rub the skin off your knee, etc. by falling or by knocking against sth\nSYN GRAZE:\nI barked my shins when I fell on the steps.\n IDIOMS \n  be barking up the wrong tree (informal) to have the wrong idea about how to get or achieve sth:\nYou’re barking up the wrong tree if you’re expecting us to lend you any money.


Words: barker
Meaning:
noun\na person who stands outside a place where there is entertainment and shouts to people to go in


Words: barley
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant grown for its grain that is used for making food, beer and WHISKY; the grains of this plant


Words: barley water
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a drink made by boiling BARLEY in water. It is usually flavoured with orange or lemon:\nlemon barley water


Words: barman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural barmen ) (especially BrE) (AmE usually bartender) a man who works in a bar, serving drinks


Words: barn
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large farm building for storing grain or keeping animals in:\na hay barn * They live in a converted barn (= a barn that has been turned into a house).\nsee also DUTCH BARN\n \n  2  a large plain ugly building:\nThey live in a great barn of a house.\n \n  3  (AmE) a building in which buses, trucks, etc. are kept when not being used\n \n IDIOMS \n  close, etc. the barn door after the horse has escaped (AmE) = close, lock, etc. the stable door after the horse has bolted at STABLE n.


Words: barn owl
Meaning:
noun\na BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the OWL family, that often makes its nest in BARNS and other buildings


Words: barnacle
Meaning:
noun\na small shellfish that attaches itself to objects under water, for example to rocks and the bottoms of ships


Words: barnstorm
Meaning:
verb\n(especially AmE) to travel quickly through an area making political speeches, or getting a lot of attention for your organization, ideas, etc:\n[V] He barnstormed across the southern states in an attempt to woo the voters. [also VN]


Words: barnstorming
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] a barnstorming performance or show of skill in a sports game, etc. is one that people find very exciting to watch:\nThe England striker is having a barnstorming season.


Words: barometer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an instrument for measuring air pressure to show when the weather will change:\nThe barometer is falling (= showing that it will probably rain).\n  2  (written) something that shows the changes that are happening in an economic, social or political situation:\nInfant mortality is a reliable barometer of socio-economic conditions.\n    barometric  adjective:\nbarometric pressure


Words: baron
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a NOBLEMAN of the lowest rank. In Britain, barons use the title Lord; in other countries they use the title Baron.\n  2  a person who owns or controls a large part of a particular industry:\na press baron * drug / oil barons


Words: baroness
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a woman who has the same rank as a baron. In Britain, baronesses use the title Lady or Baroness:\nBaroness Thatcher\n  2  the wife of a baron


Words: baronet
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation Bart, Bt) (in Britain) a man who has the lowest rank of honour which can be passed from a father to his son when he dies. Baronets use the title Sir.\ncompare KNIGHT (2)


Words: barony
Meaning:
noun (plural baronies)\n  1  the rank or position of a BARON\n  2  an area of land that is owned and controlled by a BARON


Words: baroque
Meaning:
(also Baroque)  adjective\n[usually before noun] used to describe European architecture, art and music of the 17th and early 18th centuries that has a grand and highly decorated style:\nbaroque churches / music * the baroque period\n    baroque (also Baroque) noun [sing.]:\npaintings representative of the baroque


Words: barrack
Meaning:
verb [V, VN] \n  1  (BrE) to shout criticism or protests at players in a game, speakers at a meeting, performers, etc.\n  2  (AustralE) to shout encouragement to a person or team that you support\n    barracking noun [U]


Words: barracks
Meaning:
pl. v.] (plural barracks)\n  1  a large building or group of buildings for soldiers to live in:\nan army barracks * The troops were ordered back to barracks.\n  2  any large ugly building or buildings\n    barrack adjective [only before noun]:\na barrack unit


Words: barrage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] the continuous firing of a large number of guns in a particular direction, especially to protect soldiers while they are attacking or moving towards the enemy:\nan artillery barrage from at least 1 000 guns\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a large number of sth, such as questions or comments, that are directed at sb very quickly, one after the other, often in an aggressive way:\na barrage of questions / criticisms / complaints * the media’s barrage of attacks on the President’s wife\n  3   / AmE {speaker} ba:rId{zh} / [C] a wall or barrier built across a river to store water, prevent a flood, etc.


Words: barrel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a large round container, usually made of wood or metal, with flat ends and, usually, curved sides:\na beer / wine barrel\n \n  2  the contents of or the amount contained in a barrel; a unit of measurement in the oil industry equal to between 120 and 159 litres:\nThey got through two barrels of beer. * Oil prices fell to $9 a barrel.\n \n  3  the part of a gun like a tube through which the bullets are fired:\nTom found himself looking down the barrel of a gun. * The barrel was aimed directly at me. * He fired one barrel and then fired again.\n \n IDIOMS \n  a barrel of laughs (often ironic) very amusing; a lot of fun:\nLife hasn’t exactly been a barrel of laughs lately.\n  (get / have sb) over a barrel (informal) (to put/have sb) in a situation in which they must accept or do what you want:\nThey’ve got us over a barrel. Either we agree to their terms or we lose the money.\nmore at LOCK n., SCRAPE v.\n    verb (-l-) [V +adv./prep.] (AmE, informal) to move very fast in a particular direction, especially in a way that you cannot control:\nHe came barreling down the hill and smashed into a phone booth.


Words: barrel organ
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument that is played by turning a handle, usually played in the streets for money\nsee also ORGAN-GRINDER


Words: barren
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of land or soil) not good enough for plants to grow on it:\na barren desert * a barren landscape (= one that is bare, with few plants)\n  2  (of plants or trees) not producing fruit or seeds\n  3  (old-fashioned or formal) (of women or female animals) not able to produce children or young animals\nSYN INFERTILE\n  4  [usually before noun] not producing anything useful or successful:\nThe team will come through this barren patch and start to win again.\n    barrenness  noun [U]


Words: barricade
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a line of objects placed across a road, etc. to stop people from getting past:\nThe police stormed the barricades the demonstrators had put up. * a barricade made of doors, chairs and broken tables\n    verb [VN] to defend or block sth by building a barricade:\nThey barricaded all the doors and windows.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  barricade yourself in / inside (sth) to build a barricade in front of you in order to prevent anyone from coming in:\nHe had barricaded himself in his room.


Words: barrier
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  an object like a fence that prevents people from moving forward from one place to another:\nThe crowd had to stand behind barriers. * Show your ticket at the barrier. * The car crashed into the safety barrier and burst into flames.\nsee also CRASH BARRIER\n \n  2  ~ (to sth) a problem, rule or situation that prevents sb from doing sth, or that makes sth impossible:\nthe removal of trade barriers * Lack of confidence is a psychological barrier to success. * Cost should not be a barrier to the use of legal services. * The world of Disney is a magical experience that knows no age barriers.\n \n  3  ~ (between A and B) | ~ (against sth) something that exists between one thing or person and another and keeps them separate:\nThe Yangtze river is a natural barrier to the north-east. * There was no real barrier between reality and fantasy in his mind. * Ozone is the earth’s barrier against ultra-violet radiation. * the language barrier (= when people cannot communicate because they do not speak the same language)\n  4  a particular amount, level or number which it is difficult to get past:\nthe first player whose earnings passed the $10 million barrier


Words: barrow
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a small open vehicle with two wheels from which fruit, vegetables, etc. are sold in the street\n  2  a large pile of earth built over a place where people were buried in ancient times\n  3  = WHEELBARROW


Words: barter
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (for sth) | ~ (with sb) (for sth) to exchange goods, property, services, etc. for other goods, etc. without using money:\n[VN] The local people bartered wheat for farm machinery. * [V] The prisoners tried to barter with the guards for items like writing paper and books.\n    barter noun [U]:\nThe islanders use a system of barter instead of money.


Words: bas-relief
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a form of SCULPTURE in which the shapes are cut so that they are slightly raised from the background; a SCULPTURE made in this way


Words: base
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  lowest part\n \n  1  [C, usually sing.] the lowest part of sth, especially the part or surface on which it rests or stands:\nthe base of a column / pyramid / glass * a pain at the base of the spine * The lamp has a heavy base.\n \n  original idea / situation\n \n  2  [C] an idea, a fact, a situation, etc. from which sth is developed:\nShe used her family’s history as a base for her novel. * His arguments have a sound economic base.\n \n  of support / income / power\n \n  3  [C, usually sing.] the people, activity, etc. from which sb/sth gets most of their support, income, power, etc:\nThe party’s main power base is in the agricultural regions. * These policies have a broad base of support. * an economy with a solid manufacturing base * Our business needs to build up its customer base. * By broadening the tax base (= increasing the number of people who pay taxes) he could raise more revenue.\n  first / main substance\n  4  [C, usually sing.] the first or main part of a substance to which other things are added:\na drink with a rum base * Put some moisturizer on as a base before applying your make-up.\n  main place\n  5  [C] the main place where you live or stay or where a business operates from:\nI spend a lot of time in Britain but Paris is still my base. * The town is an ideal base for touring the area. * You can use our apartment as a base in New York. * The company has its base in New York, and branch offices all over the world.\n  of army / navy / air force\n  6  [C, U] a place where an army, a navy or an air force operates from:\na military / naval base * an air base * After the attack, they returned to base.\n  chemistry\n  7  [C] a chemical substance, for example an ALKALI, that can combine with an acid to form a salt\n  mathematics\n  8  [C, usually sing.] a number on which a system of counting and expressing numbers is built up, for example 10 in the DECIMAL system and 2 in the BINARY system\n  in baseball / rounders\n  9  [C] one of the four positions that a player must reach in order to score points\nsee also DATABASE\n IDIOMS \n  off base (AmE, informal) completely wrong about sth:\nIf that’s what you think, you’re way off base.\nmore at FIRST BASE, TOUCH v.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth / yourself in ... to use a particular city, town, etc. as the main place for a business, holiday/vacation, etc.:\nThey decided to base the new company in York. * We’re going to base ourselves in Tokyo and make trips from there.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  base sth on / upon sth to use an idea, a fact, a situation, etc. as the point from which sth can be developed:\nWhat are you basing this theory on?\nsee also BASED\n    adjective (baser, basest) (formal) not having moral principles or rules:\nHe acted from base motives.\n    basely adverb


Words: base jumping
Meaning:
(also BASE jumping) noun\n[U] the sport of jumping with a PARACHUTE from a high place such as a building or a bridge


Words: base rate
Meaning:
noun\n(finance) a rate of interest, set by a central bank, that banks in Britain use when calculating the amount of interest that they charge on money they lend\ncompare PRIME RATE


Words: baseball
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a game played especially in the US by two teams of nine players, using a bat and ball. Each player tries to hit the ball and then run around four bases before the other team can return the ball:\na baseball bat / team / stadium\ncompare ROUNDERS\n \n  2  [C] the ball used in this game


Words: baseball cap
Meaning:
noun\na cap with a long PEAK (= a curved part sticking out in front), originally worn by baseball players


Words: based
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  ~ (on sth) if one thing is based on another, it uses it or is developed from it:\nThe movie is based on a real-life incident. * The report is based on figures from six different European cities.\n  2  (also in compounds) if a person or business is based in a particular place, that is where they live or work, or where the work of the business is done:\nWe’re based in Chicago. * a Chicago-based company\n  3  (-based) (in compounds) containing sth as an important part or feature:\nlead-based paints * a class-based society\nsee also BROAD-BASED


Words: baseline
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n \n  1  (sport) a line marking each end of the court in tennis or the edge of the area where a player can run in baseball\n \n  2  (technical) a line or measurement that is used as a starting point when comparing facts:\nThe figures for 1999 were used as a baseline for the study.


Words: basement
Meaning:
noun\na room or rooms in a building, partly or completely below the level of the ground:\nKitchen goods are sold in the basement. * a basement flat / apartment


Words: bash
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (informal)\n  1  ~ (into sb/sth) to hit sb/sth very hard:\n[VN] He bashed her over the head with a hammer. * [V] I braked too late and bashed into the car in front.\n  2  [VN] to criticize sb/sth strongly:\nBashing politicians is normal practice in the press. * a liberal-bashing administration\nsee also BASHING\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bash away (on / at sth) | bash on (with sth) (BrE) to continue working hard at sth:\nHe sat bashing away at his essay all day. * We’ll never get finished at this rate. We’d better bash on.\n  bash sth<->down / in to destroy sth by hitting it very hard and often:\nThe police bashed the door down. * I’ll bash your head in if you do that again.\n  bash sth<->out to produce sth quickly and in large quantities, but not of very good quality:\nShe bashed out about four books a year.\n  bash sb up (BrE, informal) to attack sb violently\n    noun (informal)\n  1  a hard hit:\nHe gave Mike a bash on the nose.\n  2  a large party or celebration:\na birthday bash * She gave a big 40th birthday bash for her husband. * a Fourth of July bash for 1 500 guests\n IDIOMS \n  have a bash (at sth) (BrE, spoken) to try to do sth, especially when you are not sure if you will succeed:\nI’m not sure I’ll be any good but I’ll have a bash.


Words: bashful
Meaning:
adjective\nshy and easily embarrassed:\nHe was too bashful to talk about sex.\n    bashfully  adverb:\nShe smiled bashfully.\n    bashfulness noun [U]


Words: bashing
Meaning:
noun [U, C] (often in compounds)\n  1  (used especially in newspapers) very strong criticism of a person or group:\nunion-bashing\n  2  a physical attack, or a series of attacks, on a person or group of people:\ngay-bashing (= attacking homosexuals) * to give sb a bashing


Words: basic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sth) forming the part of sth that is most necessary and from which other things develop:\nbasic information / facts / ideas * the basic principles of law * Drums are basic to African music.\n  2  of the simplest kind or at the simplest level:\nThe campsite provided only basic facilities. * My knowledge of French is pretty basic.\n  3  [only before noun] necessary and important to all people:\nbasic human rights * the cost of basic foods\n  4  before anything extra is added:\nThe basic pay of the average worker has risen by 3 per cent.


Words: basically
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in the most important ways, without considering things that are less important:\nYes, that’s basically correct. * The two approaches are basically very similar. * There have been some problems but basically it’s a good system.\n  2  used when you are giving your opinion or stating what is important about a situation:\nBasically, there’s not a lot we can do about it. * He basically just sits there and does nothing all day. * And that’s it, basically.


Words: basics
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  ~ (of sth) the most important and necessary facts, skills, ideas, etc. from which other things develop:\nthe basics of computer programming * This range of books for young children covers basics like the alphabet and numbers.\n  2  the simplest and most important things that people need in a particular situation:\nSome schools lack money for basics like books and pencils.\n IDIOMS \n  go / get back to basics to think about the simple or most important ideas within a subject or an activity instead of new ideas or complicated details:\nManagers should get back to basics and examine the kind of products people really want.


Words: basilisk
Meaning:
noun\n(in ancient stories) a creature like a snake, that can kill people by looking at them or breathing on them


Words: basin
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (especially BrE) = WASHBASIN\n \n  2  a large round bowl for holding liquids or (in British English) for preparing foods in; the amount of liquid, etc. in a basin:\na pudding basin\n \n  3  an area of land around a large river with streams running down into it:\nthe Amazon Basin\n \n  4  (technical) a place where the earth’s surface is lower than in other areas of the world:\nthe Pacific Basin\n  5  a sheltered area of water providing a safe harbour for boats:\na yacht basin


Words: basis
Meaning:
1  [sing.] the reason why people take a particular action:\nShe was chosen for the job on the basis of her qualifications and ideas. * Some videos have been banned on the basis that they are too violent.\n  2  [sing.] the way things are organized or arranged:\non a regular / permanent / part-time / temporary basis * on a daily / day-to-day / weekly basis\n  3  [C, usually sing, U] the important facts, ideas or events that support sth and that it can develop from:\nThe basis of a good marriage is trust. * This article will form the basis for our discussion. * This theory seems to have no basis in fact.


Words: bask
Meaning:
verb [V] ~ (in sth)\n  1  to enjoy sitting or lying in the heat or light of sth, especially the sun:\nWe sat basking in the warm sunshine. * A cat was basking on the window sill.\n  2  to enjoy the good feelings that you have when other people praise or admire you, or when they give you a lot of attention:\nHe had always basked in his parents’ attention, but now things were different. * I never minded basking in my wife’s reflected glory (= enjoying the praise, attention, etc. she got).


Words: basket
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a container for holding or carrying things. Baskets are made of thin strips of material that bends and twists easily, for example plastic, wood, or wire:\na shopping basket * a picnic basket * a clothes / laundry basket (= in which dirty clothes are put before being washed) * a wicker / wire basket * a cat / dog basket (= in which a cat or dog sleeps or is carried around)\nsee also WASTE-PAPER BASKET\n \n  2  the amount contained in a basket:\na basket of fruit\n \n  3  the net and the metal ring it hangs from, high up at each end of a basketball court; a point that is scored by throwing the ball through this net:\nto make / shoot a basket\n  4  (economics) a number of different goods or CURRENCIES:\nthe value of the rupee against a basket of currencies\n IDIOMS  see EGG n.


Words: basket case
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  a country or an organization whose economic situation is very bad\n  2  a person who is slightly crazy and who has problems dealing with situations


Words: basketball
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a game played by two teams of five players, using a large ball which players try to throw into a high net hanging from a ring:\na basketball game / coach / team\n \n  2  [C] the ball used in this game


Words: basque
Meaning:
noun\na piece of women’s underwear that covers the body from just under the arms to the tops of the legs


Words: bass
Meaning:
noun, adjective-see also BASS\n    noun\n  1  [U] the lowest tone or part in music, for instruments or voices:\nHe always plays his stereo with the bass turned right up. * He sings bass. * a pounding bass line\ncompare TREBLE\n  2  [C] a man’s singing voice with a low range; a man with a bass voice\ncompare ALTO, BARITONE, TENOR\n  3  [sing.] a musical part that is written for a bass voice\n  4  (also bass guitar) [C] an electric guitar that plays very low notes:\na bass player * bass and drums * Jackie Carrera on (= playing) bass.\n  5  [C] = DOUBLE BASS\n    adjective [only before noun] low in tone:\na bass drum / voice * the bass clef (= the symbol in music showing that the notes following it are low)\ncompare TREBLE\n\n noun\n[C, U] (plural bass) a sea or FRESHWATER fish that is used for food:\nFresh sea bass is a great delicacy.\nsee also BASS


Words: bassoon
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument of the WOODWIND group. It is shaped like a large wooden tube with a double REED that you blow into, and produces notes with a low sound.


Words: bastard
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (!!!, slang) used to insult sb, especially a man, who has been rude, unpleasant or cruel:\nHe’s a real bastard. * You bastard! You’ve made her cry.\n  2  (BrE, slang) a word that some people use about or to sb, especially a man, who they feel very jealous of or sorry for:\nWhat a lucky bastard! * You poor bastard!\n  3  (BrE, slang) used about sth that causes difficulties or problems:\nIt’s a bastard of a problem.\n  4  (old-fashioned, disapproving) a person whose parents were not married to each other when he or she was born


Words: bastardize
Meaning:
(BrE also bastardise)  verb\n[VN] (formal) to copy sth, but change parts of it so that it is not as good as the original:\nHe accused them of bastardizing his music.


Words: baste
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to pour liquid fat or juices over meat, etc. while it is cooking\n  2  to sew pieces of fabric together temporarily with long loose stitches


Words: bastion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) a group of people or a system that protects a way of life or a belief when it seems that it may disappear:\na bastion of male privilege * a bastion of freedom\n  2  a place that military forces are defending:\nSingapore was the last bastion of British defences in South-East Asia.


Words: bat
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a piece of wood with a handle, made in various shapes and sizes, and used for hitting the ball in games such as baseball, cricket and table tennis:\na baseball / cricket bat\ncompare RACKET\n \n  2  an animal like a mouse with wings, that flies and feeds at night (= it is NOCTURNAL). There are many types of bat.\nsee also FRUIT BAT, OLD BAT, VAMPIRE BAT\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  like a bat out of hell (informal) very fast:\nShe was driving like a bat out of hell.\n  off your own bat (BrE, informal) if you do sth off your own bat, it is your own idea and you do it without help or encouragement from anyone else:\nShe made the suggestions entirely off her own bat.\n  (right) off the bat (informal, especially AmE) immediately; without delay:\nForeign aid is one of the issues we have to deal with right off the bat.\nmore at BLIND adj.\n    verb (-tt-) to hit a ball with a bat, especially in a game of cricket or baseball: [V] He bats very well. * Who’s batting first for the Orioles? [also VN] \n IDIOMS \n  bat your eyes / eyelashes to open and close your eyes quickly, in a way that is supposed to be attractive\n  bat a thousand (AmE, informal) to be very successful:\nHe’s made another sale? He’s really batting a thousand!\n  go to bat for sb (AmE, informal) to give sb help and support:\nAlthough he broke the law, I went to bat for him because I believe in him.\n  not bat an eyelid (BrE) (AmE not bat an eye) (informal) to show no surprise or embarrassment when sth unusual happens:\nShe didn’t bat an eyelid when I told her my news.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bat sth<->around (informal) to discuss whether an idea or a plan is good or not, before deciding what to do:\nIt’s just an idea we’ve been batting around.


Words: bat mitzvah
Meaning:
(also bas mitzvah) noun\n  1  a ceremony and celebration that is held for a Jewish girl between the ages of 12 and 14 at which she accepts the religious responsibilities of an adult\n  2  the girl who is celebrating this occasion\ncompare BAR MITZVAH


Words: batch
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a number of people or things that are dealt with as a group:\nEach summer a new batch of students tries to find work. * He worked his way through the batch of letters on his desk. * We deliver the goods in batches.\n  2  an amount of food, medicine, etc. produced at one time:\na batch of cookies * loaves of bread baked in batches of 20 * It is necessary to make new batches of flu vaccine whenever a different, virulent strain of flu makes an appearance.\n  3  (computing) a set of jobs that are processed together on a computer:\nto process a batch job * a batch file / program\n    verb to put things into groups in order to deal with them: [VN] The service will be improved by batching and sorting enquiries. [also V]


Words: bated
Meaning:
adjective\n IDIOMS \n  with bated breath (formal) feeling very anxious or excited:\nWe waited with bated breath for the winner to be announced.


Words: bath
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural baths )\n \n  1  [C] (BrE) (also bathtub, informal tub AmE, BrE) a large, long container that you put water in and then get into to wash your whole body\n \n  2  [C] (BrE) the water in a bath, ready to use:\na long soak in a hot bath * Please run a bath for me (= fill the bath with water).\n \n  3  [C] an act of washing your whole body by sitting or lying in water:\nI think I’ll have a bath and go to bed. * (especially AmE) to take a bath\nsee also BUBBLE BATH\n \n  4  (baths) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a public building where you can go to swim:\nMy father took me to the baths every Sunday.\nsee also SWIMMING BATH, SWIMMING POOL\n  5  [C, usually pl.] a public place where people went in the past to wash or have a bath:\nRoman villas and baths\nsee also TURKISH BATH\n  6  [C] (technical) a container with a liquid such as water or a DYE in it, in which sth is washed or placed for a period of time. Baths are used in industrial, chemical and medical processes.\nsee also BLOODBATH\n IDIOMS \n  take a bath (AmE) to lose money on a business agreement\n    verb (BrE) (AmE bathe)\n  1  [VN] to give a bath to sb:\nIt’s your turn to bath the baby.\n  2  [V] (old-fashioned) to have a bath\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nbath / bathe / swim / sunbathe\nWhen you wash yourself you can say that you bath (BrE) or bathe (AmE), but it is much more common to say have a bath (BrE)or take a bath (AmE).\nYou can also bath (BrE)or bathe (AmE) another person, for example a baby.\nYou bathe a part of your body, especially to clean a wound.\nWhen you go swimming it is old-fashioned to say that you bathe, and you cannot say that you bath or take a bath. It is more common to swim, go for a swim, have a swim or go swimming: Let’s go for a quick swim in the pool. * She goes swimming every morning before breakfast. What you wear for this activity is usually called a swimming costume in BrE and a bathing suit in AmE.\nWhen you lie in the sun in order to go brown you sunbathe. They spent the day sunbathing and swimming. _t_a_k_e_ _a_ _s_u_n_b_a_t_h_.\n______________________________


Words: bath mat
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of material that you put beside the bath to stand on when you get out\n  2  a piece of rubber that you put on the bottom of the bath so that you do not slip


Words: bathe
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  [VN] to wash sth with water, especially a part of your body:\nBathe the wound and apply a clean dressing.\n \n  2  (AmE) = BATH:\n[VN] Have you bathed the baby yet? * [V] I bathe every day. -> BATH\n \n  3  [V] (old-fashioned) to go swimming in the sea, a river, etc. for enjoyment\nsee also SUNBATHE\n \n  4  [VN] ~ sth (in sth) (literary) to fill or cover sth with light:\nA full moon bathed the countryside in a silver light.\n    noun [sing.] (BrE, formal) an act of swimming in the sea, a river, etc:\nto go for a bathe


Words: bathed
Meaning:
adjective ~ in sth\n  1  (literary) covered with light:\nThe castle was bathed in moonlight.\n  2  wet because covered with sweat or tears:\nI was so nervous that I was bathed in perspiration.


Words: bather
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (BrE) a person who is swimming in the sea, a river, etc.\n  2  (bathers) [pl.] (AustralE) = SWIMMING COSTUME, SWIMMING TRUNKS


Words: bathing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the activity of going into the sea, a river, etc. to swim:\nfacilities for bathing and boating * a safe bathing beach


Words: bathos
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) (in writing or speech) a sudden change, that is not always intended, from a serious subject or feeling to sth that is silly or not important:\na serious play with moments of comic bathos


Words: bathrobe
Meaning:
(also robe) noun\n \n  1  a loose piece of clothing worn before and after taking a bath\n \n  2  (AmE) = DRESSING GOWN


Words: bathroom
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a room in which there is a bath, a WASHBASIN and often a toilet:\nGo and wash your hands in the bathroom.\n \n  2  (AmE) a room in which there is a toilet, a SINK and sometimes a bath or shower:\nI have to go to the bathroom (= use the toilet). * Where’s the bathroom? (= for example in a restaurant) -> TOILET


Words: batik
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a method of printing patterns on fabric using WAX (=a solid substance made from fat or oil) on the parts that will not have any colour; a piece of fabric printed in this way:\na batik dress * an exhibition of batiks and sculpture


Words: baton
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially BrE) = TRUNCHEON:\na baton charge (= one made by police carrying batons, to force a crowd back)\n  2  a thin light stick used by the person (called a CONDUCTOR) who is in control of an orchestra, etc:\nThe orchestra played brilliantly under Previn’s baton.\n  3  a small light stick that one member of a team in a RELAY race passes to the next person to run:\nto pass / hand over the baton * (figurative) The President handed over the baton (= passed responsibility) to his successor.\n  4  a long stick that is held and thrown in the air by a person marching in front of a band, or by a MAJORETTE


Words: battalion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a large group of soldiers that form part of a BRIGADE\n  2  (written) a large group of people, especially an organized group with a particular purpose:\na battalion of supporters


Words: batten
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (technical) a long strip of wood that is used to keep other building materials in place on a wall or roof\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  batten down the hatches\n1 to prepare yourself for a period of difficulty or trouble:\nA natural tendency in times of recession is to batten down the hatches and think about our own needs.\n2 (on a ship) to firmly shut all the entrances to the lower part, especially because a storm is expected\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  batten sth<->down to fix sth firmly in position with wooden boards:\nHe was busy battening down all the shutters and doors.\n  batten on sb (BrE, disapproving, formal) to live well by using other people’s money, etc.


Words: batter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [often passive] ~ (at / on) sth to hit sb/sth hard many times, especially in a way that causes serious damage:\n[V] She battered at the door with her fists. * [VN] He had been badly battered about the head and face. * Somebody had battered her to death. * Severe winds have been battering the north coast.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  batter sth<->down to hit sth hard many times until it breaks or comes down:\nThe police had to batter the door down.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U, C] a mixture of eggs, milk and flour used in cooking to cover food such as fish or chicken before you fry it, or to make PANCAKES\n \n  2  [U, C] (AmE) a mixture of eggs, milk, flour, etc. used for making cakes\n \n  3  [C] (AmE) (in baseball) the player who is hitting the ball


Words: battered
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  old, used a lot, and not in very good condition:\na battered old car\n  2  [usually before noun] attacked violently and injured; attacked and badly damaged by weapons or by bad weather:\nbattered women / children * The child had suffered what has become known as ’battered baby syndrome.’ * Rockets and shells continued to hit the battered port. * After the hurricane, thousands were rescued from the battered coastal towns.


Words: battering
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] a violent attack that injures or damages sb/sth:\nwife battering * (figurative) The film took a battering from critics in the US.


Words: battery
Meaning:
noun (plural batteries)\n \n  1  [C] a device that is placed inside a car engine, clock, radio, etc. and that produces the electricity that makes it work:\nto replace the batteries * a rechargeable battery * battery-powered / -operated * a car battery * The battery is flat (= it is no longer producing electricity).\n \n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) (written) a large number of things or people of the same type:\nHe faced a battery of questions. * a battery of reporters\n \n  3  [C] (technical) a number of large guns that are used together\n \n  4  [C] (BrE) (often used as an adjective) a number of small cages that are joined together and are used for keeping chickens, etc. in on a farm:\na battery hen * battery eggs\ncompare FREE-RANGE\n  5  [U] (law) the crime of attacking sb physically\nsee also ASSAULT AND BATTERY\n IDIOMS  see RECHARGE


Words: battery farm
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a farm where large numbers of chickens or other animals are kept in very small cages or crowded conditions\ncompare FACTORY FARM, FREE-RANGE\n    battery farming noun [U]


Words: battle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] a fight between armies, ships or planes, especially during a war; a violent fight between groups of people:\nthe battle of Waterloo * to be killed in battle * a gun battle * to go into battle\nsee also PITCHED BATTLE\n  2  [C] ~ (with sb) (for sth) a competition, an argument or a struggle between people or groups of people trying to win power or control:\na legal battle for compensation * a battle with an insurance company * a battle of wits (= when each side uses their ability to think quickly to try to win) * a battle of wills (= when each side is very determined to win) * the battle of the sexes * the endless battle between man and nature\n  3  [C, usually sing.] ~ (against / for sth) a determined effort that sb makes to solve a difficult problem or succeed in a difficult situation:\nher long battle against cancer * to fight an uphill battle against prejudice * a battle for survival * his battle with alcoholism\n IDIOMS \n  the battle lines are drawn used to say that people or groups have shown which side they intend to support in a dispute or contest that is going to begin\n  do battle (with sb) (over sth) to fight or argue with sb:\nHe was quite prepared to do battle with his boss over his promotion.\n  half the battle the most important or difficult part of achieving sth:\nWhen you’ve got a difficult day ahead, getting a good night’s sleep is often half the battle.\nmore at FIGHT v., JOIN v.\n    verb ~ (with / against sb/sth) (for sth) to try very hard to achieve sth difficult or to deal with sth unpleasant or dangerous: [V] She’s still battling with a knee injury. * Both teams battled hard. * The two leaders are battling for control of the government. * We had to battle against the elements to reach safety. * It’s vital that we keep battling away at the problem. * I had to battle hard just to stay afloat. * [VN] The two sides will battle it out in the final next week. * (AmE) He battled cancer for four years.


Words: battle cry
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a shout that soldiers used to give in battle to encourage their own army or to frighten the enemy\n  2  a word or phrase used by a group of people who work together for a particular purpose, especially a political one


Words: battle-scarred
Meaning:
adjective\na person or place that is battle-scarred has been in a war or fight and shows the signs of injury or damage:\nthe battle-scarred regions in the north of the country


Words: battleaxe
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE battleax)  noun\n  1  (informal, disapproving) a fierce and unpleasant older woman:\nMy landlady is an old battleaxe and has far too many house rules.\n  2  a heavy AXE with a long handle, used in the past as a weapon


Words: battlefield
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a place where a battle is being fought or has been fought:\nheavy casualties on the battlefield\n  2  a subject that people feel strongly about and argue about


Words: battlements
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] a low wall around the top of a castle with spaces in it that people inside could shoot through


Words: battleship
Meaning:
noun\na very large ship used in war, with big guns and heavy ARMOUR (= metal plates that cover the ship to protect it)


Words: batty
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, especially BrE) (of people or ideas) slightly crazy, in a harmless way:\na batty old man


Words: bauble
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a piece of jewellery that is cheap and has little artistic value\n \n  2  (BrE) a decoration for a Christmas tree in the shape of a ball


Words: Bauhaus
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a style and movement in German architecture and design in the early 20th century that was influenced by the methods and materials used in industry and placed emphasis on how things would be used


Words: baulk
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE usually balk)  verb\n  1  [V] ~ (at sth) to be unwilling to do sth or become involved in sth because it is difficult, dangerous, etc:\nMany parents may baulk at the idea of paying $100 for a pair of shoes. * He baulked for a moment. ’I can’t afford it,’ he finally admitted.\n  2  [V] ~ (at sth) (of a horse) to stop suddenly and refuse to jump a fence, etc.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (of sth) [usually passive] (formal) to prevent sb from getting sth or doing sth:\nShe looked like a lion baulked of its prey.


Words: bawdy
Meaning:
adjective\n(bawdier, bawdiest) (old-fashioned) (of songs, plays, etc.) loud, and dealing with sex in an amusing way


Words: bawl
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (at sb) | ~ (sth) (out) to shout loudly, especially in an unpleasant or angry way:\n[V] She bawled at him in front of everyone. * Some noisy students were bawling for more food. * [VN] He sat in his office bawling orders at his secretary. * [V speech] ’Get in here now!’ she bawled.\n  2  to cry loudly, especially in an unpleasant and annoying way:\n[V] A child was bawling in the next room. * [VN] He was bawling his eyes out (= crying very loudly). [also V speech]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bawl sb<->out (informal) to speak angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong:\nThe teacher bawled him out for being late.


Words: bay
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a part of the sea, or of a large lake, enclosed by a wide curve of the shore:\nthe Bay of Bengal * Hudson Bay * a magnificent view across the bay\n \n  2  a marked section of ground either inside or outside a building, for example for a vehicle to park in, for storing things, etc:\na parking / loading bay * Put the equipment in No 3 bay.\nsee also SICKBAY\n \n  3  a curved area of a room or building that sticks out from the rest of the building\n \n  4  a horse of a dark brown colour:\nHe was riding a big bay.\n  5  a deep noise, especially the noise made by dogs when hunting\n IDIOMS \n  at bay when an animal that is being hunted is at bay, it must turn and face the dogs and HUNTERS because it is impossible to escape from them\n  hold / keep sb/sth at bay to prevent an enemy from coming close or a problem from having a bad effect:\nI’m trying to keep my creditors at bay. * Charlotte bit her lip to hold the tears at bay.\n    verb [V] \n  1  (of a dog or WOLF) to make a long deep sound, especially while hunting:\na pack of baying hounds\n  2  ~ (for sth) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to demand sth in a loud and angry way:\nThe referee’s decision left the crowd baying for blood (= threatening violence towards him).\n    adjective (of a horse) dark brown in colour:\na bay mare


Words: bay tree
Meaning:
noun\na small tree with dark green leaves with a sweet smell that are used in cooking\nsee also BAY LEAF


Words: bay window
Meaning:
noun\na large window, usually with glass on three sides, that sticks out from the outside wall of a house


Words: bayonet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  a long, sharp knife that is fastened onto the end of a RIFLE and used as a weapon in battle\n    verb  [VN] to push a bayonet into sb in order to kill them:\nInnocent civilians had been shot and bayoneted.


Words: bayou
Meaning:
noun\na branch of a river in the southern US that moves very slowly and has many plants growing in it


Words: bazaar
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in some eastern countries) a street or an area of a town where there are many small shops\n  2  (in Britain, the US, etc.) a sale of goods, often items made by hand, to raise money for a charity or for people who need help


Words: bazooka
Meaning:
noun\na long gun, shaped like a tube, which is held on the shoulder and used to fire rockets at military vehicles


Words: BBC
Meaning:
abbreviation\nBritish Broadcasting Corporation. The BBC is a national company which broadcasts television and radio programmes and which is paid for by the public and not by advertising:\nThe news is on BBC1 at 9. * BBC Radio 5


Words: BC
Meaning:
(AmE B.C.)  abbreviation\nbefore Christ (used in the Christian CALENDAR to show a particular number of years before the year when Christ is believed to have been born):\nin (the year) 2000 BC * the third century BC\ncompare AD, BCE, CE


Words: BCE
Meaning:
(also B.C.E. especially in AmE) abbreviation\nbefore the Common Era (= before the birth of Christ, when the Christian CALENDAR starts counting years. BCE can be used to give dates in the same way as BC):\nin (the year) 2 000 BCE * the third century BCE\ncompare AD, BC, CE


Words: be
Meaning:
verb, auxiliary verb\n    verb\n  1  linking verb [V-N] there is / are to exist; to be present:\nIs there a God? * Once upon a time there was a princess ... * I tried phoning but there was no answer. * There’s a bank down the road. * Was there a pool at the hotel?\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to be situated; to be in a place:\nThe town is three miles away. * If you’re looking for your file, it’s on the table. * Mary’s upstairs.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to happen at a time or in a place:\nThe party is on Friday evening. * The meetings are always in the main conference room.\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to remain in a place:\nShe has been in her room for hours. * They’re here till Christmas.\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] to attend an event; to be present in a place:\nI’ll be at the party. * He’ll be here soon (= will arrive soon).\n  6  [V +adv./prep.] (only used in the perfect tenses) to visit or call:\nI’ve never been to Spain. * He had been abroad many times. * (BrE) Has the postman been yet? * (AmE) Has the mailman come yet?\n  7  [V] ~ from ... used to say what sb’s native country, home town, etc. is:\nShe’s from Italy.\n  8  linking verb used when you are naming people or things, describing them or giving more information about them:\n[V-N] Today is Monday. * ’Who is that?’ ’It’s my brother.’ * She’s a great beauty. * Susan is a doctor. * He wants to be (= become) a pilot when he grows up. * [V-ADJ] It’s beautiful! * Life is unfair. * He is ten years old. * ’How are you?’ ’I’m very well, thanks.’ * Be quick! * [V (that)] The fact is (that) we don’t have enough money. * [V -ing, V to inf] The problem is getting it all done in the time available. * The problem is to get it all done in the time available.\n  9  linking verb it is / was used when you are describing a situation or saying what you think about it:\n[V-ADJ] It was really hot in the sauna. * It’s strange how she never comes to see us any more. * He thinks it’s clever to make fun of people. * [V-N] It would be a shame if you lost it. * It’s going to be a great match.\n  10  linking verb it is / was used to talk about time:\n[V-N] It’s two thirty. * [V-ADJ] It was late at night when we finally arrived.\n  11  linking verb [V-N] used to say what sth is made of:\nIs your jacket real leather?\n  12  linking verb [V] ~ mine, yours, etc. | ~ for me, you, etc. used to say who sth belongs to or who it is intended for:\nThe money’s not yours, it’s John’s. * This package is for you.\n  13  linking verb [V-N] to cost:\n’How much is that dress?’ ’Eighty dollars.’\n  14  linking verb [V-N] to be equal to:\nThree and three is six. * How much is a thousand pounds in euros? * Let x be the sum of a and b. * London is not England (= do not think that all of England is like London).\n  15  linking verb [V-N] ~ everything, nothing, etc. (to sb) used to say how important sth is to sb:\nMoney isn’t everything (= it is not the only important thing). * A thousand dollars is nothing to somebody as rich as he is.\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing be are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example be the death of sb is at death.\n  the be-all and end-all (of sth) (informal) the most important part; all that matters:\nHer career is the be-all and end-all of her existence.\n  as / that was as sb/sth used to be called:\nJill Davis that was (= before her marriage) * the Soviet Union, as was\n  (he, she, etc. has) been and done sth (BrE, informal) used to show that you are surprised and annoyed by sth that sb has done:\nSomeone’s been and parked in front of the entrance!\nsee also GO AND DO STH\n  if it wasn’t / weren’t for ... used to say that sb/sth stopped sb/sth from happening:\nIf it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be alive today.\n  leave / let sb/sth be to leave sb/sth alone without disturbing them or it:\nLeave her be, she obviously doesn’t want to talk about it. * Let the poor dog be (= don’t annoy it).\n  -to-be (in compounds) future:\nhis bride-to-be * mothers-to-be (= pregnant women)\n    auxiliary verb\n  1  used with a past participle to form the passive:\nHe was killed in the war. * Where were they made? * The house was still being built. * You will be told what to do.\n  2  used with a present participle to form progressive tenses:\nI am studying Chinese. * I’ll be seeing him soon. * What have you been doing this week? * I’m always being criticized.\n  3  used to make QUESTION TAGS (= short questions added to the end of statements):\nYou’re not hungry, are you? * Ben’s coming, isn’t he? * The old theatre was pulled down, wasn’t it?\n  4  used to avoid repeating the full form of a verb in the passive or a progressive tense:\nKaren wasn’t beaten in any of her games, but all the others were. * ’Are you coming with us?’ ’No, I’m not.’\n  5  ~ to do sth used to say what must or should be done:\nI am to call them once I reach the airport. * You are to report this to the police. * What is to be done about this problem?\n  6  ~ to do sth used to say what is arranged to happen:\nThey are to be married in June.\n  7  ~ to do sth used to say what happened later:\nHe was to regret that decision for the rest of his life (= he did regret it).\n  8  ~ not, never, etc. to be done used to say what could not or did not happen:\nAnna was nowhere to be found (= we could not find her anywhere). * He was never to see his wife again (= although he did not know it would be so at the time, he did not see her again). * She wanted to write a successful novel, but it was not to be (= it turned out never to happen).\n  9  if sb / it were to do sth ... | were sb / it to do sth ... (formal) used to express a condition:\nIf we were to offer you more money, would you stay? * Were we to offer you more money, would you stay?


Words: be-
Meaning:
prefix\n  1  (in verbs) to make or treat sb/sth as:\nDon’t belittle his achievements (= say they are not important). * An older girl befriended me.\n  2  (in adjectives ending in -ed) wearing or covered with:\nheavily bejewelled fingers * bespattered with mud\n  3  (in verbs and adjectives ending in -ed) to cause sth to be:\nThe ship was becalmed. * The rebels besieged the fort.\n  4  used to turn INTRANSITIVE verbs (= without an object) into TRANSITIVE verbs (= with an object):\nShe is always bemoaning her lot.


Words: beach
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n an area of sand, or small stones (called SHINGLE), beside the sea or a lake:\ntourists sunbathing on the beach * a sandy / pebble / shingle beach * a beach bar -> COAST\n    verb to come or bring sth out of the water and onto the shore: [VN] He beached the boat and lifted the boy onto the shore. * a beached whale (= a whale that has become stuck on the shore and cannot get back into the water) [also V]


Words: beachcomber
Meaning:
noun\na person who walks along beaches collecting interesting or valuable things, either for pleasure or to sell


Words: beachhead
Meaning:
noun\na strong position on a beach from which an army that has just landed prepares to go forward and attack\nsee also BRIDGEHEAD


Words: beacon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a light that is placed somewhere to guide vehicles and warn them of danger:\na navigation beacon * (figurative) He was a a beacon of hope for the younger generation.\nsee also BELISHA BEACON\n  2  a radio station whose signal helps ships and aircraft to find their position:\nThe plane was guided in by radio beacon.\n  3  (in the past) a fire lit on top of a hill as a signal


Words: bead
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small piece of glass, wood, etc. with a hole through it, that can be put on a string with others of the same type and worn as jewellery, etc:\na necklace of wooden beads * A bead curtain separated the two rooms.\nsee also WORRY BEADS\n  2  (beads) [pl.] a ROSARY:\nIn one of the pews a woman was fingering her beads.\n  3  [C] a small drop of liquid:\nThere were beads of sweat on his forehead.


Words: beaded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  decorated with beads:\na beaded dress\n  2  ~ with sth with small drops of a liquid on it:\nHis face was beaded with sweat.


Words: beading
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a strip of wood, stone or plastic with a pattern on it, used for decorating walls, doors and furniture\n  2  BEADS that are sewn together and used as a decoration on clothes


Words: beady
Meaning:
adjective\n(of eyes) small, round and bright; watching everything closely or with suspicion: (BrE) I shall certainly keep a beady eye on his behaviour. * I could just see the bird’s open beak and small beady eyes.


Words: beak
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the hard pointed or curved outer part of a bird’s mouth\nSYN BILL:\nThe gull held the fish in its beak.\n \n  2  (humorous) a person’s nose, especially when it is large and/or pointed\n \n  3  (old-fashioned, BrE, slang) a person in a position of authority, especially a judge


Words: beaked
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually in compounds) having a beak, or the type of beak mentioned:\nflat-beaked * beaked whales


Words: beaker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) a plastic or paper cup, often without a handle, used for drinking from\n \n  2  (BrE) the amount contained in a beaker:\na beaker of coffee\n \n  3  a glass cup with straight sides and a lip, used in chemistry, for example for measuring liquids


Words: beam
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a line of light, electric waves or PARTICLES:\nnarrow beams of light / sunlight * the beam of a torch / flashlight * a laser / electron beam * (BrE) The approaching car’s headlights were on full beam (= shining as brightly as possible and not directed downwards). * (AmE) a car with its high beams on\n \n  2  a long piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support weight, especially as part of the roof in a building:\nThe cottage had an original fireplace and exposed oak beams.\n \n  3  (especially BrE) (AmE usually the balance beam) a wooden bar that is used in the sport of GYMNASTICS for people to move and balance on:\nThe gymnast performed a somersault on the beam.\n \n  4  a wide and happy smile:\na beam of satisfaction\n IDIOMS \n  off beam (informal) not correct; wrong:\nYour calculation is way off beam.\n    verb\n  1  [no passive] ~ (sth) (at sb) to have a big happy smile on your face:\n[V] He beamed at the journalists. * She was positively beaming with pleasure. * [VN] The barman beamed a warm smile at her. * His broad face beamed a hearty welcome. * [V speech] ’I’d love to come,’ she beamed (= said with a large smile).\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to send radio or television signals over long distances using electronic equipment:\nLive pictures of the ceremony were beamed around the world.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to produce a ray of light and/or heat:\nThe morning sun beamed down on us. * Light beamed through a hole in the curtain.\n IDIOMS  see EAR


Words: bean
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a seed, or POD containing seeds, of a climbing plant, eaten as a vegetable. There are several types of bean and the plants that they grow on are also called beans:\nbroad beans * runner beans * beans (= BAKED BEANS) on toast\n \n  2  (usually in compounds) a seed from a coffee plant, or some other plants:\ncoffee / cocoa beans\nsee also JELLY BEAN\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  full of beans / life having a lot of energy\n  not have a bean (BrE, informal) to have no money\nmore at HILL, SPILL v.


Words: bean counter
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who works with money, for example as an accountant and who wants to keep strict control of how much money a company spends:\na corporate bean counter keeping track of every penny


Words: beanbag
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a very large bag made of fabric and filled with small pieces of plastic, used for sitting on\n  2  a small bag made of fabric filled with dried beans and used as a ball


Words: bear
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (bore )\n  accept / deal with\n  1  (used with can / could in negative sentences and questions) to be able to accept and deal with sth unpleasant\nSYN STAND:\n[VN] The pain was almost more than he could bear. * She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. * [V -ing] I can’t bear having cats in the house. * [V to inf] How can you bear to eat that stuff? * [V -ing, V to inf] He can’t bear being laughed at. * He can’t bear to be laughed at. [also VN -ing]\n  not be suitable\n  2  not ~ sth / doing sth to not be suitable for sth:\n[VN] Her later work does not bear comparison with her earlier novels (= because it is not nearly as good). * The plan won’t bear close inspection (= it will be found to be not satisfactory when carefully examined). * [V -ing] The joke doesn’t bear repeating (= because it is not funny or may offend people). * His sufferings don’t bear thinking about (= because they are so terrible).\n  be responsible for sth\n  3  [VN] (written) to take responsibility for sth:\nShe bore the responsibility for most of the changes. * Do parents have to bear the whole cost of tuition fees? * You shouldn’t have to bear the blame for other people’s mistakes.\n  negative feeling\n  4  ~ sth (against / towards sb) | ~ sb sth (written) to have a feeling, especially a negative feeling:\n[VN] He bears no resentment towards them. * [VNN] She bore him no ill will. * [VN, VNN] He’s borne a grudge against me ever since that day. * He’s borne me a grudge ever since that day.\n  support weight\n  5  [VN] to support the weight of sb/sth:\nThe ice is too thin to bear your weight.\n  show\n  6  [VN] (written) to show sth; to carry sth so that it can be seen:\nThe document bore her signature. * He was badly wounded in the war and still bears the scars. * She bears little resemblance to (= is not much like) her mother. * The title of the essay bore little relation to (= was not much connected with) the contents.\n  name\n  7  [VN] (formal) to have a particular name:\na family that bore an ancient and honoured name\n  carry\n  8  [VN] (old-fashioned or formal) to carry sb/sth, especially while moving:\nthree kings bearing gifts\n  yourself\n  9  [VN] ~ yourself well, etc. (written) to move, behave or act in a particular way:\nHe bears himself (= stands, walks, etc.) proudly, like a soldier. * She bore herself with dignity throughout the funeral.\n  child\n  10  (formal) to give birth to a child:\n[VN] She was not able to bear children. * [VNN] She had borne him six sons.\n  of trees / plants\n  11  [VN] (formal) to produce flowers or fruit\n  turn\n  12  [V] ~ (to the) left, north, etc. to go or turn in the direction mentioned:\nWhen you get to the fork in the road, bear right.\n IDIOMS \n  bear arms (old use) to be a soldier; to fight\n  bear fruit to have a successful result\n  bear hard, heavily, severely, etc. on sb (formal) to be a cause of difficulty or suffering to sb:\nTaxation bears heavily on us all.\n  be borne in on sb (formal, especially BrE) to be realized by sb, especially after a period of time:\nIt was gradually borne in on us that defeat was inevitable.\n  bring sth to bear (on sb/sth) (formal) to use energy, pressure, influence, etc. to try to achieve sth or make sb do sth:\nWe must bring all our energies to bear upon the task. * Pressure was brought to bear on us to finish the work on time.\nmore at CROSS n., BRUNT, GRIN v., MIND n., WITNESS n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bear down on sb/sth\n1 (especially BrE) to move quickly towards sb/sth in a determined or threatening way\n2 (especially AmE) to press on sb/sth:\nBear down on it with all your strength so it doesn’t move.\n  bear on sth (written) to relate to sth\nSYN AFFECT:\nThese are matters that bear on the welfare of the community.\n  bear sb/sth<->out (especially BrE) to show that sb is right or that sth is true:\nThe other witnesses will bear me out. * The other witnesses will bear out what I say.\n  bear up (against / under sth) to remain as cheerful as possible during a difficult time:\nHe’s bearing up well under the strain of losing his job. * ’How are you?’ ’Bearing up.’\n  bear with sb/sth to be patient with sb/sth:\nShe’s under a lot of strain. Just bear with her. * If you will bear with me (= be patient and listen to me) a little longer, I’ll answer your question.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  a heavy wild animal with thick fur and sharp CLAWS (= pointed parts on the ends of its feet). There are many types of bear:\na black bear\nsee also GRIZZLY BEAR, POLAR BEAR, TEDDY BEAR\n \n  2  (finance) a person who sells shares in a company, etc., hoping to buy them back later at a lower price:\na bear market (= in which share prices are falling)\ncompare BULL\nsee also BEARISH\n IDIOMS \n  like a bear with a sore head (informal) bad-tempered:\nI should keep out of his way. He’s like a bear with a sore head this morning.


Words: bearable
Meaning:
adjective\na person or thing that is bearable can be accepted or dealt with:\nShe was the only thing that made life bearable.\nOPP UNBEARABLE


Words: beard
Meaning:
noun, verb \n \n    noun [C, U] hair that grows on the chin and cheeks of a man’s face; similar hair that grows on some animals:\nHe has decided to grow a beard and a moustache. * a week’s growth of beard * a goat’s beard * a false beard\ncompare MOUSTACHE\n \n    bearded adjective:\na bearded face / man\n    verb [VN] \n IDIOMS \n  to beard the lion in his den to go to see an important or powerful person to tell them that you disagree with them, that you want sth, etc.


Words: bearer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job it is to carry sth, especially at a ceremony:\ncoffin bearers * sword / cross / torch bearers\nsee also PALL-BEARER, STANDARD-BEARER, STRETCHER-BEARER\n  2  a person who brings a message, a letter, etc:\nI’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news.\n  3  (formal) a person who has sth with them or is the official owner of sth, such as a document:\nA pass will allow the bearer to enter the building.\n  4  a person who has knowledge of sth, such as an idea or a tradition, and makes sure that it is not forgotten, by teaching others about it:\nIn many societies, women play an important role as bearers of cultures and traditions.


Words: bearing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ on sth the way in which sth is related to sth or influences it:\nRecent events had no bearing on our decision. * Regular exercise has a direct bearing on fitness and health. * Her comments didn’t have much bearing on the subject.\n  2  [sing.] the way in which you stand, walk or behave:\nHer whole bearing was alert. * a man of upright, military bearing\n  3  [C] (technical) a direction measured from a fixed point using a COMPASS:\nThey took compass bearings on the tower.\n  4  [C] (technical) a part of a machine that supports a moving part, especially one that is turning\nsee also BALL BEARING\n IDIOMS \n  get / find / take your bearings to make yourself familiar with your surroundings in order to find out where you are or to feel comfortable in a place:\nHe paused at the top of the hill, trying to get his bearings.\n  lose your bearings to become lost or confused


Words: bearish
Meaning:
adjective\n(finance) showing or expecting a fall in the prices of SHARES:\na bearish market * Japanese banks remain bearish.\ncompare BULLISH


Words: bearskin
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the skin and fur of a bear:\na bearskin rug\n \n  2  a tall hat of black fur worn for special ceremonies by some British soldiers


Words: beast
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (old-fashioned or formal) an animal, especially one that is large or dangerous, or one that is unusual:\nwild / savage / ferocious beasts * mythical beasts such as unicorns and dragons\n  2  a person who is cruel and whose behaviour is uncontrolled\n  3  (informal, often humorous) an unpleasant person or thing:\nThe maths exam was a real beast.\n  4  (informal) a thing of a particular kind:\nHis new guitar is a very expensive beast.


Words: beastly
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned, BrE, informal) unpleasant\nSYN HORRIBLE, NASTY:\nDon’t be so beastly to him! * This car’s been nothing but trouble-I wish I’d never bought the beastly thing!\n    beastliness noun [U]


Words: beat
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb (beat, beaten )\n  in game\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (at sth) to defeat sb in a game or competition:\nHe beat me at chess. * Their recent wins have proved they’re still the ones to beat (= the most difficult team to beat).\n  control\n  2  [VN] to get control of sth\nSYN DEFEAT:\nThe government’s main aim is to beat inflation.\n  be too difficult\n  3  to be too difficult for sb\nSYN DEFEAT:\n[VN] a problem that beats even the experts * [VN wh-] It beats me (= I don’t know) why he did it. * What beats me is how it was done so quickly (= I don’t understand how).\n  be better\n  4  [VN] to do or be better than sth:\nNothing beats home cooking. * You can’t beat Italian shoes. * They want to beat the speed record (= go faster than anyone before).\n  avoid\n  5  [VN] to avoid sth:\nIf we go early we should beat the traffic. * We were up and off early to beat the heat.\n  hit\n  6  to hit sb/sth many times, usually very hard: [V, +adv./prep.] Somebody was beating at the door. * Hailstones beat against the window. * [VN]   [often +adv./prep.] Someone was beating a drum. * She was beating dust out of the carpet (= removing dust from the carpet by beating it). * An elderly man was found beaten to death. * At that time children were regularly beaten for quite minor offences (= a punishment). * The prisoners were beaten into submission (= they were beaten until they did what was wanted). * [VN-ADJ] They beat him unconscious (= hit him until he became unconscious).\n  of heart / drums / wings\n  7  to make, or cause sth to make, a regular sound or movement:\n[V] She’s alive-her heart is still beating. * We heard the drums beating. * [VN] The bird was beating its wings (= moving them up and down) frantically.\n  mix\n  8  [VN] ~ sth (up) | ~ A and B together to mix sth with short quick movements with a fork, etc:\nBeat the eggs up to a frothy consistency. * Beat the flour and milk together.\n  shape metal\n  9  ~ sth (out) (into sth) to change the shape of sth, especially metal, by hitting it with a hammer, etc:\n[VN] beaten silver * The gold is beaten out into thin strips. * [VN-ADJ] The metal had been beaten flat.\n  make path\n  10  [VN] ~ sth (through, across, along, etc. sth) to make a path, etc. by walking somewhere or by pressing branches down and walking over them:\na well-beaten track (= one that has been worn hard by much use) * The hunters beat a path through the undergrowth.\n IDIOMS \n  beat about the bush (BrE) (AmE beat around the bush) to talk about sth for a long time without coming to the main point:\nStop beating about the bush and tell me what you want.\n  beat sb at their own game to defeat or do better than sb in an activity which they have chosen or in which they think they are strong\n  beat your brains out (informal, especially AmE) to think very hard about sth for a long time:\nI’ve been beating my brains out all weekend to get this script written.\n  beat your breast to show great sadness or guilt, especially in public and in an exaggerated way\n  beat the clock to finish a task, race, etc. before a particular time\n  beat it (spoken, slang) (usually used in orders) to go away immediately:\nThis is private land, so beat it!\n  beat a path to sb’s door if a lot of people beat a path to sb’s door, they are all interested in sth that person has to sell, or can do or tell them:\nTop theatrical agents are beating a path to the teenager’s door.\n  beat the rap (AmE, slang) to escape without being punished\n  beat a (hasty) retreat to go away or back quickly, especially to avoid sth unpleasant\n  beat time (to sth) to mark or follow the rhythm of music, by waving a stick, TAPPING your foot, etc:\nShe beat time with her fingers.\n  beat sb to the punch (informal) to get or do sth before sb else can\n  can you beat that / it! (spoken) used to express surprise or anger\n  if you can’t beat them, join them (saying) if you cannot defeat sb or be as successful as they are, then it is more sensible to join them in what they are doing and perhaps get some advantage for yourself by doing so\n  off the beaten track far away from other people, houses, etc:\nThey live miles off the beaten track.\n  a rod / stick to beat sb with a fact, an argument, etc. that is used in order to blame or punish sb\n  take some beating to be difficult to beat:\nThat score is going to take some beating. * For sheer luxury, this hotel takes some beating.\nmore at BLACK adj., DAYLIGHTS, DRUM n., HELL\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  beat sth<->down to hit a door, etc. many times until it breaks open\n  beat down (on sb/sth) if the sun beats down it shines with great heat:\nThe sun beat down on the desert sand.\n  beat sb/sth down (to sth) to persuade sb to reduce the price at which they are selling sth:\nHe wanted $8 000 for the car but I beat him down to $6 000. * I beat down the price to $6 000.\n  beat off (AmE, !!!, slang) to MASTURBATE\n  beat sb/sth<->off to force sb/sth back or away by fighting:\nThe attacker was beaten off. * She beat off a challenge to her leadership.\n  beat sth<->out\n1 to produce a rhythm by hitting sth many times\n2 to put a fire out by beating:\nWe beat the flames out.\n3 to remove sth by hitting it with a hammer, etc:\nThey can beat out the dent in the car’s wing.\n  beat sb out of sth (AmE, informal) to cheat sb by taking sth from them:\nHer brother beat her out of $200.\n  beat sb to sth / ... | beat sb to it to get somewhere or do sth before sb else:\nShe beat me to the top of the hill. * I was about to take the last cake, but he beat me to it.\n  beat sb<->up to hit or kick sb hard, many times:\nHe was badly beaten up by a gang of thugs.\n  beat up on sb (AmE) to hit sb hard, especially sb who is young or weak:\nI’ve heard people say he used to beat up on his wife.\n    noun\n  of drums / heart / wings\n  1  [C] a single blow to sth, such as a drum, or a movement of sth, such as your heart; the sound that this makes:\nseveral loud beats on the drum * His heart missed a beat when he saw her.\n  2  [sing.] a series of regular blows to sth, such as a drum; the sound that this makes:\nthe steady beat of the drums\nsee also HEARTBEAT\n  rhythm\n  3  [C] the main rhythm, or a unit of rhythm, in a piece of music, a poem, etc:\nThis type of music has a strong beat to it. * The piece has four beats to the bar. * Pause for two beats and then repeat the chorus.\n  of police officer\n  4  [C] the area which a police officer walks around regularly and which he or she is responsible for:\nMore police officers out on the beat may help to cut crime.\n IDIOMS  see HEART, WALK v.\n    adjective [not before noun] (informal) = DEAD BEAT


Words: beater
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (often in compounds) a tool used for beating things:\na carpet beater * an egg beater\n  2  a person employed to drive birds and animals out of bushes, etc., into the open, so they can be shot for sport\n  3  (AmE, informal) = BANGER\nsee also WORLD-BEATER


Words: beatify
Meaning:
verb\n(beatifies, beatifying, beatified, beatified) [VN] (of the Pope) to give a dead person a special honour by stating officially that he/she is very holy\ncompare BLESS, CANONIZE\n    beatification  noun [C, U]


Words: beating
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an act of hitting sb hard and repeatedly, as a punishment or in a fight:\nto give sb a beating\n  2  [C] (informal) a very heavy defeat:\nThe team has taken a few beatings this season.\n  3  [U] a series of regular blows to sth such as a drum, or movements of sth, such as your heart; the sound that this makes:\nHe could hear the beating of his own heart. * the beating of drums / wings\n IDIOMS \n  take some beating (BrE) to be difficult to do or be better than:\nAs a place to live, Oxford takes some beating.


Words: beatitude
Meaning:
noun\n(the Beatitudes) [pl.] (in the Bible) the eight statements made by Christ about people who are BLESSED.


Words: beatnik
Meaning:
noun\na young person in the 1950s and early 1960s who rejected the way of life of ordinary society and showed this by behaving and dressing differently from most people


Words: beaut
Meaning:
noun, adjective, exclamation \n    noun (AmE, AustralE, informal) an excellent or beautiful person or thing\n    adjective, exclamation (AustralE, informal) excellent; very good


Words: beautiful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having beauty; pleasing to the senses or to the mind:\na beautiful woman / face / baby / voice / poem / smell / evening * beautiful countryside / weather / music * She looked stunningly beautiful that night. * What a beautiful thing to say!\n  2  very good or skilful:\nWhat beautiful timing!


Words: beautifully
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a beautiful way:\nShe sings beautifully. * a beautifully decorated house\n  2  very well; in a pleasing way:\nIt’s all working out beautifully. * My leg has healed beautifully.


Words: beautify
Meaning:
verb\n(beautifies, beautifying, beautified, beautified) [VN] to make sb/sth beautiful or more beautiful


Words: beauty
Meaning:
noun (plural beauties)\n  1  [U] the quality of being pleasing to the senses or to the mind:\nthe beauty of the sunset / of poetry / of his singing * a woman of great beauty * The woods were designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. * beauty products / treatment (= intended to make a person more beautiful) * The sheer beauty of the scenery took my breath away.\n  2  [C] a person or thing that is beautiful:\nShe had been a beauty in her day.\n  3  [C] an excellent example of its type:\nThat last goal was a beauty!\n  4  [C] a pleasing feature\nSYN ADVANTAGE:\nOne of the beauties of living here is that it’s so peaceful. * The project will require very little work to start up; that’s the beauty of it.\n IDIOMS \n  beauty is in the eye of the beholder (saying) people all have different ideas about what is beautiful\n  beauty is only skin-deep (saying) how sb looks is less important than their character


Words: beauty salon
Meaning:
(also beauty parlour) (AmE also beauty shop) noun\na place where you can pay for treatment to your face, hair, nails, etc., which is intended to make you more beautiful


Words: beauty sleep
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (humorous) enough sleep at night to make sure that you look and feel healthy and beautiful


Words: beauty spot
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a place in the countryside famous for its beautiful scenery\n  2  (AmE also beauty mark) a small dark spot on a woman’s face, which used to be thought to make her more beautiful


Words: beaver
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] an animal with a wide flat tail and strong teeth. Beavers live in water and on land and can build DAMS (= barriers across rivers), made of pieces of wood and mud.\nsee also EAGER BEAVER\n \n  2  [U] the fur of the beaver, used in making hats and clothes\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  beaver away (at sth) (informal) to work very hard at sth:\nHe’s been beavering away at the accounts all morning.


Words: because
Meaning:
conjunction\nfor the reason that:\nI did it because he told me to. * Just because I don’t complain, people think I’m satisfied.\n    because of preposition:\nThey are here because of us. * He walked slowly because of his bad leg. * Because of his wife(’s) being there, I said nothing about it.


Words: beck
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, dialect) a small river\nSYN STREAM\n IDIOMS \n  at sb’s beck and call always ready to obey sb’s orders:\nShe is constantly at the beck and call of her invalid father. * Don’t expect to have me at your beck and call.


Words: beckon
Meaning:
verb\n \n  1  ~ to sb (to do sth) to give sb a signal using your finger or hand, especially to tell them to move nearer or to follow you:\n[V] He beckoned to the waiter to bring the bill. * [VN] He beckoned her over with a wave. * The boss beckoned him into her office. * [VN to inf] She beckoned him to come and join them.\n \n  2  to appear very attractive to sb:\n[V] The clear blue sea beckoned. * [VN] The prospect of a month without work was beckoning her.\n \n  3  [V] to be sth that is likely to happen or will possibly happen to sb in the future:\nFor many kids leaving college the prospect of unemployment beckons.


Words: become
Meaning:
, become)\n  1  linking verb to start to be sth:\n[V-ADJ] It was becoming more and more difficult to live on his salary. * It soon became apparent that no one was going to come. * She was becoming confused. * [V-N] She became queen in 1952. * The bill will become law next year. * She’s studying to become a teacher. * His job has become his whole life.\n  2  [VN] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to be suitable for sb:\nSuch behaviour did not become her.\n  3  [VN] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to look attractive on sb\nSYN SUIT:\nShort hair really becomes you.\n IDIOMS \n  what became, has become, will become of sb/sth? used to ask what has happened or what will happen to sb/sth:\nWhat became of that student who used to live with you? * I dread to think what will become of them if they lose their home.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nbecome / get / go / turn\nThese verbs are used frequently with the following adjectives:\nbecome ~  get ~  go ~  turn ~\ninvolved  used to  wrong  blue\nclear  better  right  sour\naccustomed  worse  bad  bad\npregnant  pregnant  white  red\nextinct  tired  crazy  cold\nfamous  angry  bald\nill  dark  blind\nBecome is more formal than get. Both describe changes in people’s emotional or physical state, or natural or social changes.\nGo is usually used for negative changes.\nGo and turn are both used for changes of colour.\nTurn is also used for changes in the weather.\n______________________________


Words: becoming
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  (of clothes, etc.) making the person wearing them look more attractive\nSYN FLATTERING\n  2  suitable or appropriate for sb or their situation\nSYN FITTING:\nIt was not very becoming behaviour for a teacher.\nOPP UNBECOMING


Words: BEd
Meaning:
(also B.Ed. especially in AmE)  noun\nthe abbreviation for ’Bachelor of Education’ (a first university degree in education): (BrE) Sarah Wells BEd


Words: bed
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  furniture\n \n  1  [C, U] a piece of furniture for sleeping on:\na single / double bed * She lay on the bed (= on top of the covers). * He lay in bed (= under the covers). * I’m tired-I’m going to bed. * It’s time for bed (= time to go to sleep). * I’ll just put the kids to bed. * He likes to have a mug of cocoa before bed (= before going to bed). * to get into / out of bed * to make the bed (= arrange the covers in a tidy way) * Could you give me a bed for the night (= somewhere to sleep)? * There’s a shortage of hospital beds (= not enough room for patients to be admitted). * He has been confined to bed with flu for the past couple of days.\nsee also AIR BED, CAMP BED, SOFA BED, TWIN BED, WATERBED\n \n  of river / lake / sea\n \n  2  [C] the bottom of a river, the sea, etc:\nthe ocean bed * oyster beds (= an area in the sea where there are many OYSTERS)\n \n  for flowers / vegetables\n  3  [C] an area of ground in a garden/yard or park for growing flowers, vegetables, etc:\nflower beds\nsee also SEEDBED\n  bottom layer\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) a layer of sth that other things lie or rest on:\ngrilled chicken, served on a bed of rice * The blocks should be laid on a bed of concrete.\n  geology\n  5  [C] a layer of clay, rock, etc. in the ground\nsee also BEDROCK\n IDIOMS \n  (not) a bed of roses (not) an easy or a pleasant situation:\nTheir life together hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses.\n  get out of bed on the wrong side (BrE) (AmE get up on the wrong side of the bed) to be bad-tempered for the whole day for no particular reason\n  go to bed with sb (informal) to have sex with sb\n  in bed used to refer to sexual activity:\nWhat’s he like in bed? * I caught them in bed together (= having sex).\n  you’ve made your bed and you must lie on it (saying) you must accept the results of your actions\n  take to your bed to go to bed and stay there because you are ill/sick\nmore at DIE v., WET v.\n    verb (-dd-) [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (in sth) to fix sth firmly in sth:\nThe bricks were bedded in sand to improve drainage. * Make sure that you bed the roots firmly in the soil.\n  2  (old-fashioned) to have sex with sb:\nHe’s been trying to bed her for weeks.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bed down to sleep in a place where you do not usually sleep:\nYou have my room and I’ll bed down in the living room.


Words: bed and breakfast
Meaning:
noun (abbreviation B and B)\n  1  [U] (BrE) a service that provides a room to sleep in and a meal the next morning in private houses and small hotels:\nDo you do bed and breakfast? * Bed and breakfast costs ｣30 a night.\ncompare FULL BOARD, HALF BOARD\n  2  [C] a place that provides this service:\nThere were several good bed and breakfasts in the area.


Words: bedbug
Meaning:
noun\na small insect that lives in dirty houses, especially in beds, where it bites people and sucks their blood


Words: bedclothes
Meaning:
(BrE also bedcovers) noun\n[pl.] the sheets and other covers that you put on a bed:\nShe pulled the bedclothes up over her head.


Words: bedding
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the sheets and covers that you put on a bed, often also the MATTRESS and the PILLOWS\n  2  STRAW, etc. for animals to sleep on


Words: bedding plant
Meaning:
noun\na plant that is planted out in a garden bed, usually just before it gets flowers. It usually grows and dies within one year.


Words: bedeck
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sth/sb (with / in sth) (literary) to decorate sth/sb with flowers, flags, jewels, etc:\nThe entrance hall was bedecked with trees and tropical plants. * a flower-bedecked balcony


Words: bedevil
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-, AmE -l-) [VN] (formal) to cause a lot of problems for sb/sth over a long period of time:\nThe expedition was bedevilled by bad weather. * This injury bedevilled him throughout his career.


Words: bedfellow
Meaning:
noun\na person or a thing that is connected with or related to another, often in a way that you would not expect:\nstrange / unlikely bedfellows


Words: bedlam
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a scene full of disorder and noise\nSYN CHAOS:\nIt was bedlam at our house on the morning of the wedding.


Words: bedpost
Meaning:
noun\none of the four upright supports at the corners of a bed (especially an old type of bed with a wooden or metal frame)


Words: bedraggled
Meaning:
adjective\nmade wet, dirty or untidy by rain, mud, etc:\nbedraggled hair / clothes * I barely recognized the bedraggled figure who staggered in from the storm.


Words: bedrock
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing.] a strong base for sth, especially the facts or the principles on which it is based:\nThe poor suburbs traditionally formed the bedrock of the party’s support. * Honesty is the bedrock of any healthy relationship.\n  2  [U] the solid rock in the ground below the loose soil and sand:\nto reach / get down to the bedrock


Words: bedroom
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a room for sleeping in:\nthe spare bedroom * a hotel with 20 bedrooms\n \n  2  (-bedroomed) having the number of bedrooms mentioned:\na three-bedroomed house


Words: bedside
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the area beside a bed:\nHis mother has been at his bedside throughout his illness. * a bedside lamp * The family are keeping a bedside vigil on her until she regains consciousness.


Words: bedside manner
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the way in which a doctor or other person talks to sb who is ill:\na sympathetic bedside manner


Words: bedsit
Meaning:
(also bedsitter) (also formal bedsitting room) noun\n(all BrE) a room that a person rents and uses for both living and sleeping in


Words: bedsore
Meaning:
noun\na painful and sometimes infected place on a person’s skin, caused by lying in bed for a long time


Words: bedspread
Meaning:
(BrE also bedcover) (AmE also spread) noun\nan attractive cover put on top of all the sheets and covers on a bed


Words: bedtime
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the time when sb usually goes to bed:\nIt’s way past your bedtime. * Will you read me a bedtime story? * a bedtime drink


Words: bee
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a black and yellow flying insect that can sting. Bees live in large groups and make HONEY (= a sweet sticky substance that is good to eat):\na swarm of bees * a bee sting * Bees were buzzing in the clover.\nsee also BEEHIVE, BEESWAX, BUMBLEBEE, QUEEN BEE\n \n  2  (AmE) a meeting in a group where people combine work, competition and pleasure:\na sewing / spelling bee\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  the bee’s knees (informal) an excellent person or thing:\nShe thinks she’s the bee’s knees (= she has a very high opinion of herself).\n  have a bee in your bonnet (about sth) (informal) to think or talk about sth all the time and to think that it is very important:\nOur teacher has a bee in his bonnet about punctuation.\nmore at BIRD, BUSY adj.


Words: beech
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (also beech tree) a tall forest tree with smooth grey bark, shiny leaves and small nuts:\nforests planted with beech * beech hedges * The great beeches towered up towards the sky.\nsee also COPPER BEECH\n  2  (also beechwood ) [U] the wood of the beech tree


Words: beef
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] meat that comes from a cow:\nroast / minced beef * The farm has both beef and dairy cattle. * a joint / fillet of beef\nsee also CORNED BEEF\n \n  2  [C] (informal) a complaint:\nWhat’s his latest beef?\n    verb [V] ~ (about sb/sth) (informal) to complain a lot about sb/sth:\nDon’t just beef about it-do something!\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  beef sth<->up (informal) to make sth bigger, better, more interesting, etc:\nSecurity has been beefed up for the royal visit. * They’re taking on more workers to beef up production.


Words: beef tea
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a hot drink made by boiling beef in water. It used to be given to people who were sick.


Words: beefy
Meaning:
adjective\n(beefier, beefiest) (informal) (of a person or their body) big or fat:\nbeefy men / arms / thighs


Words: beeline
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  make a beeline for sth/sb (informal) to go straight towards sth/sb as quickly as you can:\nAs soon as she arrived at the party, she made a beeline for the food.


Words: beep
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a short high sound such as that made by a car horn or by electronic equipment:\nThe taxi gave a beep as it drew up to the house. * Please leave your message after the beep and we’ll call you back.\n    verb\n  1  [V] (of an electronic machine) to make a short high sound:\nThe microwave beeps to let you know when it has finished.\n  2  when a car horn, etc. beeps or when you beep it, it makes a short noise:\n[V] The car behind started beeping at us. * [VN] He beeped his horn at the cyclist.\n  3  [VN] (AmE) = BLEEP


Words: beer
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a bitter alcoholic drink made from MALT and flavoured with HOPS. There are many types of beer:\na barrel / bottle / glass of beer * beers brewed in Germany * a beer glass * Are you a beer drinker?\n \n  2  [C] a glass, bottle or can of beer:\nShall we have a beer?\nsee also GINGER BEER, GUEST BEER, KEG BEER, ROOT BEER, SMALL BEER


Words: beer belly
Meaning:
(also beer gut) noun\n(informal) a man’s very fat stomach, caused by drinking a lot of beer over a long period


Words: beer mat
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a small piece of cardboard that you put under a glass, usually in a bar, etc. in order to protect the surface below


Words: beery
Meaning:
adjective\nsmelling of beer; influenced by the drinking of beer:\nShe leaned away from his stale beery breath. * They spent many beery hours talking of their dreams for the future.


Words: beeswax
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a yellow sticky substance that is produced by bees and is used especially for making candles and polish for wood


Words: beet
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a plant with a root that is used as a vegetable, especially for feeding animals or making sugar\nsee also SUGAR BEET\n  2  (AmE) = BEETROOT


Words: beetle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n an insect, often large and black, with a hard case on its back, covering its wings. There are several types of beetle:\na black beetle * a dung beetle\nsee also DEATH-WATCH BEETLE\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (informal) to move somewhere quickly:\nI last saw him beetling off down the road.


Words: beetroot
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE beet) noun\n[U, C] a plant with a round dark red root that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable


Words: befall
Meaning:
verb\n(befell ) [VN] (used only in the third person) (literary) (of sth unpleasant) to happen to sb:\nThey were unaware of the fate that was to befall them.


Words: befit
Meaning:
verb\n(-tt-) [VN] (used only in the third person) (formal) to be suitable and good enough for sb/sth:\nIt was a lavish reception as befitted a visitor of her status. * He lived in the style befitting a gentleman.


Words: before
Meaning:
preposition, conjunction, adverb \n    preposition\n  1  earlier than sb/sth:\nbefore lunch * the day before yesterday * The year before last he won a gold medal, and the year before that he won a silver. * She’s lived there since before the war. * He arrived before me. * She became a lawyer as her father had before her. * Leave your keys at reception before departure. * Something ought to have been done before now. * We’ll know before long (= soon). * Turn left just before (= before you reach) the bank.\n  2  (rather formal) used to say that sb/sth is in a position in front of sb/sth:\nThey knelt before the throne. * Before you is a list of the points we have to discuss.\ncompare BEHIND\n  3  used to say that sb/sth is ahead of sb/sth in an order or arrangement:\nYour name is before mine on the list. * He puts his work before everything (= regards it as more important than anything else).\n  4  used to say that sth is facing sb in the future:\nThe task before us is a daunting one. * The whole summer lay before me.\n  5  in the presence of sb who is listening, watching, etc:\nHe was brought before the judge. * She said it before witnesses. * They had the advantage of playing before their home crowd.\n  6  (formal) used to say how sb reacts when they have to face sb/sth:\nThey retreated before the enemy.\n    conjunction\n  1  earlier than the time when:\nDo it before you forget. * Did she leave a message before she went? * Before I made a decision, I thought carefully about it.\n  2  until:\nIt may be many years before the situation improves. * It was some time before I realized the truth.\n  3  used to warn or threaten sb that sth bad could happen:\nPut that away before it gets broken.\n  4  (formal) rather than:\nI’d die before I apologized to them!\n    adverb at an earlier time; in the past; already:\nYou should have told me so before. * It had been fine the week before (= the previous week). * That had happened long before (= a long time earlier). * I think we’ve met before.


Words: beforehand
Meaning:
adverb\nearlier; before sth else happens or is done:\ntwo weeks / three days / a few hours beforehand * I wish we’d known about it beforehand. * He warned me beforehand what to expect.


Words: befriend
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to become a friend of sb, especially sb who has just arrived in a place or who needs your help:\nShortly after my arrival at the school, I was befriended by an older girl.


Words: beg
Meaning:
verb (-gg-)\n  1  ~ (sb) (for sth) | ~ (sth) (of / from sb) to ask sb for sth especially in an anxious way because you want or need it very much:\n[VN] They begged him for help. * I managed to beg a lift from a passing motorist. * She begged permission to leave. * Forgive me, I beg you! * Can I beg a favour of you? * [V] He wants to see them beg for mercy. * (formal) Don’t leave me here, I beg of you! * [VN to inf] She begged him not to go. * [V to inf] He begged to be told the truth. * [V speech] ’Give me one more chance,’ he begged. * [V that] (formal) She begged that she be allowed to go. * (BrE also) She begged that she should be allowed to go. [also VN speech]\n  2  ~ (for sth) (from sb) | ~ sth (from sb) to ask sb for money, food, etc., especially in the street:\n[V] London is full of homeless people begging in the streets. * The children went from door to door begging for food. * a begging letter (= one that asks sb for money) * a begging bowl (= used to beg for money with) * [VN] We managed to beg a meal from the cafe owner.\n  3  [V] if a dog begs, it sits on its back legs with its front legs in the air, waiting to be given sth\n IDIOMS \n  beg leave to do sth (formal) to ask sb for permission to do sth:\nI beg leave to add a few comments of my own.\n  be going begging (BrE, spoken) if sth is going begging, it is available because nobody else wants it:\nI’ll have that last cake if it’s going begging.\n  beg sb’s pardon (formal, especially BrE) to ask sb to forgive you for sth you have said or done:\nHe returned to beg her pardon for his sudden outburst.\n  beg the question\n1 to make sb want to ask a question that has not yet been answered:\nAll of which begs the question as to who will fund the project.\n2 to talk about sth as if it were definitely true, even though it might not be:\nThese assumptions beg the question that children learn languages more easily than adults.\n  I beg to differ used to say politely that you do not agree with sth that has just been said:\n’At least she is good at her job.’ ’Oh, I beg to differ.’\n  I beg your pardon (spoken)\n1 (formal) used to tell sb that you are sorry for sth you have said or done:\nI beg your pardon, I thought that was my coat.\n2 used to ask sb to repeat what they have just said because you did not hear:\n’It’s on Duke Street.’ ’I beg your pardon.’ ’Duke Street.’\n3 (especially BrE) used to tell sb that you are offended by what they have just said or by the way that they have said it:\n’Get me a drink.’ ’I beg your pardon!’\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  beg off to say that you are unable to do sth that you have agreed to do:\nHe’s always begging off at the last minute.


Words: beget
Meaning:
)\n HELP NOTE  In sense 1 begat  is used for the past participle.) [VN] \n  1  (old use, for example in the Bible) to become the father of a child:\nIsaac begat Jacob.\n  2  (formal or old-fashioned) to make sth happen:\nViolence begets violence.\n    begetter noun


Words: beggar
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a person who lives by asking people for money or food:\nbeggars sleeping on the pavement\n  2  (BrE, spoken) used with an adjective to describe sb in a particular way:\nAren’t you dressed yet, you lazy beggar? * She’s in Bali, the lucky beggar.\n IDIOMS \n  beggars can’t be choosers (saying) people say beggars can’t be choosers when there is no choice and sb must be satisfied with what is available\n    verb [VN] to make sb/sth very poor:\nWhy should I beggar myself for you?\n IDIOMS \n  beggar belief / description to be too extreme, shocking, etc. to believe/describe:\nIt beggars belief how things could have got this bad.


Words: begin
Meaning:
1  to start doing sth; to do the first part of sth:\n[VN] We began work on the project in May. * I began (= started reading) this novel last month and I still haven’t finished it. * He always begins his lessons with a warm-up exercise. * She began by thanking us all for coming. * He began his political career as a student (= when he was a student). * [V] Shall I begin? * Let’s begin at page 9. * [V to inf] I began to feel dizzy. * At last the guests began to arrive. * She began to cry. * It was beginning to snow. * I was beginning to think you’d never come. * [V -ing] Everyone began talking at once. * When will you begin recruiting?\n  2  [V] to start to happen or exist, especially from a particular time:\nWhen does the concert begin? * Work on the new bridge is due to begin in September. * The evening began well.\n  3  ~ as sth [V] to be sth first, before becoming sth else:\nHe began as an actor, before starting to direct films. * What began as a minor scuffle turned into a full-scale riot.\n  4  [V] to have sth as the first part or the point where sth starts:\nUse ’an’ before words beginning with a vowel. * ’I’m thinking of a country in Asia.’ ’What does it begin with (= what is the first letter)?’ * Each chapter begins with a quotation. * Where does Europe end and Asia begin? * The path begins at Livingston village.\n  5  [V speech] to start speaking:\n’Ladies and gentlemen,’ he began, ’welcome to the Town Hall.’\n  6  to start or make sth start for the first time:\n[V] The school began in 1920, with only ten pupils. * [VN] He began a new magazine on post-war architecture.\n  7  [V to inf] not ~ to make no attempt to do sth or have no chance of doing sth:\nI can’t begin to thank you enough. * He didn’t even begin to understand my problem.\n IDIOMS \n  to begin with\n1 at first:\nI found it tiring to begin with but I soon got used to it. * We’ll go slowly to begin with.\n2 used to introduce the first point you want to make:\n’What was it you didn’t like?’ ’Well, to begin with, our room was far too small.’\nmore at CHARITY\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nbegin / start\nThere is not much difference in meaning between begin and start, though start is more common in spoken English: What time does the concert start/begin? * She started/began working here three months ago. Begin is often used when you are describing a series of events: The story begins on the island of Corfu. Start, but not begin, can also mean ’to start a journey’, ’to start something happening’ or ’to start a machine working’: We’ll need to start at 7.00. * Who do you think started the fire? * The car won’t start.\nYou can use either an infinitive or a form with -ing after begin and start, with no difference in meaning: I didn’t start worrying/to worry until she was 2 hours late.\nAfter the forms beginning and starting, the -ing form of the verb is not normally used: It’s starting/beginning to rain. * _I_t_’_s_ _s_t_a_r_t_i_n_g_/_b_e_g_i_n_n_i_n_g_ _r_a_i_n_i_n_g. see also COMMENCE\n______________________________


Words: beginner
Meaning:
noun\na person who is starting to learn sth and cannot do it very well yet:\nShe’s in the beginners’ class. * Italian for beginners\n IDIOMS \n  beginner’s luck good luck or unexpected success when you start to do sth new


Words: beginning
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the time when sth starts; the first part of an event, a story, etc:\nWe’re going to Japan at the beginning of July. * She’s been working there since the beginning of last summer. * We missed the beginning of the movie. * Let’s start again from the beginning. * The birth of their first child marked the beginning of a new era in their married life. * I’ve read the whole book from beginning to end and still can’t understand it.\n HELP NOTE  At the beginning (of) is used for the time and place when something begins. In the beginning = at first and suggests a contrast with a later situation.\n  2  (beginnings) [pl.] the first or early ideas, signs or stages of sth:\nDid democracy have its beginnings in ancient Greece? * He built up his multimillion pound music business from small beginnings.\n IDIOMS \n  the beginning of the end the first sign of sth ending:\nThe scandal was the beginning of the end of his career as a politician.


Words: begonia
Meaning:
noun\na plant with large shiny flowers that may be pink, red, yellow or white, grown indoors or in a garden


Words: begrudge
Meaning:
verb (often used in negative sentences)\n  1  to feel unhappy that sb has sth because you do not think that they deserve it:\n[VNN] You surely don’t begrudge him his happiness. * [VN -ing] I don’t begrudge her being so successful.\n  2  to feel unhappy about having to do, pay or give sth:\n[VN] I begrudge every second I spent trying to help him. * [V -ing] Many people begrudge paying so much money for a second-rate service.


Words: beguile
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb into doing sth, especially by being nice to them:\nShe beguiled them into believing her version of events.\n  2  to attract or interest sb:\nHe was beguiled by her beauty. * The tapestries continue to beguile all those who visit the cathedral.\n  3  to make time pass pleasantly by doing sth enjoyable:\nThey sang songs to beguile the long winter evenings.


Words: beguiling
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) attractive and interesting but sometimes mysterious or trying to trick you:\nbeguiling advertisements * Her beauty was beguiling. * This is perhaps the most beguiling resort on the island.\n    beguilingly adverb


Words: begum
Meaning:
noun\na title of respect used for a Muslim woman of high rank and for a married Muslim woman:\nBegum Zia


Words: behalf
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  in behalf of sb | in sb’s behalf (AmE) in order to help sb:\nWe collected money in behalf of the homeless.\n  on behalf of sb | on sb’s behalf\n1 as the representative of sb or instead of them:\nOn behalf of the department I would like to thank you all. * Mr Knight cannot be here, so his wife will accept the prize on his behalf.\n2 because of sb; for sb:\nDon’t worry on my behalf.\n3 in order to help sb:\nThey campaigned on behalf of asylum seekers.


Words: behave
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V +adv./prep.] to do things in a particular way\nSYN ACT:\nThe doctor behaved very unprofessionally. * They behaved very badly towards their guests. * He behaved like a true gentleman. * She behaved with great dignity. * He behaved as if / though nothing had happened. * They behave differently when you’re not around.\n HELP NOTE  In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though, especially in AmE: He behaved like nothing had happened. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.\n  2  ~ (yourself) to do things in a way that people think is correct or polite:\n[V] Will you kids just behave! * She doesn’t know how to behave in public. * The children always behave for their father. * [VN] I want you to behave yourselves while I’m away.\nOPP MISBEHAVE\n  3  (-behaved) (in adjectives) behaving in the way mentioned:\nwell- / badly-behaved children\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] (technical) to naturally react, move, etc. in a particular way:\na study of how metals behave under pressure\n IDIOMS  see OWN v.


Words: behaviour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE behavior)  noun\n  1  [U] the way that sb behaves, especially towards other people:\ngood / bad behaviour * social / sexual / criminal behaviour * His behaviour towards her was becoming more and more aggressive.\n  2  [U, C] the way a person, an animal, a plant, a chemical, etc. behaves or functions in a particular situation:\nthe behaviour of insects / dolphins / chromosomes * studying human and animal behaviour * (technical) to study learned behaviours and attitudes\n    behavioural (BrE) (AmE behavioral ) adjective:\nchildren with behavioural difficulties * behavioural science (= the study of human behaviour)\n IDIOMS \n  be on your best behaviour to behave in the most polite way you can


Words: behaviourism
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE behaviorism)  noun\n[U] (psychology) the theory that all human behaviour is learnt by adapting to outside conditions and that learning is not influenced by thoughts and feelings\n    behaviourist (BrE) (AmE behaviorist)  noun


Words: behead
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to cut off sb’s head, especially as a punishment:\nHe was charged with treason and beheaded.


Words: behest
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.]\n IDIOMS \n  at sb’s behest (old use or formal) because sb has ordered or requested it:\nat the King’s behest / at the behest of the King


Words: behind
Meaning:
preposition, adverb, noun \n    preposition\n  1  at or towards the back of sb/sth, and often hidden by it or them:\nWho’s the girl standing behind Jan? * Stay close behind me. * a small street behind the station * She glanced behind her. * Don’t forget to lock the door behind you (= when you leave). * The sun disappeared behind the clouds.\ncompare IN FRONT OF -> BACK\n  2  making less progress than sb/sth:\nHe’s behind the rest of the class in reading. * We’re behind schedule (= late).\n  3  giving support to or approval of sb/sth:\nShe knew that, whatever she decided, her family was right behind her.\n  4  responsible for starting or developing sth:\nWhat’s behind that happy smile (= what is causing it)? * He was the man behind the plan to build a new hospital.\n  5  used to say that sth is in sb’s past:\nThe accident is behind you now, so try to forget it. * She has ten years’ useful experience behind her.\n    adverb\n  1  at or towards the back of sb/sth; further back:\nShe rode off down the road with the dog running behind. * The others are a long way behind. * He was shot from behind as he ran away. * I had fallen so far behind that it seemed pointless trying to catch up.\n  2  in the place where sb/sth is or was:\nI was told to stay behind after school (= remain in school). * This bag was left behind after the class.\n  3  ~ (with / in sth) late in paying money or completing work:\nShe’s fallen behind with the payments. * He was terribly behind in his work.\n    noun (informal) a person’s bottom. People often say ’behind’ to avoid saying ’bottom’.\nSYN BACKSIDE:\nThe dog bit him on his behind.


Words: behindhand
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (with / in sth) late in doing sth or in paying money that is owed:\nThey were behindhand in settling their debts.


Words: behold
Meaning:
verb\n(beheld sth:\nHer face was a joy to behold. * They beheld a bright star shining in the sky.\n IDIOMS  see LO


Words: beholden
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sb (for sth) (formal) owing sth to sb because of sth that they have done for you:\nShe didn’t like to be beholden to anyone.


Words: behove
Meaning:
verb\n[VN to inf] (it behoves sb to do sth) (formal) it is right or necessary for sb to do sth:\nIt behoves us to study these findings carefully. * It ill behoves her (= she ought not) to criticize her colleagues.


Words: being
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] existence:\nThe Irish Free State came into being in 1922. * A new era was brought into being by the fall of Communism.\nsee also WELL-BEING\n  2  [C] a living creature:\nhuman beings * a strange being from another planet\n  3  [U] (formal) your mind and all of your feelings:\nI hated Stefan with my whole being.\nsee also BE v.


Words: bejewelled
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE bejeweled)  adjective\n(literary) decorated with jewels; wearing jewels:\nHe gave a wave of his bejewelled hand.


Words: belabour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE belabor)  verb\n[VN] \n IDIOMS \n  belabour the point (formal) to repeat an idea, argument, etc. many times to emphasize it, especially when it has already been mentioned or understood:\nI don’t want to belabour the point, but it’s vital you understand how important this is.


Words: belated
Meaning:
adjective\ncoming or happening late:\na belated birthday present * the government’s belated response to the report on nursery education\n    belatedly adverb:\nHe apologized belatedly.


Words: belay
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] (technical) (in climbing) to attach a rope to a rock, etc.; to make a person safe while climbing by attaching a rope to the person and to a rock, etc.


Words: belch
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] to let air come up noisily from your stomach and out through your mouth:\nHe wiped his hand across his mouth, then belched loudly.\ncompare BURP\n  2  [V, VN] ~ (out / forth) (sth) to send out large amounts of smoke, flames, etc.; to come out of sth in large amounts\n    belch noun:\nHe sat back and gave a loud belch.


Words: beleaguered
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) experiencing a lot of criticism and difficulties:\nThe beleaguered party leader was forced to resign.\n  2  surrounded by an enemy:\nsupplies for the beleaguered city


Words: belie
Meaning:
verb (belies, belying, belied, belied) [VN] (formal)\n  1  to give a false impression of sb/sth:\nHer energy and youthful good looks belie her 65 years.\n  2  to show that sth cannot be true or correct:\nGovernment claims that there is no poverty are belied by the number of homeless people on the streets.


Words: belief
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (in sth/sb) a strong feeling that sth/sb exists or is true; confidence that sth/sb is good or right:\nI admire his passionate belief in what he is doing. * belief in God / democracy * The incident has shaken my belief (= made me have less confidence) in the police.\n  2  [sing., U] ~ (that ...) an opinion about sth; sth that you think is true:\nShe acted in the belief that she was doing good. * Contrary to popular belief (= in spite of what people may think), he was not responsible for the tragedy. * There is a general belief that things will soon get better.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] something that you believe, especially as part of your religion:\nreligious / political beliefs * A society should be judged on its beliefs and values.\ncompare DISBELIEF, UNBELIEF\n IDIOMS \n  beyond belief (in a way that is) too great, difficult, etc. to be believed:\nDissatisfaction with the government has grown beyond belief. * icy air that was cold beyond belief * It is beyond belief that anyone could commit such a crime.\nmore at BEGGAR v., BEST n.


