# dict

Words: English
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [U] the language of Britain, Ireland, N America, Australia and some other countries:\nShe speaks good English. * I need to improve my English.\n  2  [U] English language or literature as a subject of study:\na degree in English * English is my best subject.\n  3  (the English) [pl.] the people of England (sometimes wrongly used to mean the British, including the Scots, the Welsh and the Northern Irish)\n IDIOMS \n  the King’s / Queen’s English (old-fashioned) (in Britain) correct standard English\nmore at PLAIN adj.\n    adjective connected with England, its people or its language:\nthe English countryside * an English man / woman * typically English attitudes * an English dictionary -> BRITISH


Words: English breakfast
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a large breakfast, usually consisting of CEREAL (= food made from grain), cooked BACON and eggs, toast and tea or coffee\ncompare CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST


Words: Englishman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Englishmen ) a man from England\n IDIOMS \n  an Englishman’s home is his castle (BrE) (AmE a man’s home is his castle) (saying) a person’s home is a place where they can be private and safe and do as they like


Words: engrave
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ A (with B) | ~ B on A to cut words or designs on wood, stone, metal, etc:\nThe silver cup was engraved with his name. * His name was engraved on the silver cup.\n IDIOMS \n  be engraved on / in your heart, memory, mind, etc. to be sth that you will never forget because it affected you so strongly:\nThe date of the accident remains engraved on my mind.


Words: engraving
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a picture made by cutting a design on a piece of metal and then printing the design on paper\n  2  [U] the art or process of cutting designs on wood, stone, metal, etc.


Words: engross
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] if sth engrosses you, it is so interesting that you give it all your attention and time:\nAs the business grew, it totally engrossed him.\n    engrossing :\nan engrossing problem


Words: engrossed
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in / with sth) so interested or involved in sth that you give it all your attention:\nShe was engrossed in conversation.


Words: engulf
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to surround or to cover sb/sth completely:\nHe was engulfed by a crowd of reporters. * The vehicle was engulfed in flames.\n  2  to affect sb/sth very strongly:\nFear engulfed her.


Words: enhance
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of sb/sth:\nThis is an opportunity to enhance the reputation of the company. * the skilled use of make-up to enhance your best features\n    enhanced adjective:\nenhanced efficiency / security\n    enhancement noun [U, C]:\nequipment for the enhancement of sound quality * software enhancements


Words: enigma
Meaning:
noun\na person, thing or situation that is mysterious and difficult to understand:\nEven after years he still remains an enigma to me.


Words: enigmatic
Meaning:
adjective\nmysterious and difficult to understand:\nan enigmatic smile\n    enigmatically  adverb:\n’I might,’ he said enigmatically. * Her father smiled enigmatically.


Words: enjambement
Meaning:
(also enjambment)  noun\n[U, C] (from French, technical) the fact of a sentence continuing beyond the end of a line of poetry\ncompare CAESURA


Words: enjoin
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN, VN to inf] [often passive] (formal) to order or strongly advise sb to do sth; to say that a particular action or quality is necessary\n  2  [VN] ~ sb from doing sth (law) to legally prevent sb from doing sth, for example with an INJUNCTION


Words: enjoy
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to get pleasure from sth:\n[VN] We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New York. * Thanks for a great evening. I really enjoyed it. * [V -ing] I enjoy playing tennis and squash.\n  2  [VN] ~ yourself to be happy and get pleasure from what you are doing:\nThey all enjoyed themselves at the party.\n  3  [VN] (written) to have sth good that is an advantage to you:\nPeople in this country enjoy a high standard of living. * He’s always enjoyed good health.\n  4  [V] (enjoy!) (spoken) used to say that you hope sb gets pleasure from sth that you are giving them or recommending to them:\nHere’s that book I promised you. Enjoy!\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nenjoy\nNote the following patterns:\nI enjoyed myself at the party._ _I_ _e_n_j_o_y_e_d_ _a_t_ _t_h_e_ _p_a_r_t_y.\nThanks. I really enjoyed it. _T_h_a_n_k_s_._ _I_ _r_e_a_l_l_y_ _e_n_j_o_y_e_d.\nI enjoy playing basketball. _I_ _e_n_j_o_y_ _t_o_ _p_l_a_y_ _b_a_s_k_e_t_b_a_l_l.\nI enjoy reading very much. _I_ _e_n_j_o_y_ _v_e_r_y_ _m_u_c_h_ _r_e_a_d_i_n_g.\nI hope you enjoy your trip. _I_ _h_o_p_e_ _y_o_u_ _e_n_j_o_y_ _w_i_t_h_ _y_o_u_r_ _t_r_i_p.\n______________________________


Words: enjoyable
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving pleasure:\nan enjoyable weekend / experience * highly / really / thoroughly / very enjoyable\n    enjoyably  adverb:\nThe evening passed enjoyably.


Words: enjoyment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the pleasure that you get from sth:\nHe spoiled my enjoyment of the game by talking all through it. * The rules are there to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. * Children seem to have lost their enjoyment in reading. * I get a lot of enjoyment from my grandchildren. * Do you get any enjoyment out of this type of work?\n  2  [C] something that gives you pleasure:\nChildren like to share interests and enjoyments with their parents.\n  3  [U] ~ of sth (formal) the fact of having and using sth:\nthe enjoyment of equal rights


Words: enlarge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to make sth bigger; to become bigger:\n[VN] There are plans to enlarge the recreation area. * Reading will enlarge your vocabulary. [also V]\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to make a bigger copy of a photograph or document:\nWe’re going to have this picture enlarged.\n    enlarged adjective:\nan enlarged heart\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  enlarge on / upon sth (formal) to say or write more about sth that has been mentioned\nSYN ELABORATE:\nWould you like to enlarge on your last comment?


Words: enlargement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the process or result of sth becoming or being made larger:\nthe enlargement of the company’s overseas business activities\n  2  [C] something that has been made larger, especially a photograph:\nIf you like the picture I can send you an enlargement of it.\nOPP REDUCTION


Words: enlighten
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to give sb information so that they understand sth better:\nShe didn’t enlighten him about her background.\n    enlightening adjective:\nIt was a very enlightening interview.


Words: enlightened
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (approving) having or showing an understanding of people’s needs, a situation, etc. that is not based on old-fashioned attitudes and PREJUDICE:\nenlightened opinions / attitudes / ideas * an enlightened approach to teaching * His election campaign appeals more to enlightened self-interest than to self-sacrifice.


Words: enlightenment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] knowledge about and understanding of sth; the process of understanding sth or making sb understand it:\nThe newspapers provided little enlightenment about the cause of the accident. * cultural / spiritual enlightenment\n  2  (the Enlightenment) [sing.] the period in the 18th century when many writers and scientists began to argue that science and reason were more important than religion and tradition


Words: enlist
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth/sb (in sth) | ~ sb (as sth) to persuade sb to help you or to join you in doing sth:\n[VN] They hoped to enlist the help of the public in solving the crime. * We were enlisted as helpers. [also VN to inf]\n  2  ~ (sb) (in / into / for sth) | ~ (sb) (as sth) to join or to make sb join the armed forces\nSYN JOIN UP:\n[V] They both enlisted in 1915. * to enlist as a soldier * [VN] He was enlisted into the US Navy.\n    enlistment [U]:\nthe enlistment of expert help * his enlistment in the Royal Air Force


Words: enlisted
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially AmE) (of a member of the army, etc.) having a rank that is below that of an officer:\nenlisted men and women * enlisted personnel


Words: enmesh
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (written) to involve sb/sth in a bad situation that it is not easy to escape from


Words: enmity
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural enmities) ~ (between A and B) feelings of hatred towards sb:\nthe traditional problem of the enmity between Protestants and Catholics * personal enmities and political conflicts * Her action earned her the enmity of two or three colleagues.\nsee also ENEMY


Words: ennoble
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  [usually passive] to make sb a member of the NOBILITY\n  2  to give sb/sth a better moral character:\nIn a strange way she seemed ennobled by her grief.\n    ennoblement noun [U]


Words: ennui
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French, literary) feelings of being bored and not satisfied because nothing interesting is happening


Words: enormity
Meaning:
noun (plural enormities)\n  1  [U] the ~ of sth (of a problem, etc.) the very great size, effect, etc. of sth; the fact of sth being very serious:\nthe enormity of a task / problem / decision * People are still coming to terms with the enormity of the disaster. * The full enormity of the crime has not yet been revealed.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] (formal) a very serious crime:\nthe enormities of the Hitler regime


Words: enormous
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely large\nSYN HUGE, IMMENSE:\nan enormous house / dog * an enormous amount of time / money / information * enormous interest / pressure / responsibility * The problems facing the President are enormous.


Words: enormously
Meaning:
adverb\nvery; very much:\nenormously rich / powerful / grateful * The price of wine varies enormously depending on where it comes from. * She was looking forward to the meeting enormously.


Words: enough
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun, adverb \n    determiner used before plural or uncountable nouns to mean ’as many or as much as sb needs or wants’\nSYN SUFFICIENT:\nHave you made enough copies? * Is there enough room for me? * I didn’t have enough clothes to last a week. * Don’t ask me to do it. I’ve got enough problems as it is. * (old-fashioned) There was food enough for all.\n HELP NOTE  Although enough after a noun now sounds old-fashioned, time enough is still fairly common: There’ll be time enough to relax when you’ve finished your work.\n    pronoun as many or as much as sb needs or wants:\nSix bottles should be enough. * Have you had enough (= to eat)? * If enough of you are interested, we’ll organize a trip to the theatre. * There was nowhere near enough for everybody. * We’ve nearly run out of paper. Do you think there’s enough for today?\n IDIOMS \n  enough is enough (saying) used when you think that sth should not continue any longer\n  enough said used to say that you understand a situation and there is no need to say any more:\n’He’s a politician, remember.’ ’Enough said.’\n  have had enough (of sth/sb) used when sth/sb is annoying you and you no longer want to do, have or see it or them:\nI’ve had enough of driving the kids around.\n    adverb (used after verbs, adjectives and adverbs)\n  1  to the necessary degree:\nI hadn’t trained enough for the game. * This house isn’t big enough for us. * She’s old enough to decide for herself. * We didn’t leave early enough. * Tell them it’s just not good enough.\n  2  to a satisfactory degree, but not to a very great degree:\nHe seemed pleasant enough to me.\n  3  to a degree that you do not wish to get any greater:\nI hope my job’s safe. Life is hard enough as it is.\n IDIOMS \n  curiously, funnily, oddly, strangely, etc. enough used to show that sth is surprising:\nFunnily enough, I said the same thing myself only yesterday.\nmore at FAR adv., FAIR adj., LIKE adv., MAN n., NEAR adv., RIGHT adj., SURE adv.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nenough / adequate / sufficient / satisfactory / acceptable / will do\nEnough is the usual word that you use to say that you have as much as you need of something: Five copies should be enough. * Do you have enough money? * We haven’t got enough time.\nAdequate and sufficient have the same meaning but are very formal. In informal English you can use will do: Can you lend me some money? Ten pounds will do.\nIf you are talking about the quality of something, you can say that it is good enough: Is the light good enough to take photos? In formal language you can also say that it is adequate, satisfactory or acceptable. These words on their own may suggest that something is only just good enough and could be better. Compare: This piece of work is satisfactory and This piece of work is very satisfactory.\nIn informal English you can use will do, but it can also mean ’only just’: Will this do? * It isn’t very good but it’ll do.\n______________________________


Words: enquire
Meaning:
(also inquire especially in AmE)  verb\n~ (about sb/sth) (rather formal) to ask sb for some information:\n[V] I called the station to enquire about train times. * She enquired as to your whereabouts. * [V wh-] Might I enquire why you have not mentioned this until now? * [VN] He enquired her name. [also V speech] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  enquire after sb (formal) to ask for information about sb, especially about their health or about what they are doing\n  enquire into sth to find out more information about sth\nSYN INVESTIGATE:\nA committee was appointed to enquire into the allegations.\n  enquire sth of sb (formal) to ask sb sth:\n[+ speech] ’Will you be staying for lunch?’ she enquired of Charles.


Words: enquiring
Meaning:
(also inquiring especially in AmE)  adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  showing an interest in learning new things:\na child with an enquiring mind\n  2  asking for information:\nan enquiring look * He raised an enquiring eyebrow in my direction.\n    enquiringly (also inquiringly especially in AmE) adverb:\nShe looked at him enquiringly.


Words: enquiry
Meaning:
(also inquiry especially in AmE)  noun (plural enquiries)\n  1  [C] ~ (into sth) an official process to find out the cause of sth or to find out information about sth:\nto hold / order / set up an enquiry into the affair * a murder enquiry * a public enquiry into the environmental effects of the proposed new road\n  2  [C] ~ (from sb) (about sb/sth) a request for information about sb/sth; a question about sb/sth:\na telephone enquiry * We received over 300 enquiries about the job. * I’ll have to make a few enquiries (= try to find out about it) and get back to you. * enquiries from prospective students * (BrE) Two men have been helping police with their enquiries (= are being questioned about a crime, but have not been charged with it). * All enquiries should be addressed to the customer services department.\n  3  [U] the act of asking questions or collecting information about sb/sth:\nscientific enquiry * The police are following several lines of enquiry. * a committee of enquiry\n  4  (enquiries) [pl.] (BrE) a place where you can get information:\nAsk at enquiries to see if your bag has been handed in.\nsee also DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES


Words: enrage
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (written) to make sb very angry:\nShe was enraged at his stupidity. * The newspaper article enraged him.


Words: enrich
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) to improve the quality of sth, often by adding sth to it:\nThe study of science has enriched all our lives. * Most breakfast cereals are enriched with vitamins.\n  2  to make sb/sth rich or richer:\na nation enriched by oil revenues * They were accused of using their position to enrich themselves.\n    enrichment noun [U]


Words: enrol
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-) (especially BrE) (AmE usually enroll) to arrange for yourself or for sb else to officially join a course, school, etc:\n[V] You need to enrol before the end of August. * (BrE) to enrol on a course * (AmE) to enroll in a course * [VN] The centre will soon be ready to enrol candidates for the new-style programme.


Words: enrolment
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE enrollment)  noun\n[U, C] the act of officially joining a course, school, etc.; the number of people who do this:\nEnrolment is the first week of September. * Fees must be paid in full at the time of enrolment. * School enrolments are currently falling.


Words: ensconce
Meaning:
verb\n[VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] (formal) if you are ensconced or ensconce yourself somewhere, you are made or make yourself comfortable and safe in that place or position


Words: ensemble
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a small group of musicians, dancers or actors who perform together:\na brass / wind / string ensemble * The ensemble is / are based in Lyons.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (formal) a number of things considered as a group\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a set of clothes that are worn together:\nA pair of pink shoes completed her striking ensemble.


Words: enshrine
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to make a law, right, etc. respected or official, especially by stating it in an important written document:\nThese rights are enshrined in the country’s constitution. * November 9, 1989 is already enshrined as a key date in 20th century European history.


Words: enshroud
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (literary) to cover or surround sth completely so that it cannot be seen or understood:\nThe island was enshrouded in mist. * Secrecy enshrouded the Party’s central committee.


Words: ensign
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a flag flown on a ship to show which country it belongs to:\nthe White Ensign (= the flag of the British Navy)\n  2  an officer of lower rank in the US navy:\nEnsign Marshall


Words: enslave
Meaning:
verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to make sb a slave\n  2  ~ sb/sth (to sth) (formal) to make sb/sth completely dependent on sth so that they cannot manage without it:\nOur civilization remains enslaved to materialism.\n    enslavement noun [U]:\nIn the US the enslavement of Africans and their descendants continued well into the second half of the 19th century. * the enslavement of man by technology


Words: ensnare
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make sb/sth unable to escape from a difficult situation or from a person who wants to control them:\nyoung homeless people who become ensnared in a life of crime * She refused to let him ensnare her with his charm. * He became ensnared in the complexities of the legal system.


Words: ensue
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (written) to happen after or as a result of another event\nSYN FOLLOW:\nAn argument ensued.\n    ensuing adjective:\nHe had become separated from his parents in the ensuing panic. * They lost track of each other in the ensuing years.


Words: ensure
Meaning:
(also insure especially in AmE)  verb\nto make sure that sth happens or is definite:\n[VN] The book ensured his success. * [V (that)] Please ensure (that) all lights are switched off. [also VNN]


Words: entail
Meaning:
verb\nto involve sth that cannot be avoided:\n[VN] The job entails a lot of hard work. * The girls learn exactly what is entailed in caring for a newborn baby. * [V -ing] It will entail driving a long distance every day. [also VN -ing]


Words: entangle
Meaning:
verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  ~ sb/sth (in / with sth) to make sb/sth become caught or twisted in sth:\nThe bird had become entangled in the wire netting.\n  2  ~ sb in sth / with sb to involve sb in a difficult or complicated situation:\nHe became entangled in a series of conflicts with the management. * She didn’t want to get entangled (= emotionally involved) with him.


Words: entanglement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a difficult or complicated relationship with another person or country:\nemotional / political entanglements * This affair did not prevent an entanglement with another of his co-stars.\n  2  [U] the act of becoming entangled in sth; the state of being entangled:\nMany dolphins die each year from entanglement in fishing nets. * The auditors try to avoid entanglement with arguments over local policy.\n  3  (entanglements) [pl.] (technical) barriers made of BARBED WIRE, used to stop an enemy from getting close


Words: entente
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (from French) a friendly relationship between two countries:\nthe Franco-Russian entente


Words: entente cordiale
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (from French) a friendly relationship between two countries, especially between Britain and France


Words: enter
Meaning:
verb\n  come / go in\n  1  (not usually used in the passive) (formal) to come or go into sth:\n[V] Knock before you enter. * Enter Hamlet (= for example as stage directions in the text of a play). * [VN] Someone entered the room behind me. * Where did the bullet enter the body? * (figurative) A note of defiance entered her voice. * (figurative) It never entered my head (= I never thought) that she would tell him about me.\n  join institution / start work\n  2  [VN] [no passive] to become a member of an institution; to start working in an organization or a profession:\nto enter a school / college / university * to enter politics / the legal profession * to enter Parliament (= become an MP) * to enter the Church (= become a priest)\n  begin activity\n  3  [VN] to begin or become involved in an activity, a situation, etc:\nto enter a relationship / conflict / war * Several new firms have now entered the market. * The investigation has entered a new phase. * The strike is entering its fourth week.\n  exam / competition\n  4  ~ (for sth) | ~ sb (in / for sth) to put your name on the list for an exam, a race, a competition, etc.; to do this for sb:\n[VN] 1 000 children entered the competition. * Irish trainers have entered several horses in the race. * How many students have been entered for the exam? * [V] Only four British players have entered for the championship.\n  write information\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (in / into / on sth) to put names, numbers, details, etc. in a list, book or computer:\nEnter your name and occupation in the boxes (= on a form). * to enter data into a computer * to enter figures on a spreadsheet\n  say officially\n  6  [VN] (formal) to say sth officially so that it can be recorded:\nto enter a plea of not guilty (= at the beginning of a court case) * to enter a protest / an offer\nsee also ENTRANCE, ENTRY\n IDIOMS  see FORCE n., NAME n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  enter into sth (formal)\n1 to begin to discuss or deal with sth:\nLet’s not enter into details at this stage.\n2 to take an active part in sth:\nThey entered into the spirit of the occasion (= began to enjoy and feel part of it).\n3 [no passive] to form part of sth or have an influence on sth:\nThis possibility never entered into our calculations. * Your personal feelings shouldn’t enter into this at all.\n  enter into sth (with sb) to begin sth or become involved in sth:\nto enter into a contract / an agreement * to enter into negotiations / correspondence\n  enter on / upon sth (formal) to start to do sth or become involved in it:\nto enter on a new career * She entered upon a love affair which was to ruin her marriage.


Words: enteritis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a painful infection in the INTESTINES that usually causes DIARRHOEA\nsee also GASTRO-ENTERITIS


Words: enterprise
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a company or business:\nan enterprise with a turnover of $26 billion * state-owned / public enterprises * small and medium-sized enterprises\n  2  [C] a large project, especially one that is difficult \nSYN VENTURE:\nhis latest business / commercial enterprise * a joint enterprise * The music festival is a new enterprise which we hope will become an annual event.\n  3  [U] the development of businesses by the people of a country rather than by the government:\ngrants to encourage enterprise in the region * an enterprise culture (= in which people are encouraged to develop small businesses)\nsee also FREE ENTERPRISE, PRIVATE ENTERPRISE\n  4  [U] (approving) the ability to think of new projects and make them successful:\na job in which enterprise is rewarded * a man of enterprise * Many hotels are showing enterprise and imagination by staging special events.


Words: enterprising
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) having or showing the ability to think of new projects or new ways of doing things and make them successful:\nOne enterprising farmer opened up his field as a car park and charged people ｣10 to park there. * an enterprising young woman


Words: entertain
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to invite people to eat or drink with you as your guests, especially in your home:\n[V] The job involves a lot of entertaining. * [VN] Barbecues are a favourite way of entertaining friends.\n  2  ~ (sb) (with sth) to interest and amuse sb in order to please them:\n[VN] He entertained us for hours with his stories and jokes. * [V] The aim of the series is both to entertain and inform.\n  3  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to consider or allow yourself to think about an idea, a hope, a feeling, etc:\nHe had entertained hopes of a reconciliation. * to entertain a doubt / suspicion


Words: entertainer
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is amusing or interesting people, for example, by singing, telling jokes or dancing:\na street entertainer


Words: entertaining
Meaning:
adjective\ninteresting and amusing:\nan entertaining speech / evening * I found the talk both informative and entertaining. * She was always so funny and entertaining.\n    entertainingly adverb


Words: entertainment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] films/movies, music, etc. used to entertain people; an example of this:\nradio, television and other forms of entertainment * live / family entertainment * The entertainment was provided by a folk band. * Local entertainments are listed in the newspaper. * The show was good entertainment value.\n  2  [U] the act of entertaining sb:\na budget for the entertainment of clients


Words: enthral
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE enthrall)  verb\n(-ll-) [usually passive] if sth enthrals you, it is so interesting, beautiful, etc. that you give it all your attention:\n[VN] The child watched, enthralled by the bright moving images. * This book will enthral readers of all ages. [also V]\n    enthralling adjective:\nan enthralling performance


Words: enthrone
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] when a king, queen or important member of a Church is enthroned, they sit on a THRONE (= a special chair) in a ceremony to mark the beginning of their rule:\nThe painting depicts the enthroned Madonna and Child (= sitting on a THRONE).\n    enthronement noun [U, C]


Words: enthuse
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (about / over sth/sb) to talk in an enthusiastic and excited way about sth:\n[V] The article enthused about the benefits that the new system would bring. * [V speech] ’It’s a wonderful idea’, he enthused. [also V that]\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (with sth) to make sb feel very interested and excited:\nEveryone present was enthused by the idea.


Words: enthusiasm
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a strong feeling of excitement and interest in sth and a desire to become involved in it:\nI can’t say I share your enthusiasm for the idea. * She never lost her enthusiasm for teaching. * He had a real enthusiasm for the work. * The news was greeted with a lack of enthusiasm by those at the meeting. * ’I don’t mind,’ she said, without much enthusiasm. * full of enthusiasm\n  2  [C] (formal) something that you are very interested in and spend a lot of time doing:\nReading is one of her many enthusiasms.


Words: enthusiast
Meaning:
of sth)\n  1  a person who is very interested in sth and spends a lot of time doing it:\na football enthusiast * an enthusiast of jazz\n  2  a person who approves of sth and shows enthusiasm for it:\nenthusiasts for a united Europe


Words: enthusiastic
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (about sb/sth) | ~ (about doing sth) feeling or showing a lot of excitement and interest about sb/sth:\nan enthusiastic supporter / crowd * an enthusiastic welcome * You don’t sound very enthusiastic about the idea. * She was even less enthusiastic about going to Spain.\n    enthusiastically  adverb


Words: entice
Meaning:
verb\n[usually +adv./prep.] ~ sb (into doing sth) to persuade sb/sth to go somewhere or to do sth, usually by offering them sth:\n[VN] The bargain prices are expected to entice customers away from other stores. * a plan to entice mothers back to work * The animal refused to be enticed from its hole. * [VN to inf] Try and entice the child to eat by offering small portions of their favourite food.\n    enticement noun [C, U]:\nThe party is offering low taxation as its main enticement.


Words: enticing
Meaning:
adjective\nsomething that is enticing is so attractive and interesting that you want to have it or know more about it:\nThe offer was too enticing to refuse. * An enticing smell came from the kitchen. * The idea of two weeks in the sun sounds very enticing.\n    enticingly adverb


Words: entire
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (used when you are emphasizing that the whole of sth is involved) including everything, everyone or every part \nSYN WHOLE:\nThe entire village was destroyed. * I wasted an entire day on it. * I have never in my entire life heard such nonsense! * The disease threatens to wipe out the entire population.


Words: entirely
Meaning:
adverb\nin every way possible; completely:\nI entirely agree with you. * I’m not entirely happy about the proposal. * That’s an entirely different matter. * The audience was almost entirely female.


Words: entirety
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) the ~ of sth the whole of sth\n IDIOMS \n  in it’s / their entirety as a whole, rather than in parts:\nThe poem is too long to quote in its entirety.


Words: entitle
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [often passive] ~ sb to sth to give sb the right to have or to do sth:\n[VN] You will be entitled to your pension when you reach 65. * Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. * [VN to inf] This ticket does not entitle you to travel first class.\n  2  [VN-N] [usually passive] to give a title to a book, play, etc:\nHe read a poem entitled ’Salt’.


Words: entitlement
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U] ~ (to sth) the official right to have or do sth:\nThis may affect your entitlement to compensation.\n  2  [C] something that you have an official right to; the amount that you have the right to receive:\nYour contributions will affect your pension entitlements.\n  3  [C] (AmE) a government system that provides financial support to a particular group of people:\na reform of entitlements * Medicard, Medicare and other entitlement programs


Words: entity
Meaning:
noun\n(plural entities) (formal) something that exists separately from other things and has its own identity:\nThe unit has become part of a larger department and no longer exists as a separate entity. * These countries can no longer be viewed as a single entity.


Words: entomb sth
Meaning:
(in sth) (formal)\n  1  to bury or completely cover sb/sth so that they cannot get out, be seen, etc:\nAs many as 1 000 people were dead, entombed in collapsed buildings.\n  2  to put a dead body in a TOMB:\npharaohs entombed in the pyramids of Egypt


Words: entourage
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who travel with an important person:\nthe President and members of his immediate entourage * an entourage of adoring fans


Words: entrails
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the organs inside the body of a person or an animal, especially their INTESTINES\nSYN INNARDS


Words: entrance
Meaning:
noun-see also ENTRANCE\n \n  door / gate\n \n  1  [C] ~ (to / of sth) a door, gate, passage, etc. used for entering a room, building or place:\nthe entrance to the museum / the museum entrance * the front / back / side entrance of the house * A lighthouse marks the entrance to the harbour. * an entrance hall / lobby * I’ll meet you at the main entrance.\ncompare EXIT n. (1)\n \n  going in\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sb) the act of entering a room, building or place, especially in a way that attracts the attention of other people:\nHis sudden entrance took everyone by surprise. * A fanfare signalled the entrance of the king. * She made her entrance after all the other guests had arrived. * The hero makes his entrance (= walks onto the stage) in Scene 2.\n  3  [U] ~ (to sth) the right or opportunity to enter a building or place:\nThey were refused entrance to the exhibition. * (BrE) an entrance fee (= money paid to go into a museum, etc.) * The police were unable to gain entrance to the house.\n  becoming involved\n  4  [C] ~ (into sth) the act of becoming involved in sth:\nThe company made a dramatic entrance into the export market.\n  to club / institution\n  5  [U] ~ (to sth) permission to become a member of a club, society, university, etc:\na university entrance exam * entrance requirements * Entrance to the golf club is by sponsorship only.\ncompare ENTRY\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nentrance / entry / admission\nBoth entrance and entry can be used to mean the act of going into a room or building: She looked up at the sound of my entrance/entry.\nEntrance, entry and admission all mean the right to enter a place: We were refused entrance/entry/admission.\nEntrance, entry and admission are also used for the right to join a club, an institution or a group: an entrance exam * entry requirements * selecting students for admission.\nThe physical way in to a building is an entrance (AmE also entryway): I’ll meet you at the entrance.\n______________________________\n\n\n verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (written) to make sb feel great pleasure and admiration so that they give sb/sth all their attention:\nHe listened to her, entranced.\nsee also ENTRANCE\n    entrancing adjective:\nentrancing music


Words: entrant
Meaning:
noun ~ (to sth)\n  1  a person who has recently joined a profession, university, etc:\nnew women entrants to the police force * university entrants * There has been an increase in the number of mature entrants to higher education.\n  2  a person or an animal that enters a race or a competition; a person that enters an exam:\nA-level entrants * a late entrant


Words: entrap
Meaning:
verb (-pp-) [VN] [often passive] (formal)\n  1  to put or catch sb/sth in a place or situation from which they cannot escape:\nShe felt entrapped by her family’s expectations.\n  2  ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb, and encourage them to do sth, especially to commit a crime, so that they can be arrested for it


Words: entrapment
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) the illegal act of tricking sb into committing a crime so that they can be arrested for it:\nThere is no defence of entrapment in English law.


Words: entreat
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to ask sb to do sth in a serious and often emotional way\nSYN BEG, IMPLORE:\n[VN] Please help me, I entreat you. * [VN to inf] She entreated him not to go. [also V speech, VN speech]


Words: entreaty
Meaning:
noun\n(plural entreaties) [C, U] (formal) a serious and often emotional request:\nDespite her entreaties, he left. * She held up her arms in entreaty.


Words: entree
Meaning:
noun (from French)\n  1  [C] (in a restaurant or at a formal meal) the main dish of the meal or a dish served before the main course\n  2  [U, C] ~ (into / to sth) (formal) the right or ability to enter a social group or institution:\nHer wealth and reputation gave her an entree into upper-class circles.


Words: entrench
Meaning:
(also intrench)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (sometimes disapproving) to establish sth very firmly so that it is very difficult to change:\nSexism is deeply entrenched in our society. * entrenched attitudes / interests / opposition * This idea had firmly entrenched itself in his consciousness.


Words: entrenchment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (of sth) the fact of sth being firmly established\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a system of TRENCHES (= long narrow holes dug in the ground by soldiers to provide defence)


Words: entrepreneur
Meaning:
noun\na person who makes money by starting or running businesses, especially when this involves taking financial risks\n    entrepreneurial  adjective:\nentrepreneurial skills / flair\n    entrepreneurship noun [U]


Words: entrust
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ A (to B) | ~ B with A to make sb responsible for doing sth or taking care of sb:\nHe entrusted the task to his nephew. * He entrusted his nephew with the task. * The rebuilding of London’s churches was entrusted to the brilliant young architect, Christopher Wren.


Words: entry
Meaning:
noun (plural entries)\n  going in\n  1  [C, U] ~ (into sth) an act of going into or getting into a place:\nShe made her entry to the sound of thunderous applause. * The children were surprised by the sudden entry of their teacher. * How did the thieves gain entry into the building?\n  2  [U] ~ (to / into sth) the right or opportunity to enter a place:\nNo Entry (= for example, on a sign) * Entry to the museum is free. * to be granted / refused entry into the country -> ENTRANCE\n  joining group\n  3  [U] ~ (into sth) the right or opportunity to take part in sth or become a member of a group:\ncountries seeking entry into the European Union * the entry of women into the workforce * American entry into the war\n  in competition\n  4  [C] something that you do, write or make to take part in a competition, for example answering a set of questions:\nThere have been some impressive entries in the wildlife photography section (= impressive photographs). * The closing date for entries is 31 March. * The sender of the first correct entry drawn will win a weekend for two in Venice.\n  5  [U] the act of taking part in a competition, race, etc:\nEntry is open to anyone over the age of 18. * an entry form\n  6  [sing.] the total number of people who are taking part in a competition, race, etc:\nThere’s a record entry for this year’s marathon.\n  written information\n  7  [C] ~ (in sth) an item, for example a piece of information, that is written or printed in a dictionary, an account book, a DIARY, etc:\nan encyclopedia entry * There is no entry in his diary for that day.\n  8  [U] the act of recording information in a computer, book, etc:\nMore keyboarding staff are required for data entry.\n  door / gate\n  9  (also entryway ) (both AmE) [C] a door, gate or passage where you enter a building; an entrance hall:\nYou can leave your umbrella in the entry. -> ENTRANCE


Words: Entryphone
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a type of telephone on the wall next to the entrance to a building enabling a person inside the building to speak to a person outside before opening the door


Words: entwine
Meaning:
verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  ~ sth (with / in / around sth) to twist or wind sth around sth else:\nThey strolled through the park, with arms entwined. * The balcony was entwined with roses.\n  2  (be entwined (with sth)) to be very closely involved or connected with sth:\nHer destiny was entwined with his. * Their lives are entwined.


Words: enumerate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to name things on a list one by one:\nShe enumerated the main points. * Let me enumerate the benefits for you.


Words: enunciate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to say or pronounce words clearly:\n[VN] She enunciated each word slowly and carefully. [also V, V speech]\n  2  [VN] (formal) to express an idea clearly and exactly:\nHe enunciated his vision of the future.\n    enunciation  noun [U]


Words: envelop
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (formal) to wrap sb/sth up or cover them or it completely:\nShe was enveloped in a huge white towel. * Clouds enveloped the mountain tops. * Darkness fell and enveloped the town. * A feeling of despair enveloped him.


Words: envelope
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a flat paper container used for sending letters in:\nwriting paper and envelopes * an airmail / padded / prepaid envelope\nsee also SAE, SASE\n \n  2  a flat container made of plastic for keeping papers in


Words: enviable
Meaning:
adjective\nsomething that is enviable is the sort of thing that is good and that other people want to have too:\nHe is in the enviable position of having two job offers to choose from.\nOPP UNENVIABLE\n    enviably  adverb:\nan enviably mild climate


Words: envious
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sb/sth) wanting to be in the same situation as sb else; wanting sth that sb else has:\nEveryone is so envious of her. * They were envious of his success. * He saw the envious look in the other boy’s eyes.\n    enviously adverb:\nThey look enviously at the success of their European counterparts.\nsee also ENVY


Words: environment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of sb/sth; the physical conditions that sb/sth exists in:\na pleasant working / learning environment * An unhappy home environment can affect a child’s behaviour. * They have created an environment in which productivity should flourish. * These rocks are common to certain climate environments. * the political / financial environment * tests carried out in a controlled environment\n  2  (the environment) [sing.] the natural world in which people, animals and plants live:\nthe Department of the Environment * measures to protect the environment * pollution of the environment * damage to the environment\n  3  [C] (computing) the complete structure within which a user, computer or program operates:\na desktop development environment


Words: environmental
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with the natural conditions in which people, animals and plants live; connected with the environment:\nthe environmental impact of pollution * environmental issues / problems * an environmental group / movement (= that aims to improve or protect the natural environment) * environmental damage\n  2  connected with the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of sb/sth:\nenvironmental influences * an environmental health officer\n    environmentally  adverb:\nan environmentally sensitive area (= one that is easily damaged or that contains rare animals, plants, etc.) * environmentally damaging


Words: environmentalist
Meaning:
noun\na person who is concerned about the natural environment and wants to improve and protect it\n    environmentalism noun [U]


Words: environmentally friendly
Meaning:
(also environment-friendly) adjective\n(of products) not harming the environment:\nenvironmentally friendly packaging


Words: environs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal) the area surrounding a place:\nBerlin and its environs * people living in the immediate environs of a nuclear plant


Words: envisage
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually envision) verb to imagine what will happen in the future:\n[VN] What level of profit do you envisage? * [V -ing] I don’t envisage working with him again. * [VN -ing] I can’t envisage her coping with this job. * [VN that] It is envisaged that the talks will take place in the spring. [also V that, V wh-]


Words: envision
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation you intend to work towards:\nThey envision an equal society, free of poverty and disease.\n  2  (especially AmE) = ENVISAGE:\nThey didn’t envision any problems with the new building.


Words: envoy
Meaning:
noun\na person who represents a government or an organization and is sent as a messenger to talk to other governments and organizations:\nThe President has suggested sending a US peace envoy to Northern Ireland.


Words: envy
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] ~ (of sb) | ~ (at / of sth) the feeling of wanting to be in the same situation as sb else; the feeling of wanting sth that sb else has:\nHe couldn’t conceal his envy of me. * She felt a pang of envy at the thought of his success. * They looked with envy at her latest purchase. * Her colleagues were green with envy (= they had very strong feelings of envy).\n IDIOMS \n  be the envy of sb/sth to be a person or thing that other people admire and that causes feelings of envy:\nBritish television is the envy of the world.\nsee also ENVIABLE, ENVIOUS\n    verb (envies, envying, envied, envied) to wish you had the same qualities, possessions, opportunities, etc. as sb else: [VN] He envied her-she seemed to have everything she could possibly want. * She has always envied my success. * [VNN] I don’t envy Ed that job (= I am pleased I do not have it). * [VN -ing] I envy you having such a close family.


Words: enzyme
Meaning:
noun\n(biology) a substance, usually produced by plants and animals, which helps a chemical change happen or happen more quickly, without being changed itself:\nEnzymes are essential to the body’s functioning.


Words: epaulette
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually epaulet)  noun\na decoration on the shoulder of a coat, jacket, etc., especially when part of a military uniform


Words: ephemera
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] things that are important or used for only a short period of time:\na collection of postcards, tickets and other ephemera


Words: ephemeral
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) lasting or used for only a short period of time:\nephemeral pleasures * leaflets, handouts and other ephemeral material


Words: epic
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] a long poem about the actions of great men and women or about a nation’s history; this style of poetry:\none of the great Hindu epics * the creative genius of Greek epic\ncompare LYRIC\n  2  [C] a long film/movie or book that contains a lot of action, usually about a historical subject\n  3  [C] (sometimes humorous) a long and difficult job or activity that you think people should admire:\nTheir four-hour match on Centre Court was an epic.\n    adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  having the features of an epic:\nan epic poem\ncompare LYRIC\n  2  taking place over a long period of time and involving a lot of difficulties:\nan epic journey / struggle\n  3  very great and impressive:\na tragedy of epic proportions


Words: epicentre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE epicenter)  noun\n  1  the point on the earth’s surface where the effects of an earthquake are felt most strongly\n  2  (formal) the central point of sth


Words: epidemic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large number of cases of a particular disease happening at the same time in a particular community:\nthe outbreak of a flu epidemic * an epidemic of measles * Effectively, tobacco companies will be exporting an epidemic of smoking-related diseases, the campaign suggests.\n  2  a sudden rapid increase in how often sth bad happens:\nan epidemic of crime in the inner cities\n    epidemic adjective:\nCar theft is now reaching epidemic proportions.\ncompare PANDEMIC


Words: epidemiology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study of the spread and control of diseases\n    epidemiological  adjective\n    epidemiologist  noun


Words: epidural
Meaning:
noun\n(medical) an ANAESTHETIC that is put into the lower part of the back so that no pain is felt below the waist:\nSome mothers choose to have an epidural when giving birth.


Words: epiglottis
Meaning:
noun\n(anatomy) a thin piece of tissue at the back of the tongue that prevents food or drink from entering the lungs


Words: epigram
Meaning:
noun\na short poem or phrase that expresses an idea in a clever or amusing way\n    epigrammatic  adjective


Words: epigraph
Meaning:
noun\na line of writing, short phrase, etc. on a building or statue, or as an introduction to part of a book:\nThe epigraph to the chapter read: ’One man’s freedom is another man’s slavery’.


Words: epilepsy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disorder of the nervous system that causes a person to become unconscious suddenly, often with violent movements of the body\n    epileptic  adjective:\nan epileptic fit\n    epileptic noun:\nIs she an epileptic?


Words: epilogue
Meaning:
noun\na speech, etc. at the end of a play, book, or film/movie that comments on or acts as a CONCLUSION to what has happened:\nFortinbras speaks the epilogue in Shakespeare’s ’Hamlet’.\ncompare PROLOGUE


Words: Epiphany
Meaning:
noun\na Christian festival, held on the 6 January, in memory of the time when the MAGI came to see the baby Jesus at Bethlehem


Words: episcopal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with a BISHOP or BISHOPS:\nepiscopal power\n  2  (usually Episcopal) (also Episcopalian) (of a Christian Church) that is governed by BISHOPS:\nthe Episcopal Church (= the Anglican Church in Scotland and the US)


Words: episode
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an event, a situation, or a period of time in sb’s life, a novel, etc. that is important or interesting in some way:\nI’d like to try and forget the whole episode. * One of the funniest episodes in the book occurs in Chapter 6. * It was an episode in his life that he was not proud of.\n  2  one part of a story that is broadcast on television or radio in several parts:\nThe soap opera is ending after 175 episodes.


Words: episodic
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  happening occasionally and not at regular intervals:\nher episodic acting career * Volcanic activity is highly episodic in nature.\n  2  (of a story, etc.) containing or consisting of many separate and different events:\nMy memories of childhood are hazy and episodic. * The film is an episodic account of the effect of the war on a small community.


Words: epistle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (Epistle) any of the letters in the New Testament of the Bible, written by the first people who followed Christ:\nthe Epistles of St Paul\n  2  (formal or humorous) a long, serious letter on an important subject


Words: epitaph
Meaning:
noun\n  1  words that are written or said about a dead person, especially words on a GRAVESTONE:\nHis epitaph read: ’A just and noble countryman’.\n  2  ~ (to sb/sth) something which is left to remind people of a particular person, a period of time or an event:\nThese slums are an epitaph to the housing policy of the 1960s.


Words: epithet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an adjective or phrase that is used to describe sb/sth’s character or most important quality, especially in order to give praise or criticism:\nThe film is long and dramatic but does not quite earn the epithet ’epic’.\n  2  (especially AmE) an offensive word or phrase that is used about a person or group of people:\nRacial epithets were scrawled on the walls.


Words: epitome
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the ~ of sth a perfect example of sth:\nHe is the epitome of a modern young man. * clothes that are the epitome of good taste


Words: epitomize
Meaning:
(BrE also epitomise)  verb\n[VN] to be a perfect example of sth:\nThe fighting qualities of the team are epitomized by the captain. * These movies seem to epitomize the 1950s.


Words: epoch
Meaning:
noun (formal or literary)\n  1  a period of time in history, especially one during which important events or changes happen:\nThe death of the emperor marked the end of an epoch in the country’s history.\n  2  (technical) a long period of time in the world’s history or in the earth’s development:\ngeological epochs


Words: epoch-making
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having a very important effect on people’s lives and on history:\nthe epoch-making events that ended the Cold War


Words: eponymous
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] the eponymous character of a book, play, film/movie, etc. is the one mentioned in the title:\nDon Quixote, eponymous hero of the great novel by Cervantes


Words: equable
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  calm and not easily upset or annoyed:\nan equable temperament * He was in a remarkably equable mood when he spoke to reporters last night.\n  2  (of weather) keeping a steady temperature with no sudden changes:\nan equable climate\n    equably  adverb


Words: equal
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) the same in size, quantity, value, etc. as sth else:\nThere is an equal number of boys and girls in the class. * One unit of alcohol is equal to half a pint of beer. * two pieces of wood equal in length / of equal length * An area of forest equal to the size of Wales has been destroyed.\n HELP NOTE  You can use exactly, precisely, approximately, etc. with equal in this meaning.\n  2  having the same rights or being treated the same as other people, without differences such as race, religion or sex being considered:\nequal rights / pay * The company has an equal opportunities policy (= gives the same chances of employment to everyone). * the desire for a more equal society (= in which everyone has the same rights and chances)\n HELP NOTE  You can use more with equal in this meaning.\n  3  ~ to sth (formal) having the necessary strength, courage and ability to deal with sth successfully:\nI hope that he proves equal to the challenge.\nsee also EQUALLY\n IDIOMS \n  on equal terms (with sb) having the same advantages and disadvantages as sb else:\nCan our industry compete on equal terms with its overseas rivals?\nmore at THING\n    noun a person or thing of the same quality or with the same status, rights, etc. as another:\nShe treats the people who work for her as her equals. * Our cars are the equal of those produced anywhere in the world.\n IDIOMS \n  be without equal | have no equal (formal) to be better than anything else or anyone else of the same type:\nHe is a player without equal. * As a family holiday destination, the seaside has no equal.\nmore at FIRST n.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-)\n  1  linking verb [V-N] to be the same in size, quantity, value, etc. as sth else:\n2x plus y equals 7 (2x+y=7) * A metre equals 39.38 inches.\n  2  [VN] to be as good as sth else or do sth to the same standard as sb else:\nThis achievement is unlikely ever to be equalled. * Her hatred of religion is equalled only by her loathing for politicians. * With his last jump he equalled the world record.\n  3  [VN] to lead to or result in sth:\nCooperation equals success.


Words: equality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the fact of being equal in rights, status, advantages, etc:\nracial / social / sexual equality * equality of opportunity * the principle of equality before the law (= the law treats everyone the same) * Don’t you believe in equality between men and women?\nOPP INEQUALITY


Words: equalize
Meaning:
(BrE also equalise)  verb\n \n  1  [VN] to make things equal in size, quantity, value, etc. in the whole of a place or group:\na policy to equalize the distribution of resources throughout the country * We need to equalize the workload among the teaching staff.\n \n  2  [V] (BrE) (especially in football) to score a goal that makes the score of both teams equal:\nOwen equalized early in the second half.\n \n    equalization, equalisation  noun [U]


Words: equalizer
Meaning:
equaliser  noun\n[usually sing.] (BrE) (especially in football) a goal that makes the score of both teams equal:\nOwen scored the equalizer for Liverpool.


Words: equally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  to the same degree; in the same or in a similar way:\nDiet and exercise are equally important. * This job could be done equally well by a computer. * We try to treat every member of staff equally. * The findings of the survey apply equally to adults and children. * The birds are equally at home in a woodland or riverside environment. * She may have arrived late or it is equally possible that she never went there at all.\n  2  in equal parts, amounts, etc:\nThe money was divided equally among her four children. * They share the housework equally.\n  3  used to introduce another phrase or idea that adds to and is as important as what you have just said:\nI’m trying to do what is best, but equally I’ve got to consider the cost.


Words: equanimity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a calm state of mind which means that you do not become angry or upset, especially in difficult situations:\nShe accepted the prospect of her operation with equanimity.


Words: equate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (with sth) to think that sth is the same as sth else or is as important:\nSome parents equate education with exam success. * I don’t see how you can equate the two things.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  equate to sth to be equal to sth else:\nA $5 000 raise equates to 25%.


Words: equation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (mathematics) a statement showing that two amounts or values are equal, for example 2ﾗ + y = 54\n  2  [U, sing.] the act of making sth equal or considering sth as equal (= of equating them):\nThe equation of wealth with happiness can be dangerous.\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a problem or situation in which several things must be considered and dealt with:\nWhen children enter the equation, further tensions may arise within a marriage.


Words: equator
Meaning:
(usually the equator) noun\n[sing.] an imaginary line around the earth at an equal distance from the North and South Poles:\nThe island is twenty degrees south of the equator.


Words: equatorial
Meaning:
adjective\nnear the equator or typical of a country that is near the equator:\nequatorial rainforests * an equatorial climate


Words: equestrian
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with riding horses, especially as a sport:\nequestrian events at the Olympic Games * an equestrian statue / portrait (= one of a person on a horse)


Words: equidistant
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (from sth) (formal) equally far from two or more places:\nAll points on a circle are equidistant from the centre.


Words: equilibrium
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  a state of balance, especially between opposing forces or influences:\nThe point at which the solid and the liquid are in equilibrium is called the freezing point. * Any disturbance to the body’s state of equilibrium can produce stress. * We have achieved an equilibrium in the economy.\n  2  a calm state of mind and a balance of emotions:\nHe sat down to try and recover his equilibrium.


Words: equine
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) connected with horses; like a horse:\nequine disciplines such as dressage and showjumping


Words: equinox
Meaning:
noun\none of the two times in the year (around 20 March and 22 September) when the sun is above the EQUATOR and day and night are of equal length:\nthe spring / autumn equinox


Words: equip sth
Meaning:
(with sth) (for sth)\n  1  [VN] to provide yourself/sb/sth with the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity:\nto be fully / specially / poorly equipped * She got a bank loan to rent and equip a small workshop. * He equipped himself with a street plan. * The centre is well equipped for canoeing and mountaineering.\n  2  to prepare sb for an activity or task, especially by teaching them what they need to know:\n[VN] The course is designed to equip students for a career in nursing. [also VN to inf]


Words: equipment
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity:\na useful piece of equipment for the kitchen * medical / office equipment * new equipment for the sports club\n  2  the process of providing a place or person with necessary things:\nThe equipment of the photographic studio was expensive.


Words: equitable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) fair and reasonable; treating everyone in an equal way:\nan equitable distribution of resources\nOPP INEQUITABLE\n    equitably  adverb:\nWe aim to ensure that employees are all treated equitably.


Words: equity
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (finance) the value of a company’s shares; the value of a property after all charges and debts have been paid:\nHe plans to raise the company’s return on equity to 15%.\nsee also NEGATIVE EQUITY\n  2  (equities) [pl.] (finance) shares in a company which do not pay a fixed amount of interest\n  3  [U] (formal) a situation in which everyone is treated equally \nSYN FAIRNESS:\na society where justice and equity prevail\n  4  [U] (law) (especially BrE) a system of natural justice allowing a fair judgement in a situation where the existing laws are not satisfactory:\nThe rules of common law and equity are both, in essence, systems of private law.


Words: equivalent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective ~ (to sth) equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc:\nEight kilometres is roughly equivalent to five miles. * 250 grams or an equivalent amount in ounces * The new regulation was seen as equivalent to censorship.\n    equivalence  noun [U] (formal):\nThere is no straightforward equivalence between economic progress and social well-being.\n    noun ~ (of / to sth) a thing, amount, word, etc. that is equivalent to sth else:\nSend ｣20 or the equivalent in your own currency. * Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the human equivalent of BSE * The ’Gymnasium’ is the closest equivalent to the grammar school in England. * Is there a French word that is the exact equivalent of the English word ’home’? * Breathing such polluted air is the equivalent of (= has the same effect as) smoking ten cigarettes a day.


Words: equivocal
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  (of words or statements) not having one clear or definite meaning or intention; able to be understood in more than one way \nSYN AMBIGUOUS:\nShe gave an equivocal answer, typical of a politician. * Women were less equivocal than men on the subject of fidelity in marriage.\n  2  (of actions or behaviour) difficult to understand or explain clearly or easily:\nThe experiments produced equivocal results.


Words: equivocate
Meaning:
verb\n[V speech, V] (formal) to talk about sth in a way that is deliberately not clear in order to avoid or hide the truth


Words: equivocation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) a way of behaving or speaking that is not clear or definite and is intended to avoid or hide the truth:\nThese actions must be condemned without equivocation.


Words: er
Meaning:
exclamation\n(BrE) the sound that people make when they are deciding what to say next:\n’Will you do it?’ ’Er, yes, I suppose so.’ * I’m, er, I’m going now


Words: era
Meaning:
noun\na period of time, usually in history, that is different from other periods because of particular characteristics or events:\nthe Victorian / modern / post-war era * When she left the firm, it was the end of an era (= things were different after that). * a new era of peace


Words: eradicate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sth) to destroy or get rid of sth completely, especially sth bad:\nPolio has been virtually eradicated in Brazil. * We are determined to eradicate racism from our sport.\n    eradication  noun [U]


Words: erase
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth completely:\nShe tried to erase the memory of that evening. * All doubts were suddenly erased from his mind. * You cannot erase injustice from the world.\n  2  to make a mark or sth you have written disappear, for example by rubbing it, especially in order to correct it:\nHe had erased the wrong word. * All the phone numbers had been erased. * The tide had erased the footprints.\n  3  to remove a recording from a tape or information from a computer’s memory:\nParts of the recording have been erased. * He had erased more than 5 000 files from the memory of his computer.


Words: erasure
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the act of removing or destroying sth:\nthe accidental erasure of important computer disks (= the removal of information from them)


Words: erect
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n  1  (formal) in an upright position \nSYN STRAIGHT:\nStand with your arms by your side and your head erect.\n  2  (of the PENIS or NIPPLES) larger than usual, stiff and upright because of sexual excitement\n    verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to build sth:\nThe church was erected in 1582. * to erect a wall / monument / statue\n  2  to put sth in position and make it stand upright\nSYN PUT STH UP:\nPolice had to erect barriers to keep crowds back. * to erect a tent / sign\n  3  to create or establish sth:\nto erect trade barriers


Words: erection
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] if a man has an erection, his PENIS is hard and upright because he is sexually excited:\nto get / have an erection\n  2  [U] (formal) the act of building sth or putting it in an upright position:\nthe erection of temporary scaffolding around the building site\n  3  [C] (formal) a structure or building, especially a large one:\nThe cafe was a bleak, concrete erection with plastic tables and chairs.


Words: ergo
Meaning:
adverb\n(from Latin, formal or humorous) therefore:\nChange from within will take too long. Ergo change must come from outside.


Words: ergonomic
Meaning:
adjective\ndesigned to improve people’s working conditions and to help them work more efficiently:\nthe ergonomic design and installation of VDUs\n    ergonomically adverb:\nThe layout is hard to fault ergonomically.


Words: ergonomics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study of working conditions, especially the design of equipment and furniture, in order to help people work more efficiently:\nThere is a need for formal ergonomics in any design where the designer himself is not an experienced user.


Words: ERM
Meaning:
abbreviation\nExchange Rate Mechanism The ERM was a way of linking the units of money of some European Union countries and controlling their exchange rates, before the introduction of the euro in 1999.


Words: ermine
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the white winter fur of the STOAT, used especially to decorate the formal clothes of judges, kings, etc.


Words: erode
Meaning:
verb [often passive] ~ (sth) (away)\n  1  to gradually destroy the surface of sth through the action of wind, rain, etc.; to be gradually destroyed in this way\nSYN WEAR AWAY:\n[VN] The cliff face has been steadily eroded by the sea. * [V] The rocks have eroded away over time.\n  2  (written) to gradually destroy sth or make it weaker over a period of time; to be destroyed or made weaker in this way:\n[VN] Her confidence has been slowly eroded by repeated failures. * Mortgage payments have been eroded (= decreased in value) by inflation. [also V]۠\n    erosion  noun [U]:\nthe erosion of the coastline by the sea * soil erosion * the erosion of her confidence


Words: erotic
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing or involving sexual desire and pleasure; intended to make sb feel sexual desire:\nerotic art / poetry / pictures * an erotic dream / fantasy\n    erotically  adverb


Words: eroticism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the fact of expressing or describing sexual feelings and desire, especially in art, literature, etc:\nthe film’s blatant eroticism


Words: err
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (old-fashioned, formal) to make a mistake:\nTo err is human ...\n IDIOMS \n  err on the side of sth to show too much of a good quality:\nI thought it was better to err on the side of caution (= to be too careful rather than take a risk). * to err on the side of generosity / safety


Words: errand
Meaning:
noun\na job that you do for sb that involves going somewhere to take a message, to buy sth, deliver goods, etc:\nHe often runs errands for his grandmother. * Her boss sent her on an errand into town.\n IDIOMS  see FOOL n.


Words: errant
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (formal or humorous)\n  1  doing sth that is wrong; not behaving in an acceptable way:\nerrant fathers who refuse to pay maintenance for their children * (figurative) She brushed an errant curl from her forehead.\n  2  (of a husband or wife) not sexually faithful


Words: erratic
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) not happening at regular times; not following any plan or regular pattern; that you cannot rely on \nSYN UNPREDICTABLE:\nThe electricity supply here is quite erratic. * She had learnt to live with his sudden changes of mood and erratic behaviour. * Mary is a gifted but erratic player (= she does not always play well). * Irrigation measures will be necessary in areas of erratic rainfall.\n    erratically  adverb:\nHe was obviously upset and was driving erratically. * His heart beat erratically.


Words: erratum
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (plural errata ) (technical) a mistake in a book (shown in a list at the back or front):\nA list of errata was printed at the back of the book.


Words: erroneous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not correct; based on wrong information:\nerroneous conclusions / assumptions * He seems to be under the erroneous impression that she is in love with him.\n    erroneously adverb:\nThe bank erroneously transferred the money to her account.


Words: error
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ in sth / in doing sth a mistake, especially one that causes problems or affects the result of sth:\nNo payments were made last week because of a computer error. * There are too many errors in your work. * I think you have made an error in calculating the total. * A simple error of judgement meant that there was not enough food to go around. * an error message (= one that tells you sth is wrong in a computer program) on the screen * a grave error (= a very serious mistake) * The delay was due to human error (= a mistake made by a person rather than by a machine). * The computer system was switched off in error (= by mistake). * There is no room for error in this job. * Almost all accidents start with a simple error by the pilot.\n IDIOMS \n  see, realize, etc. the error of your ways (formal or humorous) to realize or admit that you have done sth wrong and decide to change your behaviour\nmore at TRIAL n.


Words: erstwhile
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) former; that until recently was the type of person or thing described but is not any more:\nan erstwhile opponent / ally / colleague * His erstwhile friends turned against him.


Words: erudite
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having or showing great knowledge that is gained from academic study:\nShe could turn any conversation into an erudite discussion.


Words: erudition
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) great academic knowledge:\na scholar of undoubted erudition * a work of great erudition and originality


Words: erupt
Meaning:
verb\n  1  when a VOLCANO erupts or burning rocks, smoke, etc. erupt or are erupted, the burning rocks are thrown out from the volcano:\n[V] The volcano could erupt at any time. * Ash began to erupt from the crater. * [VN] An immense volume of rocks and molten lava was erupted.\n  2  [V] ~ (into sth) to start happening, suddenly and violently \nSYN BREAK OUT:\nViolence erupted outside the embassy gates. * The unrest erupted into revolution.\n  3  ~ (in / into sth) to suddenly express your feelings very strongly, especially by shouting loudly:\n[V] My father just erupted into fury. * When Davis scored for the third time the crowd erupted. [also V speech]\n  4  [V] (of spots, etc.) to suddenly appear on your skin:\nA rash had erupted all over his chest and arms.\n    eruption  noun [C, U]:\na major volcanic eruption * an eruption of violent protest * skin rashes and eruptions


Words: escalate
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth) (into sth) to become or make sth greater, worse, more serious, etc:\n[V] The fighting escalated into a full-scale war. * the escalating costs of health care * [VN] We do not want to escalate the war.\n    escalation  noun [C, U]:\nan escalation in food prices * further escalation of the conflict


Words: escalope
Meaning:
noun\na thin slice of meat with no bones in it, often covered with BREADCRUMBS and fried:\nescalopes of veal


Words: escapade
Meaning:
noun\nan exciting adventure (often one that people think is dangerous or stupid):\nIsabel’s latest romantic escapade * The people who planned the escapade did not realize what they were getting involved in.


Words: escape
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (from sb/sth) to get away from a place where you have been kept as a prisoner or not allowed to leave:\nTwo prisoners have escaped. * He escaped from prison this morning. * They were caught trying to escape.\n  2  ~ (from sth) to get away from an unpleasant or dangerous situation:\n[V] She managed to escape from the burning car. * (figurative) As a child he would often escape into a dream world of his own. * [VN] They were glad to have escaped the clutches of winter for another year.\n  3  [no passive] to avoid sth unpleasant or dangerous:\n[VN] She was lucky to escape punishment. * The pilot escaped death by seconds. * There was no escaping the fact that he was overweight. * [V -ing] He narrowly escaped being killed.\n  4  ~ (with sth) to suffer no harm or less harm than you would expect:\n[V] I was lucky to escape with minor injuries. * [V-ADJ] Both drivers escaped unhurt.\n  5  [VN] [no passive] to be forgotten or not noticed:\nHer name escapes me (= I can’t remember it). * It might have escaped your notice, but I’m very busy at the moment.\n  6  [V] (of gases, liquids, etc.) to get out of a container, especially through a hole or crack:\nPut a lid on to prevent heat escaping. * toxic waste escaping into the sea\n  7  (of a sound) to come out from your mouth without you intending it to:\n[VN] A groan escaped her lips. [also V]\n    noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (from sth) the act or a method of escaping from a place or an unpleasant or dangerous situation:\nan escape from a prisoner of war camp * I had a narrow escape (= I was lucky to have escaped). * There was no hope of escape from her disastrous marriage. * He took an elaborate escape route from South Africa to Britain. * As soon as he turned his back, she would make her escape.\nsee also FIRE ESCAPE\n  2  [sing., U] a way of forgetting sth unpleasant or difficult for a short time:\nFor her travel was an escape from the boredom of her everyday life.\n  3  [C] the fact of a liquid, gas, etc. coming out of a pipe or container by accident; the amount that comes out:\nan escape of gas\n IDIOMS \n  make good your escape (written) to manage to escape completely:\nHe made good his escape from a crowd of journalists by jumping over a barrier.\nmore at BARN


Words: escapee
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person or an animal that has escaped from somewhere, especially sb who has escaped from prison


Words: escapism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an activity, a form of entertainment, etc. that helps you avoid or forget unpleasant or boring things:\nthe pure escapism of adventure movies * For John, books are a form of escapism.\n    escapist  adjective:\nescapist entertainment / fantasies * romantic novels and other escapist literature


Words: escarpment
Meaning:
noun\na steep slope that separates an area of high ground from an area of lower ground:\nThe clay lowlands are flanked by steep chalk escarpments.


Words: eschew
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to deliberately avoid or keep away from sth:\nHe had eschewed politics in favour of a life practising law.


Words: escort
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  [C, U] a person or group of people or vehicles that travels with sb/sth in order to protect or guard them:\nArmed escorts are provided for visiting heads of state. * Prisoners are taken to court under police escort. * The convoy had an escort of ten destroyers. * Bomber planes were sent out with fighter escorts.\n  2  [C] (formal or old-fashioned) a person, especially a man, who takes sb to a particular social event:\nIn my day, young women were not allowed out without a suitable escort.\n  3  [C] a person, especially a woman, who is paid to go out socially with sb:\nan escort service / agency\n    verb prep.] to go with sb to protect or guard them or to show them the way:\nThe President arrived, escorted by twelve soldiers. * Guards escorted me back to my cell. * The referee was escorted from the pitch by police. * Let me escort you home.


Words: Eskimo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Eskimo or Eskimos) (sometimes offensive) a member of a race of people from northern Canada, and parts of Alaska, Greenland and Siberia. Many of these people prefer to use the name Inuit.\ncompare INUIT


Words: ESL
Meaning:
abbreviation\nEnglish as a second language (refers to the teaching of English as a foreign language to people who are living in a country in which English is either the first or second language)


Words: esoteric
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) likely to be understood or enjoyed by only a few people with a special knowledge or interest:\na programme of music for everyone, even those with the most esoteric taste * Specialist dictionaries may be required to understand some of the more esoteric texts.


Words: ESP
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  English for specific/special purposes (the teaching of English for scientific, technical, etc. purposes to people whose first language is not English)\n  2  extrasensory perception (the ability to know things without using the senses of sight, hearing, etc., for example to know what people are thinking or what will happen in the future)


Words: espalier
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a tree or SHRUB that is grown flat along a wooden or wire frame on a wall\n  2  the frame that such a tree grows along


Words: especial
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (BrE, formal) greater or better than usual; special in some way or for a particular group:\na matter of especial importance * The lecture will be of especial interest to history students.\ncompare SPECIAL adj. (5)


Words: especially
Meaning:
adverb (abbreviation esp.)\n  1  more with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others \nSYN PARTICULARLY:\nThe car is quite small, especially if you have children. * Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls. * I love Rome, especially in the spring.\n  2  for a particular purpose, person, etc:\nI made it especially for you.\n  3  very much; to a particular degree:\nI wasn’t feeling especially happy that day. * ’Do you like his novels?’ ’Not especially.’\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nespecially / specially\nEspecially usually means ’particularly’: She loves all sports, especially swimming. * It is not placed first in a sentence: I especially like sweet things. _E_s_p_e_c_i_a_l_l_y_ _I_ _l_i_k_e_ _s_w_e_e_t_ _t_h_i_n_g_s.\nSpecially usually means ’for a particular purpose’ and is often followed by a past participle, such as designed, developed or made: a course specially designed to meet your needs * She has her clothes specially made in Paris.\nIn BrE, especially and specially are often used in the same way and it can be hard to hear the difference when people speak. Specially is less formal: I bought this especially/specially for you. * It is especially/specially important to remember this.\nThe adjective for both especially and specially is usually special.\n______________________________


Words: Esperanto
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an artificial language invented in 1887 as a means of international communication, based on the main European languages but with easy grammar and pronunciation


Words: espionage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the activity of secretly getting important political or military information about another country or of finding out another company’s secrets by using SPIES:\nSome of the commercial activities were a cover for espionage. * She may call it research; I call it industrial espionage.\nsee also COUNTER-ESPIONAGE


Words: esplanade
Meaning:
noun\na level area of open ground in a town for people to walk along, often by the sea or a river:\nPeople were lying on the beach and strolling along the esplanade.


Words: espouse
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to give your support to a belief, policy etc:\nThey espoused the notion of equal opportunity for all in education.\n    espousal  noun [U, sing.] ~ of sth:\nhis recent espousal of populism


Words: espresso
Meaning:
noun (plural espressos)\n  1  [U] strong black coffee made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee\n  2  [C] a cup of espresso:\nTwo espressos, please.


Words: esprit de corps
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French) feelings of pride, care and support for each other, etc. that are shared by the members of a group


Words: Esq.
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  (becoming old-fashioned, especially BrE) Esquire (a polite title written after a man’s name, especially on an official letter addressed to him. If Esq. is used, Mr is not then used):\nEdward Smith, Esq.\n  2  (AmE) used as a title after the name of a male or female lawyer


Words: essay
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  ~ (on sth) a short piece of writing by a student as part of a course of study:\nan essay on the causes of the First World War\n  2  ~ (on sth) a short piece of writing on a particular subject, written in order to be published:\nThe book contains a number of interesting essays on women in society.\n  3  ~ (in sth) (formal) an attempt to do sth:\nHis first essay in politics was a complete disaster.\n    verb  [VN] (literary) to try to do sth


Words: essence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (of sth) the most important quality or feature of sth, that makes it what it is:\nHis paintings capture the essence of France. * Like so many peasant foods, the essence of pasta is its simplicity. * In essence (= when you consider the most important points), your situation isn’t so different from mine.\n  2  [U, C] a liquid taken from a plant, etc. that contains its smell and taste in a very strong form:\nessence of rosewood * (BrE) coffee / vanilla / almond essence\nsee also EXTRACT\n IDIOMS \n  of the essence necessary and very important:\nIn this situation time is of the essence (= we must do things as quickly as possible).


Words: essential
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to / for sth) | ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity \nSYN VITAL:\nan essential part / ingredient / component of sth * Money is not essential to happiness. * Experience is essential for this job. * essential services such as gas, water and electricity * The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out. * It is essential to keep the two groups separate * It is essential you have some experience. * The charity will be taking food and essential supplies to six refugee camps. * This book is essential reading for all nature lovers. * Even in small companies, computers are an essential tool.\ncompare INESSENTIAL, NON-ESSENTIAL\nOPP DISPENSABLE\n  2  [only before noun] connected with the most important aspect or basic nature of sb/sth \nSYN FUNDAMENTAL:\nThe essential difference between Sara and me is in our attitude to money. * The essential character of the town has been destroyed by the new road.\n    noun [usually pl.]\n  1  something that is needed in a particular situation or in order to do a particular thing:\nI only had time to pack the bare essentials (= the most necessary things). * The studio had all the essentials like heating and running water.\n  2  an important basic fact or piece of knowledge about a subject:\nthe essentials of English grammar


Words: essential oil
Meaning:
noun\nan oil taken from a plant, used because of its strong smell for making PERFUME and in AROMATHERAPY


Words: essentially
Meaning:
adverb\nwhen you think about the true, important or basic nature of sb/sth \nSYN BASICALLY, FUNDAMENTALLY:\nThere are three essentially different ways of tackling the problem. * The pattern is essentially the same in all cases. * Essentially, what we are suggesting is that the firm needs to change. * He was, essentially, a teacher, not a manager. * The article was essentially concerned with her relationship with her parents (= it dealt with other things, but this was the most important).


Words: establish
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to start or create an organization, a system, etc. that is meant to last for a long time\nSYN SET UP:\nThe committee was established in 1912. * The new treaty establishes a free trade zone. * Let’s establish some ground rules.\n  2  [VN] to start having a relationship, especially a formal one, with another person, group or country:\nThe school has established a successful relationship with the local community.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth / yourself (in sth) (as sth) to hold a position for long enough or succeed in sth well enough to make people accept and respect you:\nBy then she was established as a star. * He has just set up his own business but it will take him a while to get established.\n  4  [VN] to make people accept a belief, claim, custom etc:\nIt was this campaign that established the paper’s reputation. * Traditions get established over time.\n  5  to discover or prove the facts of a situation\nSYN ASCERTAIN:\n[VN] Police are still trying to establish the cause of the accident. * [V that] They have established that his injuries were caused by a fall. * [V wh-] We need to establish where she was at the time of the shooting. * [VN that] It has since been established that the horse was drugged.


Words: established
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  respected or given official status because it has existed or been used for a long time:\nThey are an established company with a good reputation. * This unit is now an established part of the course.\nsee also WELL ESTABLISHED\n  2  (of a person) well known and respected in a job, etc. that they have been doing for a long time:\nan established actor\n  3  (of a Church or a religion) made official for a country


Words: establishment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (formal) an organization, a large institution or a hotel:\nan educational establishment * a research establishment * The hotel is a comfortable and well-run establishment.\n  2  (usually the Establishment) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] (often disapproving) the people in a society or a profession who have influence and power and who usually do not support change:\nthe medical / military / political establishment * young people rebelling against the Establishment * orthodox Establishment views\n  3  [U] the act of starting or creating sth that is meant to last for a long time:\nThe speaker announced the establishment of a new college. * the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries


Words: estate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large area of land, usually in the country, that is owned by one person or family:\na 3 000-acre estate * She receives rent from all the people whose cottages are on estate land.\n  2  (BrE) an area of land with a lot of houses or factories of the same type on it:\nShe lives in a tower block on an estate in London.\nsee also COUNCIL ESTATE, HOUSING ESTATE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TRADING ESTATE\n  3  (law) all the money and property that a person owns, especially everything that is left when they die:\nHer estate was left to her daughter. * He left estate valued at a million dollars.


Words: estate agent
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE Realtor real estate agent) noun\na person whose job is to sell houses and land for people


Words: estate car
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE station wagon) noun\na car with a lot of space behind the back seats and a door at the back for loading large items


Words: esteem
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (formal) great respect and admiration; a good opinion of sb:\nShe is held in high esteem by her colleagues. * Over the years, he has earned our affection and esteem. * Please accept this small gift as a token of our esteem.\nsee also SELF-ESTEEM\n    verb (formal) (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] to respect and admire sb/sth very much:\na highly esteemed scientist * Many of these qualities are esteemed by managers. * He was esteemed as a dedicated and imaginative scholar. * This rose is esteemed among connoisseurs for its colour and scent.\n  2  [VN-N] (old-fashioned, formal) to think of sb/sth in a particular way:\nShe was esteemed the perfect novelist.


Words: estimable
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned or formal) deserving respect and admiration:\nI would never doubt the worthy intentions of that estimable gentleman.


Words: estimate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  a judgement that you make without having the exact details or figures about the size, amount, cost, etc. of sth:\nI can give you a rough estimate of the amount of wood you will need. * a ballpark estimate (= an approximate estimate) * official government estimates of traffic growth over the next decade * At least 5 000 people were killed, and that’s a conservative estimate (= the real figure will be higher).\n  2  a statement of how much a piece of work will probably cost:\nWe got estimates from three firms and accepted the lowest.\n    verb  [often passive] ~ sth (at sth) to form an idea of the cost, size, value etc. of sth, but without calculating it exactly: [VN] The satellite will cost an estimated ｣400 million. * Police estimate the crowd at 30 000. * [VN to inf] The deal is estimated to be worth around $1.5 million. * [V (that)] We estimated (that) it would cost about ｣5 000. * [VN (that)] It is estimated (that) the project will last four years. * [V wh-] It is hard to estimate how many children suffer from dyslexia.


Words: estimation
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [sing.] a judgement or opinion about the value or quality of sb/sth:\nWho is the best candidate in your estimation? * Since he left his wife he’s certainly gone down in my estimation (= I have less respect for him). * She went up in my estimation (= I have more respect for her) when I discovered how much charity work she does.\n  2  [C] a judgement about the levels or quantity of sth:\nEstimations of our total world sales are around 50 million.


Words: estranged
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  [usually before noun] no longer living with your husband or wife:\nhis estranged wife Emma * She is attempting to contact her estranged husband to break the news.\n  2  ~ (from sb) no longer friendly, loyal or in contact with sb:\nHe became estranged from his family after the argument. * Formerly close friends, they had been estranged from each other for many years.\n  3  ~ (from sth) no longer involved in or connected with sth, especially sth that used to be important to you:\nShe felt estranged from her former existence.


Words: estrangement
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (from sb/sth) | ~ (between A and B) the state of being estranged; a period of being estranged:\na period of estrangement from his wife * The misunderstanding had caused a seven-year estrangement between them.


Words: Estuary English
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of speaking which combines standard English with the way of speaking that is typical of London, used by many people in the south-east of England


Words: et al.
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(used especially after names) and other people or things (from Latin ’et alii/alia’):\nresearch by West et al., 1996


Words: etc.
Meaning:
abbreviation\nused after a list to show that there are other things that you could have mentioned (the abbreviation for ’et cetera’):\nRemember to take some paper, a pen, etc. * We talked about the contract, pay, etc.


Words: etch
Meaning:
on A)\n  1  to cut lines into a piece of glass, metal etc. in order to make words or a picture:\n[VN] a glass tankard with his initials etched on it * a glass tankard etched with his initials * A security number had been etched on the car window as a protection against theft. [also V]\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] (literary) if a feeling is etched on sb’s face, or sb’s face is etched with a feeling, that feeling can be seen very clearly:\nTiredness was etched on his face. * His face was etched with tiredness.\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] to make a strong clear mark or pattern on sth:\na mountain etched (= having a clear outline) against the sky\n IDIOMS \n  be etched on your heart / memory / mind (written) if sth is etched on your memory, you remember it because it has made a strong impression on you


Words: etching
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a picture that is printed from an etched piece of metal; the art of making these pictures:\nThe exhibition features a selection of his early etchings and drawings. * the delicate work of engraving and etching


Words: eternal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  without an end; existing or continuing for ever:\nthe promise of eternal life in heaven * She’s an eternal optimist (= she always expects that the best will happen). * eternal truths (= ideas that are always true and never change) * Newspapers are simply responding to the eternal fascination of their readers with the private lives of the rich and famous.\n  2  [only before noun] (disapproving) happening often and seeming never to stop:\nI’m tired of your eternal arguments.\n    eternally  adverb:\nI’ll be eternally grateful to you for this. * women trying to look eternally young


Words: eternal triangle
Meaning:
noun\na situation where two people are in love with or having a sexual relationship with the same person


Words: eternal verity
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (formal) an essential basic moral principle:\nA return to eternal verities is called for in this difficult situation.


Words: eternity
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) time without end, especially life continuing without end after death:\nThere will be rich and poor for all eternity. * They believed that their souls would be condemned to burn in hell for eternity.\n  2  (an eternity) [sing.] (informal) a period of time that seems to be very long or to never end:\nAfter what seemed like an eternity the nurse returned with the results of the test.


Words: ethanol
Meaning:
(also ethyl alcohol) noun\n[U] (chemistry) the type of alcohol in alcoholic drinks, also used as a fuel or SOLVENT


Words: ether
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a colourless liquid made from alcohol, used in industry as a SOLVENT and, in the past, in medicine to make people unconscious before an operation\n  2  (the ether) (old use or literary) the upper part of the sky:\nHer words disappeared into the ether.\n  3  (the ether) the air, when it is thought of as the air in which radio or electronic communication takes place


Words: ethereal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) extremely delicate and light; seeming to belong to another, more spiritual, world:\nethereal music * her ethereal beauty * In a translucent sky, the domes and spires of the city looked almost ethereal.


Words: ethic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (ethics) [pl.] moral principles that control or influence a person’s behaviour:\nprofessional / business / medical ethics * to draw up a code of ethics * He began to question the ethics of his position.\n  2  [sing.] a system of moral principles or rules of behaviour:\na strongly defined work ethic * the Protestant ethic\n  3  (ethics) [U] the branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles


Words: ethical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] connected with beliefs and principles about what is right and wrong:\nethical issues / standards / questions * the ethical problems of human embryo research\n  2  morally correct or acceptable:\nIs it ethical to promote cigarettes through advertising? * ethical investment (= investing money in businesses that are considered morally acceptable)\n    ethically  adverb:\nThe committee judged that he had not behaved ethically. * Doctors felt ethically obliged to continue the treatment.


Words: ethnic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with or belonging to a nation, race or tribe that shares a cultural tradition:\nethnic groups / communities * ethnic strife / tensions / violence (= between people from different races or tribes) * ethnic Albanians living in Germany * The country is divided along ethnic lines.\n  2  typical of a country or culture that is very different from modern western culture and therefore interesting for people in western countries:\nethnic clothes / jewellery / cooking\n    ethnically  adverb:\nan ethnically divided region


Words: ethnic cleansing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (used especially in news reports) the policy of forcing the people of a particular race or religion to leave an area or a country


Words: ethnic minority
Meaning:
noun\na group of people from a particular culture or of a particular race living in a country where the main group is of a different culture or race:\nThe main political parties have little to offer Britain’s ethnic minorities.


Words: ethnicity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the fact of belonging to a particular race:\nMany factors are important, for example class, gender, age and ethnicity.


Words: ethnocentric
Meaning:
adjective\nbased on the ideas and beliefs of one particular culture and using these to judge other cultures:\na white, ethnocentric school curriculum\n    ethnocentrism noun [U]


Words: ethnography
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific description of different races and cultures\n    ethnographic  adjective:\nethnographic research / studies


Words: ethnology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study and comparison of human races\n    ethnological  adjective\n    ethnologist  noun


Words: ethos
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) the moral ideas and attitudes that belong to a particular group or society:\nan ethos of public service * the carefree Californian ethos


Words: etiquette
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the formal rules of correct or polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession:\nadvice on etiquette * medical / legal / professional etiquette


Words: etymology
Meaning:
noun (plural etymologies)\n  1  [U] the study of the origin and history of words and their meanings\n  2  [C] the origin and history of a particular word\n    etymological  adjective:\nan etymological dictionary


Words: eucalyptus
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural eucalypti) (also eucalyptus tree, gum tree) a tall straight tree with leaves that produce an oil with a strong smell, that is used in medicine. There are several types of eucalyptus and they grow especially in Australasia:\nKoalas eat very few things besides eucalyptus leaves.


Words: eucharist
Meaning:
noun\n(the Eucharist) [sing.] a ceremony in the Christian Church during which people eat bread and drink wine in memory of the last meal that Christ had with his DISCIPLES; the bread and wine taken at this ceremony\nsee also COMMUNION, MASS


Words: eugenics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study of methods to improve the mental and physical characteristics of the human race by choosing who may become parents\n    eugenic adjective\n    eugenist  noun


Words: eulogize
Meaning:
(BrE also eulogise)  verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to praise sb/sth very highly:\nHe was eulogized as a hero.\n    eulogistic  adjective


Words: eulogy
Meaning:
noun [C, U] (plural eulogies)\n  1  ~ (of / to sb/sth) a speech or piece of writing praising sb/sth very much:\na eulogy to marriage\n  2  ~ (for / to sb) (especially AmE) a speech given at a funeral praising the person who has died


Words: eunuch
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a man who has been CASTRATED, especially one who guarded women in some eastern countries in the past\n  2  (formal) a person without power or influence:\na political eunuch


Words: euphemism
Meaning:
noun\n~ (for sth) an indirect word or phrase that people often use to refer to sth embarrassing or unpleasant, sometimes to make it seem more acceptable than it really is:\n’Pass away’ is a euphemism for ’die’. * ’User fees’ is just a politician’s euphemism for taxes.\n    euphemistic :\neuphemistic language * ’We’re letting you go’ is a euphemistic way of saying ’You’re fired.’\n    euphemistically  adverb:\nThe prison camps were euphemistically called ’retraining centres’.


Words: euphoria
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement that usually lasts only a short time:\nI was in a state of euphoria all day. * Euphoria soon gave way to despair. * The government’s current euphoria over the exchange rate is unlikely to last.\n    euphoric  adjective:\nMy euphoric mood could not last. * His parents were less than euphoric about the news of his engagement.


Words: Euro
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) (used especially in newspapers) connected with Europe, especially the European Union:\nEuro rules * His speech in the Euro debate was hardly stunning.


Words: euro
Meaning:
noun\n(Symbol ) (plural euros) (since 1999) a unit of money of eleven countries of the European Union:\nThe price is given in dollars or euros.


Words: Euro-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns and adjectives) connected with Europe or the European Union:\na Euro-MP * Euro-elections


Words: Europe
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the continent next to Asia in the east, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the south:\nwestern / eastern / central Europe\n  2  the European Union:\ncountries wanting to join Europe * He’s very pro-Europe.\n  3  (BrE) all of Europe except for Britain:\nBritish holidaymakers in Europe


Words: European
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  of or connected with Europe:\nEuropean languages\n  2  of or connected with the European Union:\nEuropean law * our European partners\n    noun\n  1  a person from Europe, or whose ancestors came from Europe\n  2  (BrE) a person who supports the principles and aims of the European Union:\na good European


Words: euthanasia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice (illegal in most countries) of killing without pain a person who is suffering from a disease that cannot be cured:\nThey argued in favour of legalizing voluntary euthanasia (= people being able to ask for euthanasia themselves).


Words: evacuate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to move people from a place of danger to a safer place:\nPolice evacuated nearby buildings. * Children were evacuated from London to escape the bombing. * Families were evacuated to safer parts of the city.\n  2  to move out of a place because of danger, and leave the place empty:\n[VN] Employees were urged to evacuate their offices immediately. * [V] Locals were told to evacuate.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to empty your bowels\n    evacuation  noun [U, C]:\nthe emergency evacuation of thousands of people after the earthquake


Words: evade
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to escape from sb/sth or avoid meeting sb:\n[VN] For two weeks they evaded the press. * He managed to evade capture. [also V -ing]\n  2  to find a way of not doing sth, especially sth that legally or morally you should do:\n[VN] to evade payment of taxes * She is trying to evade all responsibility for her behaviour. * He never sought to evade his responsibilities. [also V -ing]\n  3  to avoid dealing with or talking about sth:\n[VN] Come on, don’t you think you’re evading the issue? * [V -ing] to evade answering a question\n  4  [VN] (formal) to not come or happen to sb\nSYN ELUDE:\nThe answer evaded him (= he could not think of it).\nsee also EVASION, EVASIVE


Words: evaluate
Meaning:
verb\nto form an opinion of the amount, value or quality of sth after thinking about it carefully\nSYN ASSESS:\n[VN] Our research attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of the different drugs. * [V wh-] We need to evaluate how well the policy is working.\n    evaluation  noun [C, U]:\na preliminary evaluation of the health care system


Words: evanescent
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) disappearing quickly from sight or memory:\nTalk is evanescent, writing leaves footprints.


Words: evangelical
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  of or belonging to a Christian group that emphasizes the authority of the Bible and the importance of personal SALVATION through faith:\nThey’re evangelical Christians.\n  2  wanting very much to persuade people to accept your views and opinions:\nHe delivered his speech with evangelical fervour.\n    noun a member of the evangelical branch of the Christian Church


Words: evangelist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who tries to persuade people to become Christians, especially by travelling around the country holding religious meetings or speaking on radio or television\nsee also TELEVANGELIST\n  2  (Evangelist) one of the four writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) of the books called the GOSPELS in the Bible\n    evangelism noun [U]\n    evangelistic  adjective:\nan evangelistic meeting / crusade * evangelistic zeal


Words: evaporate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  if a liquid evaporates or if sth evaporates it, it changes into a gas, especially steam:\n[V] Heat until all the water has evaporated. * [VN] The sun is constantly evaporating the earth’s moisture.\n  2  [V] to disappear, especially by gradually becoming less and less:\nHer confidence had now completely evaporated. * Their lead in the opinion polls evaporated overnight.\n    evaporation  noun [U]


Words: evasion
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  the act of avoiding sb or of avoiding sth that you are supposed to do:\nHis behaviour was an evasion of his responsibilities as a father. * She’s been charged with tax evasion.\n  2  a statement that sb makes that avoids dealing with sth or talking about sth honestly and directly:\nHis speech was full of evasions and half-truths.\nsee also EVADE


Words: evasive
Meaning:
adjective\nnot willing to give clear answers to a question:\nevasive answers / comments / replies * Tessa was evasive about why she had not been at home that night. * John, normally so honest, was now being evasive in the extreme.\n    evasively adverb:\n’I’m not sure,’ she replied evasively.\n    evasiveness noun [U]:\nPoliticians are often accused of evasiveness.\n IDIOMS \n  take evasive action to act in order to avoid danger or an unpleasant situation:\nThe pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision.


Words: eve
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the day or evening before an event, especially a religious festival or holiday:\nChristmas Eve (= 24 December) * a New Year’s Eve party (= on 31 December) * on the eve of the election\n  2  (old use or literary) evening:\none midsummer’s eve


Words: even
Meaning:
adverb, adjective, verb \n    adverb\n  1  used to emphasize sth unexpected or surprising:\nHe never even opened the letter (= so he certainly didn’t read it). * It was cold there even in summer (= so it must have been very cold in winter). * Even a child can understand it (= so adults certainly can). * She didn’t even call to say she wasn’t coming.\n  2  used when you are comparing things, to make the comparison stronger:\nYou know even less about it than I do. * She’s even more intelligent than her sister.\n  3  used to introduce a more exact description of sb/sth:\nIt’s an unattractive building, ugly even. -> ALTHOUGH\n IDIOMS \n  even as (formal) just at the same time as sb does sth or as sth else happens:\nEven as he shouted the warning the car skidded.\n  even if / though in spite of the fact or belief that; no matter whether:\nI’ll get there, even if I have to walk. * I like her, even though she can be annoying at times. -> ALTHOUGH\n  even now / then\n1 in spite of what has/had happened:\nI’ve shown him the photographs but even now he won’t believe me. * Even then she would not admit her mistake.\n2 (formal) at this or that exact moment:\nThe troops are even now preparing to march into the city.\n  even so in spite of that:\nThere are a lot of spelling mistakes; even so, it’s quite a good essay.\nmore at LESS adv.\n    adjective\n  smooth / level\n  1  smooth, level and flat:\nYou need an even surface to work on.\nOPP UNEVEN\n  not changing\n  2  not changing very much in amount, speed, etc:\nan even temperature all year * Children do not learn at an even pace.\nOPP UNEVEN\n  equal\n  3  (of an amount of sth) equal or the same for each person, team, place, etc:\nOur scores are now even. * the even distribution of food\nOPP UNEVEN\n  4  (of two people or teams) equally balanced or of an equal standard:\nan even contest * The two players were pretty even.\nOPP UNEVEN\n  numbers\n  5  that can be divided exactly by two:\n4, 6, 8, 10 are all even numbers\nOPP ODD\n  same size\n  6  equally spaced and the same size:\neven features / teeth\nOPP UNEVEN\n  calm\n  7  calm; not changing or becoming upset:\nShe has a very even temperament. * He spoke in a steady, even voice. * Nothing disturbed the even tenor of our life.\n    evenness  noun [U]:\nWhat she liked in him was his evenness of temper.\n IDIOMS \n  be even (informal) to no longer owe sb money or a favour:\nIf I pay for the meals then we’re even.\n  be / get even (with sb) (informal) to cause sb the same amount of trouble or harm as they have caused you:\nI’ll get even with you for this, just you wait.\n  break even to complete a piece of business, etc. without either losing money or making a profit:\nThe company just about broke even last year.\n  have an even chance (of doing sth) to be equally likely to do or not do sth:\nShe has more than an even chance of winning tomorrow. * There’s an even chance that the jury will find him guilty.\n  on an even keel living, working or happening in a calm way, with no sudden changes, especially after a difficult time:\nBusiness is now back on an even keel after the postal strike. * Setting her life back on an even keel after their break-up had been incredibly difficult.\nmore at HONOUR n.\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  even the score to harm or punish sb who has harmed or cheated you in the past\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  even out to become level or steady, usually after varying a lot:\nHouse prices keep rising and falling but they should eventually even out.\n  even sth<->out to spread things evenly over a period of time or among a number of people:\nHe tried to even out the distribution of work among his employees.\n  even sth<->up to make a situation or a competition more equal


Words: even money
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE also evens [pl.]) (in betting) ODDS that give an equal chance of winning or losing and that mean a person has the chance of winning the same amount of money that he or she has bet


Words: even-handed
Meaning:
adjective\ncompletely fair, especially when dealing with different groups of people:\nHe had an even-handed approach to the negotiations. * Their role was to dispense even-handed justice.


Words: evening
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the part of the day between the afternoon and the time you go to bed:\nI’ll come and see you tomorrow evening. * What do you usually do in the evening? * She’s going to her sister’s for the evening. * the long winter evenings * the evening performance * Evening was falling by the time we reached the house.\n  2  [C] an event of a particular type happening in the evening:\na musical evening at school (= when music is performed)\n    evenings adverb (especially AmE):\nHe works evenings.\n IDIOMS \n  Good evening (also informal Evening) used as a polite greeting, or reply to a greeting, when people first see each other in the evening:\nGood evening, everyone. * Evening, Mike.\nmore at OTHER adj.


Words: evening class
Meaning:
noun\na course of study for adults in the evening:\nan evening class in car maintenance * to go to / attend evening classes


Words: evening dress
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] elegant clothes worn for formal occasions in the evening:\nEveryone was in evening dress.\n  2  [C] a woman’s long formal dress


Words: evenly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a smooth, regular or equal way:\nMake sure the paint covers the surface evenly. * She was fast asleep, breathing evenly. * evenly spaced at four cm apart * evenly cooked meat * Arrange the tomato slices evenly on the top.\n  2  with equal amounts for each person or in each place:\nevenly distributed / divided * Incidence of the disease is fairly evenly spread across Europe. * The two teams are very evenly matched (= are equally likely to win).\n  3  calmly; without showing any emotion:\n’I warned you not to phone me,’ he said evenly.


Words: event
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a thing that happens, especially sth important:\nThe election was the main event of 1999. * In the light of later events the decision was proved right. * The decisions we take now may influence the course of events (= the way things happen) in the future. * He found that the report he had written had been overtaken by events (= it was no longer RELEVANT). * Everyone was frightened by the strange sequence of events. * The police have reconstructed the chain of events leading to the murder. * In the normal course of events (= if things had happened as expected) she would have gone with him. * an unfortunate series of events\n  2  a planned public or social occasion:\na fund-raising event * the social event of the year\n  3  one of the races or competitions in a sports programme:\nThe 800 metres is the fourth event of the afternoon.\nsee also FIELD EVENT, TRACK EVENT\n IDIOMS \n  in any event | at all events used to emphasize or show that sth is true or will happen in spite of other circumstances:\nI think she’ll agree to do it but in any event, all she can say is ’no’.\n  in the event when the situation actually happened:\nI got very nervous about the exam, but in the event, I needn’t have worried; it was really easy.\n  in the event of sth | in the event that sth happens if sth happens:\nIn the event of an accident, call this number. * Sheila will inherit everything in the event of his death.\n  in that event if that happens:\nIn that event, we will have to reconsider our offer.\nmore at HAPPY, WISE adj.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nevent / occurrence / incident / happening\nAll these words describe something that happens.\nAn event is often something important or interesting: I’ll never forget the terrible events of that summer. It can refer to something such as a concert, festival or sports competition: The tourist guide lists the major events in the town throughout the year.\nOccurrence is a formal word and is usually used, with words like common or rare, to talk about how often something happens: Divorce has become a common occurrence in this country.\nAn incident is often something not very important but that you remember because it is unusual or unpleasant: The movie is based on a real-life incident. It can also refer to a crime or an accident: The police reported several thefts and one violent incident.\nHappening is used to describe something unusual or strange: strange happenings in the town.\n______________________________


Words: eventful
Meaning:
adjective\nfull of things that happen, especially exciting, important or dangerous things:\nan eventful day / life / journey


Words: eventing
Meaning:
(also three-day eventing) noun\n[U] the sport of taking part in competitions riding horses. These are often held over three days and include riding across country, jumping and DRESSAGE.


Words: eventual
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] happening at the end of a period of time or of a process:\nthe eventual winner of the tournament * It is impossible to predict what the eventual outcome of global warming will be. * The village school may face eventual closure.


Words: eventuality
Meaning:
noun\n(plural eventualities) (formal) something that may possibly happen, especially sth unpleasant:\nWe were prepared for every eventuality. * The money had been saved for just such an eventuality. * In the eventuality of your passport being stolen, contact the embassy at once. * The instructions he left covered all eventualities.


Words: eventually
Meaning:
adverb\nat the end of a period of time or a series of events:\nOur flight eventually left five hours late. * I’ll get round to mending it eventually. * She hopes to get a job on the local newspaper and eventually work for ’The Times’.\n HELP NOTE  Use finally for the last in a list of things.


Words: ever
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used in negative sentences and questions, or sentences with if to mean ’at any time’:\nNothing ever happens here. * Don’t you ever get tired? * If you’re ever in Miami, come and see us. * ’Have you ever thought of changing your job?’ ’No, never / No I haven’t.’ * ’Have you ever been to Rome?’ ’Yes, I have, actually. Not long ago.’ * She hardly ever (= almost never) goes out. * We see them very seldom, if ever. * (informal) I’ll never ever do that again!\n  2  used for emphasis when you are comparing things:\nIt was raining harder than ever. * It’s my best ever score.\n  3  (rather formal) all the time or every time; always:\nPaul, ever the optimist, agreed to try again. * She married the prince and they lived happily ever after. * He said he would love her for ever. * Their debts grew ever larger (= kept increasing). * the ever-growing problem * an ever-present danger\n  4  used after when, why, etc. to show that you are surprised or shocked:\nWhy ever did you agree?\n IDIOMS \n  did you ever ( ...)! (old-fashioned, informal) used to show that you are surprised or shocked:\nDid you ever hear anything like it?\n  ever since ( ...) continuously since the time mentioned:\nHe’s had a car ever since he was 18. * I was bitten by a dog once and I’ve been afraid of them ever since.\n  ever so / ever such a (spoken, especially BrE) very; really:\nHe looks ever so smart. * She’s ever such a nice woman. * It’s ever so easy.\n  if ever there was (one) (spoken) used to emphasize that sth is certainly true:\nThat was a disaster if ever there was one!\n  yours ever / ever yours sometimes used at the end of an informal letter, before you write your name


Words: evergreen
Meaning:
noun\n\na tree or bush that has green leaves all through the year:\nFew plants grow under the dense shade cast by the evergreens.\ncompare CONIFER, DECIDUOUS\n \n    evergreen adjective:\nevergreen shrubs * (figurative) a new production of Rossini’s evergreen (= always popular) opera


Words: everlasting
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  continuing for ever; never changing\nSYN ETERNAL:\neverlasting life / love * an everlasting memory of her smile * To his everlasting credit, he never told anyone what I’d done.\n  2  (disapproving) continuing too long; repeated too often\nSYN INTERMINABLE, NEVER-ENDING:\nI’m tired of your everlasting complaints.\n    everlastingly adverb


Words: every
Meaning:
determiner\n  1  used with singular nouns to refer to all the members of a group of things or people:\nShe knows every student in the school. * I could hear every word they said. * We enjoyed every minute of our stay. * Every day seemed the same to him. * Every single time he calls, I’m out. * They were watching her every movement. * Every one of their CDs has been a hit. -> EACH\n  2  all possible:\nWe wish you every success. * He had every reason to be angry.\n  3  used to say how often sth happens or is done:\nThe buses go every 10 minutes. * We had to stop every few miles. * One in every three marriages ends in divorce. * He has every third day off (= he works for two days then has one day off then works for two days and so on). * We see each other every now and again. * Every now and then he regretted his decision.\n IDIOMS \n  every other each ALTERNATE one (= the first, third, fifth, etc. one, but not the second, fourth, sixth, etc.):\nThey visit us every other week.


Words: everybody
Meaning:
pronoun\n= EVERYONE:\nEverybody knows Tom. * Have you asked everybody? * Didn’t you like it? Everybody else did.


Words: everyday
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used or happening every day or regularly; ordinary:\neveryday objects * The Internet has become part of everyday life. * a small dictionary for everyday use


Words: everyone
Meaning:
(also everybody) pronoun\nevery person; all people:\nEveryone cheered and clapped. * The police questioned everyone in the room. * The teacher commented on everyone’s work. * Everyone else was there.


Words: everything
Meaning:
pronoun (with a singular verb)\n  1  all things:\nEverything had gone. * When we confronted him, he denied everything. * Take this bag, and leave everything else to me. * She seemed to have everything-looks, money, intelligence.\n  2  the situation now; life generally:\nEverything in the capital is now quiet. * ’How’s everything with you?’ ’Fine, thanks.’\n  3  the most important thing:\nMoney isn’t everything. * My family means everything to me.\n IDIOMS \n  and everything (spoken) and so on; and other similar things:\nHave you got his name and address and everything? * She told me about the baby and everything.


Words: everywhere
Meaning:
(AmE also everyplace) adverb\nin, to or at every place:\nI’ve looked everywhere. * He follows me everywhere. * We’ll have to eat here-everywhere else is full.


Words: evict
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (from sth) to force sb to leave a house or land, especially when you have the legal right to do so:\nA number of tenants have been evicted for not paying the rent. * Police had to evict demonstrators from the building. * The council has tried to get them evicted.\n    eviction  noun [U, C]:\nto face eviction from your home


Words: evidence
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of / for sth) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (to suggest, show, etc.) the facts, signs or objects that make you believe that sth is true:\nThere is convincing evidence of a link between exposure to sun and skin cancer. * We found further scientific evidence for this theory. * There is not a shred of evidence that the meeting actually took place. * Have you any evidence to support this allegation? * The room bore evidence of a struggle. * On the evidence of their recent matches, it is unlikely the Spanish team will win the cup. * (technical) The cave contained evidences of prehistoric settlement.\n  2  [U] the information that is used in a court of law to try to prove sth:\nI was asked to give evidence (= to say what I knew, describe what I had seen, etc.) at the trial. * He was released when the judge ruled there was no evidence against him.\nsee also CIRCUMSTANTIAL\n IDIOMS \n  (be) in evidence present and clearly seen:\nThe police were much in evidence at today’s demonstration.\n  turn King’s / Queen’s evidence (BrE) (AmE turn State’s evidence) to give information against other criminals in order to get a less severe punishment\ncompare PLEA BARGAINING\nmore at BALANCE n., STATE n.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to prove or show sth; to be evidence of sth\nSYN TESTIFY TO:\nThe legal profession is still a largely male world, as evidenced by the small number of women judges.


Words: evident
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb) (that ...) | ~ (in / from sth) clear; easily seen; obvious:\nIt has now become evident to us that a mistake has been made. * The growing interest in history is clearly evident in the number of people visiting museums and country houses. * The orchestra played with evident enjoyment.\nsee also SELF-EVIDENT


Words: evidently
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  clearly; that can be seen or understood easily:\nShe walked slowly down the road, evidently in pain. * ’I’m afraid I couldn’t finish the work last night.’ ’Evidently not.’\n  2  according to what people say:\nHe evidently hated maths at school, so it’s amazing he became an accountant! * Evidently, she had nothing to do with the whole affair.


Words: evil
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (of people) enjoying harming others; wicked and cruel:\nan evil man * an evil grin / laugh\n  2  having a harmful effect on people; morally bad:\nevil deeds * the evil effects of racism\n  3  connected with the Devil and with what is bad in the world:\nevil spirits / beings\n  4  extremely unpleasant:\nan evil smell\n IDIOMS \n  the evil hour / day / moment the time when you have to do sth difficult or unpleasant:\nI’d better go and see the dentist-I can’t put off the evil hour any longer.\nmore at BREW n., GENIUS n.\n    noun (formal)\n  1  [U] a force that causes wicked or bad things to happen; wicked behaviour:\nthe eternal struggle between good and evil * the forces of evil * You cannot pretend there’s no evil in the world.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a wicked or harmful thing; the bad effect of sth:\nthe evils of drugs / alcohol * social evils\n IDIOMS  see LESSER, NECESSARY


Words: evince
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to show clearly that you have a feeling or quality:\nHe evinced a strong desire to be reconciled with his family. * She evinced little enthusiasm for the outdoor life.


Words: evocative
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) (approving) making you think of or remember a strong image or feeling, in a pleasant way:\nevocative smells / sounds / music * Her new book is wonderfully evocative of village life.


Words: evoke
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to bring a feeling, a memory or an image into your mind:\nThe music evoked memories of her youth. * His case is unlikely to evoke public sympathy.\n    evocation  noun [C, U]:\na brilliant evocation of childhood in the 1940s


Words: evolution
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (biology) the gradual development of plants, animals, etc. over many years, from simple to more complicated forms:\nThe evolution of the human species. * Darwin’s theory of evolution\n  2  the gradual development of sth:\nIn politics Britain has preferred evolution to revolution (= gradual development to sudden violent change).


Words: evolutionary
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with evolution; connected with gradual development and change:\nevolutionary theory / biology * evolutionary change


Words: evolve
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (from sth) (into sth) to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop sth in this way:\n[V] The idea evolved from a drawing I discovered in the attic. * The company has evolved into a major chemical manufacturer. * [VN] Each school must evolve its own way of working.\n  2  ~ (from sth) (biology) (of plants, animals, etc.) to develop gradually over many GENERATIONS from a simple form to a more complicated one:\n[V] The three species evolved from a single ancestor. * [VN] The dolphin has evolved a highly developed jaw.


Words: ex
Meaning:
noun, preposition \n    noun (plural exes) (informal) a person’ former wife, husband or other partner:\nThe children are spending the weekend with my ex and his new wife.\n    preposition (BrE) not including sth:\nThe price is ｣1 500 ex VAT.


Words: ex gratia
Meaning:
adjective\n(written, from Latin) given or done as a gift or favour, not because there is a legal duty to do it:\nex gratia payments\n    ex gratia adverb:\nThe sum was paid ex gratia.


Words: ex officio
Meaning:
adjective\n(from Latin, formal) included or allowed because of your job, position or rank:\nan ex officio member of the committee\n    ex officio adverb:\nHe was present at the meeting ex officio.


Words: ex-directory
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) (of a person or telephone number) not listed in the public telephone book, at the request of the owner of the telephone. The telephone company will not give ex-directory numbers to people who ask for them:\nan ex-directory number * She’s ex-directory.\nsee also UNLISTED


Words: ex-serviceman
Meaning:
, ex-service woman noun\n(plural ex-servicemen ) (BrE) a person who used to be in the armed forces:\nan organization for ex-servicemen and women


Words: exacerbate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to make sth worse, especially a disease or problem\nSYN AGGRAVATE:\nHis aggressive reaction only exacerbated the situation. * The symptoms may be exacerbated by certain drugs.\n    exacerbation noun [U, C]


Words: exact
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n  1  correct in every detail; accurate:\nShe gave an exact description of the attacker. * an exact copy / replica of the painting * We need to know the exact time the incident occurred. * What were his exact words? * She’s in her mid-thirties-thirty-six to be exact. * The colours were an exact match. * He started to phone me at the exact moment I started to phone him (= at the same time). * The two men were exact contemporaries at university. * Her second husband was the exact opposite of her first (= completely different).\n  2  (of people) very accurate and careful about details\nSYN METICULOUS\n  3  (of a science) using accurate measurements and following set rules:\nAssessing insurance risk can never be an exact science.\n    exactness noun [U] \n    verb [VN] ~ sth (from sb) (formal)\n  1  to demand and get sth from sb:\nShe was determined to exact a promise from him.\n  2  to make sth bad happen to sb:\nStress can exact a high price from workers (= can affect them badly). * He exacted (= took) a terrible revenge for their treatment of him.\n    exaction  noun [C, U] (formal)


Words: exacting
Meaning:
adjective\nneeding or demanding a lot of effort and care about details:\nexacting work * products designed to meet the exacting standards of today’s international marketplace * He was an exacting man to work for.


Words: exactly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to emphasize that sth is correct in every way or in every detail\nSYN PRECISELY:\nI know exactly how she felt. * Do exactly as I tell you. * It happened almost exactly a year ago. * It’s exactly nine o’clock. * You haven’t changed at all-you still look exactly the same. * His words had exactly the opposite effect. * Your answer is exactly right. * It was a warm day, if not exactly hot.\n  2  (spoken) used to ask for more information about sth:\nWhere exactly did you stay in France? * (disapproving) Exactly what are you trying to tell me?\n  3  used as a reply, agreeing with what sb has just said, or emphasizing that it is correct:\n’You mean somebody in this room must be the murderer?’ ’Exactly.’\n IDIOMS \n  not exactly (spoken)\n1 used when you are saying the opposite of what you really mean:\nHe wasn’t exactly pleased to see us-in fact he refused to open the door. * It’s not exactly beautiful, is it? (= it’s ugly)\n2 used when you are correcting sth that sb has said:\n’So he told you you’d got the job?’ ’Not exactly, but he said they were impressed with me.’


Words: exaggerate
Meaning:
verb\nto make sth seem longer, better, worse or more important than it really is:\n[V] The hotel was really filthy and I’m not exaggerating. * [VN] He tends to exaggerate the difficulties. * I’m sure he exaggerates his Irish accent (= tries to sound more Irish than he really is). * Demand for satellite television has been greatly exaggerated.


Words: exaggerated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made to seem larger, better, worse or more important than it really is or needs to be:\nto make greatly / grossly / wildly exaggerated claims * She has an exaggerated sense of her own importance.\n  2  (of an action) done in a way that makes people notice it:\nan exaggerated laugh * He looked at me with exaggerated surprise.\n    exaggeratedly adverb


Words: exaggeration
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] a statement or description that makes sth seem larger, better, worse or more important than it really is; the act of making a statement like this:\na slight / gross / wild exaggeration * It would be an exaggeration to say I knew her well-I only met her twice. * It’s no exaggeration to say that most students have never read a complete Shakespeare play. * He told his story simply and without exaggeration.


Words: exalt
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to make sb rise to a higher rank or position, sometimes to one that they do not deserve:\nHis son was exalted to a high position in the government through family connections.\n  2  to praise sb/sth very much:\nHe was exalted as a pillar of the community.


Words: exaltation
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  a feeling of very great joy or happiness:\na moment of extreme joy and exaltation\n  2  an act of raising sth/sb to a high position or rank:\nthe exaltation of emotion and intuition above logical reasoning


Words: exalted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal or humorous) of high rank, position or great importance:\nShe was the only woman to rise to such an exalted position. * You’re moving in very exalted circles!\n  2  (formal) full of great joy and happiness:\nI felt exalted and newly alive.


Words: exam
Meaning:
(also formal examination) noun\na formal written, spoken or practical test, especially at school or college, to see how much you know about a subject, or what you can do:\nto take an exam * (formal) to sit an exam * to pass / fail an exam * (BrE) to mark an exam * (AmE) to grade an exam * an exam paper * I got my exam results today. * (BrE) She did well in her exams. * (AmE) She did well on her exams. * A lot of students suffer from exam nerves. * He’s practising hard for his piano exam.\n HELP NOTE  Use take / do / sit an exam not _w_r_i_t_e_ _a_n_ _e_x_a_m_.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nexam / examination / test / quiz\nExam is the usual word for a written, spoken or practical test at school or college, especially an important one that you need to do in order to get a qualification. Examination is a very formal word. A test is something that students might be given in addition to, or sometimes instead of, regular exams, to see how much they have learned. A very short informal test is called a quiz in AmE. Quiz in both AmE and BrE also means a contest in which people try to answer questions: a trivia quiz * a quiz show.\n______________________________


Words: examination
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (formal) = EXAM:\nto sit an examination in mathematics * successful candidates in GCSE examinations * Applicants are selected for jobs on the results of a competitive examination.\n HELP NOTE  Use take / do / sit an examination not _w_r_i_t_e_ _a_n_ _e_x_a_m_i_n_a_t_i_o_n_.\n  2  [U, C] the act of looking at or considering sth very carefully:\nCareful examination of the ruins revealed an even earlier temple. * On closer examination it was found that the signature was not genuine. * Your proposals are still under examination. * The issue needs further examination. * The chapter concludes with a brief examination of some of the factors causing family break-up.\n  3  [C] a close look at sth/sb, especially to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem:\na medical examination * a post-mortem examination\nsee also CROSS-EXAMINATION


Words: examine
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to consider or study an idea, a subject, etc. very carefully:\n[VN] These ideas will be examined in more detail in Chapter 10. * [V wh-] It is necessary to examine how the proposals can be carried out.\n  2  [VN]  sth/sb (for sth) to look at sth/sb closely, to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem:\nThe goods were examined for damage on arrival. * The doctor examined her but could find nothing wrong.\n  3  [VN]  sb (in / on sth) (formal) to give sb a test to see how much they know about a subject or what they can do:\nThe students will be examined in all subjects at the end of term. * You are only being examined on this semester’s work.\n  4  [VN] (law) to ask sb questions formally, especially in a court of law\nsee also CROSS-EXAMINE\n IDIOMS  see NEED v.


Words: examiner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who writes the questions for, or marks/grades, a test of knowledge or ability:\nThe papers are sent to external examiners (= ones not connected with the students’ school or college).\n  2  (especially AmE) a person who has the official duty to check that things are being done correctly and according to the rules of an organization; a person who officially examines sth\nsee also MEDICAL EXAMINER


Words: example
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (of sth) something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say:\nCan you give me an example of what you mean? * It is important to cite examples to support your argument. * I shall take four different examples from contemporary literature to illustrate my point. * This dictionary has many examples of how words are used. * Just to give you an example of his generosity-he gave me his old car and wouldn’t take any money for it.\n  2  ~ (of sth) a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set:\nThis is a good example of the artist’s early work. * It is a perfect example of a medieval castle. * Japan is often quoted as the prime example of a modern industrial nation. * It is a classic example of how not to design a new city centre.\n  3  ~ (to sb) a person or their behaviour that is thought to be a good model for others to copy:\nHer courage is an example to us all. * He sets an example to the other students. * She is a shining example of what people with disabilities can achieve. * He is a captain who leads by example.\n  4  a person’s behaviour, either good or bad, that other people copy:\nIt would be a mistake to follow his example.\n IDIOMS \n  for example (abbreviation e.g.) used to emphasize sth that explains or supports what you are saying; used to give an example of what you are saying:\nThere is a similar word in many languages, for example in French and Italian. * The report is incomplete; it does not include sales in France, for example. * It is possible to combine Computer Science with other subjects, for example Physics.\n  make an example of sb to punish sb as a warning to others not to do the same thing


Words: exasperate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to annoy or irritate sb very much:\nHer moods exasperated him.\n    exasperation  noun [U]:\nHe shook his head in exasperation. * a groan / look / sigh of exasperation


Words: exasperated
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely annoyed, especially if you cannot do anything to improve the situation:\n’Why won’t you answer me?’ he asked in an exasperated voice. * She was becoming exasperated with all the questions they were asking.


Words: excavate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to dig in the ground to look for old buildings or objects that have been buried for a long time; to find sth by digging in this way:\nThe site has been excavated by archaeologists. * pottery and weapons excavated from the burial site\n  2  (formal) to make a hole, etc. in the ground by digging:\nThe body was discovered when builders excavated the area.


Words: excavation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the activity of digging in the ground to look for old buildings or objects that have been buried for a long time:\nthe recent excavations at Pompeii\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a place where people are digging to look for old buildings or objects:\nThe excavations are open to the public.\n  3  [U] the act of digging, especially with a machine


Words: excavator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large machine that is used for digging and moving earth\n  2  a person who digs in the ground to look for old buildings and objects


Words: exceed
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to be greater than a particular number or amount:\nThe price will not exceed ｣100. * His achievements have exceeded expectations.\n  2  to do more than the law or an order, etc. allows you to do:\nShe was exceeding the speed limit (= driving faster than is allowed). * The officers had exceeded their authority.\nsee also EXCESS


Words: excel
Meaning:
verb (-ll-)\n  1  [V]  (in / at sth / at doing sth) to be very good at doing sth:\nShe has always excelled in foreign languages. * The team excels at turning defence into attack. * As a child he excelled at music and art.\n  2  [VN]  yourself (BrE) to do extremely well and even better than you usually do:\nRick’s cooking was always good but this time he really excelled himself.


Words: excellence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (in sth) the quality of being extremely good:\na reputation for academic excellence * The hospital is recognized as a centre of excellence in research and teaching.\nsee also PAR EXCELLENCE


Words: Excellency
Meaning:
noun\n(His / Her / Your Excellency) (plural Excellencies) a title used when talking to or about sb who has a very important official position, especially an AMBASSADOR:\nGood evening, your Excellency. * their Excellencies the French and Spanish Ambassadors


Words: excellent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely good:\nan excellent meal * excellent service * At $300 the bike is excellent value. * She speaks excellent French. * (spoken) It was absolutely excellent.\n  2  used to show that you are very pleased about sth or that you approve of sth:\nYou can all come? Excellent!\n    excellently adverb


Words: except
Meaning:
preposition, conjunction, verb \n    preposition (also except for) used before you mention the only thing or person about which a statement is not true\nSYN APART FROM:\nWe work every day except Sunday. * They all came except Matt. * I had nothing on except for my socks. -> BESIDES\n    conjunction ~ (that ...) used before you mention sth that makes a statement not completely true\nSYN APART FROM THE FACT THAT:\nI didn’t tell him anything except that I needed the money. * Our dresses were the same except mine was red.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive]  sb/sth (from sth) (written) to not include sb/sth:\nChildren under five are excepted from the survey. * The sanctions ban the sale of any products excepting medical supplies and food. * Tours are arranged all year round (January excepted).\n IDIOMS  see PRESENT adj.


Words: exception
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or a thing that is not included in a general statement:\nMost of the buildings in the town are modern, but the church is an exception. * With very few exceptions, private schools get the best exam results. * Nobody had much money at the time and I was no exception.\n  2  a thing that does not follow a rule:\nGood writing is unfortunately the exception rather than the rule (= it is unusual). * There are always a lot of exceptions to grammar rules.\n IDIOMS \n  the exception that proves the rule people say that sth is the exception that proves the rule when they are stating sth that seems to be different from the normal situation, but they mean that the normal situation remains true in general:\nMost electronics companies have not done well this year, but ours is the exception that proves the rule.\n  make an exception to allow sb not to follow the usual rule on one occasion:\nChildren are not usually allowed in, but I’m prepared to make an exception in this case.\n  take exception to sth to object strongly to sth; to be angry about sth:\nI take great exception to the fact that you told my wife before you told me. * No one could possibly take exception to his comments.\n  with the exception of except; not including:\nAll his novels are set in Italy with the exception of his last.\n  without exception used to emphasize that the statement you are making is always true and everyone or everything is included:\nAll students without exception must take the English examination.


Words: exceptional
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  unusually good:\nAt the age of five he showed exceptional talent as a musician. * The quality of the recording is quite exceptional.\n  2  very unusual:\nThis deadline will be extended only in exceptional circumstances.\nOPP UNEXCEPTIONAL


Words: exceptionally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used before an adjective or adverb to emphasize how strong or unusual the quality is:\nThe weather, even for January, was exceptionally cold. * I thought Bill played exceptionally well.\n  2  only in unusual circumstances:\nExceptionally, students may be accepted without formal qualifications.


Words: excerpt
Meaning:
noun\n~ (from sth) a short piece of writing, music, film, etc. taken from a longer whole:\nRead the following excerpt from one of Milton’s poems. * They only played a short excerpt.\n    excerpt verb [VN] ~ sth (from sth):\nThe document was excerpted from an unidentified FBI file.


Words: excess
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun \n  1  [sing., U] ~ (of sth) more than is necessary, reasonable or acceptable:\nAre you suffering from an excess of stress in your life? * In an excess of enthusiasm I agreed to work late. * You can throw away any excess. * He started drinking to excess after losing his job. * The increase will not be in excess of (= more than) two per cent.\n  2  [C, U] an amount by which sth is larger than sth else:\nWe cover costs up to ｣600 and then you pay the excess.\n  3  (excesses) [pl.] extreme behaviour that is unacceptable, illegal or immoral:\nWe need a free press to curb government excesses. * legislation to control the worst excesses of the press and the courts in relation to rape cases\n    adjective  [only before noun] in addition to an amount that is necessary, usual or legal:\nExcess food is stored as fat. * Driving with excess alcohol in the blood is a serious offence. * The book is hard to obtain, because of excess demand following the author’s appearance on TV.


Words: excess baggage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] bags, cases, etc. taken on to a plane that weigh more than the amount each passenger is allowed to carry without paying extra: (figurative) Trying to lose weight? Here are some suggestions to help you get rid of that excess baggage.


Words: excessive
Meaning:
adjective\ngreater than what seems reasonable or appropriate; extreme:\nThey complained about the excessive noise coming from the upstairs flat. * The amounts she borrowed were not excessive. * Excessive drinking can lead to stomach disorders. * He claimed that the police had used excessive force.\n    excessively adverb:\nexcessively high prices


Words: exchange
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  giving and receiving\n  1  [C, U] an act of giving sth to sb or doing sth for sb and receiving sth in return:\nThe exchange of prisoners took place this morning. * We need to promote an open exchange of ideas and information. * an exchange of glances / insults * an exchange of fire (= between enemy soldiers) * I get you out of the country and you keep your mouth shut. Is that a fair exchange? * Would you like my old TV in exchange for this camera? * I’ll type your report if you’ll babysit in exchange.\nsee also PART EXCHANGE\n  conversation / argument\n  2  [C] a conversation or an argument:\nThere was only time for a brief exchange. * The Prime Minister was involved in a heated exchange with opposition MPs.\n  of money\n  3  [U] the process of changing an amount of one CURRENCY (= the money used in one country) for an equal value of another:\ncurrency exchange facilities * Where can I find the best exchange rate / rate of exchange?\nsee also FOREIGN EXCHANGE\n  between two countries\n  4  [C] an arrangement when two people or groups from different countries visit each other’s homes or do each other’s jobs for a short time:\nOur school does an exchange with a school in France. * Nick went on the French exchange. * trade and cultural exchanges with China\n  building\n  5  (often Exchange) [C] (in compounds) a building where business people met in the past to buy and sell a particular type of goods:\nthe old Corn Exchange\nsee also STOCK EXCHANGE\n  telephone\n  6  [C] = TELEPHONE EXCHANGE\n    verb [VN]\n  give and receive\n  1  ~ sth (with sb) to give sth to sb and at the same time receive the same type of thing from them:\nto exchange ideas / news / information * Juliet and David exchanged glances (= they looked at each other). * I shook hands and exchanged a few words with the manager. * The two men exchanged blows (= hit each other). * Everyone in the group exchanged telephone numbers. * I heard them exchange words (= argue).\n  money / goods\n  2  ~ A for B to give or return sth that you have and get sth different or better instead:\nYou can exchange your currency for dollars in the hotel. * If it doesn’t fit, take it back and the store will exchange it.\n  contracts\n  3  ~ contracts (especially BrE) to sign a contract with the person that you are buying sth from, especially a house or land:\nThe firm has just exchanged contracts on a nine-acre site.\n IDIOMS  see WORD n.


Words: exchequer
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  (often the Exchequer) (in Britain) the government department that controls public money\nSYN TREASURY\nsee also CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER\n  2  the public or national supply of money:\nThis resulted in a considerable loss to the exchequer.


Words: excise
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a government tax on some goods made, sold or used within a country:\nnew excise duties on low-alcohol drinks * a sharp increase in vehicle excise * an excise officer (= an official whose job is to collect excise)\ncompare CUSTOMS\n\n verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sth) (formal) to remove sth completely:\nCertain passages were excised from the book.


Words: excision
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal or technical) the act of removing sth completely from sth; the thing removed:\nto demonstrate three types of surgical excision * The numerous excisions have destroyed the literary value of the text.


Words: excitable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of people or animals) likely to become easily excited:\na class of excitable ten-year-olds\n    excitability  noun [U]


Words: excite
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb feel very pleased, interested or enthusiastic, especially about sth that is going to happen:\nThe prospect of a year in India greatly excited her.\n  2  to make sb nervous or upset and unable to relax:\nDon’t excite yourself (= keep calm). * Try not to excite your baby too much before bedtime.\n  3  ~ sth (in sb) to make sb feel a particular emotion or react in a particular way \nSYN AROUSE:\nThe European Parliament is not an institution which excites interest in voters. * to excite attention / criticism / curiosity * The news has certainly excited comment (= made people talk about it).\n  4  to make sb feel sexual desire \nSYN AROUSE\n  5  (formal) to make a part of the body or part of a physical system more active \nSYN STIMULATE


Words: excited
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about / at / by sth) | ~ (to do sth) feeling or showing happiness and enthusiasm:\nThe children were excited about opening their presents. * I’m really excited at the prospect of working abroad. * Don’t get too excited by the sight of your name in print. * He was very excited to be asked to play for Wales. * The new restaurant is nothing to get excited about (= not particularly good). * An excited crowd of people gathered around her. -> WORRIED\n  2  nervous or upset and unable to relax:\nSome horses become excited when they’re in traffic.\n  3  feeling sexual desire\n    excitedly adverb:\nShe waved excitedly as the car approached.


Words: excitement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the state of feeling excited:\nThe news caused great excitement among her friends. * to feel a surge / thrill / shiver of excitement * He was flushed with excitement at the thought. * There was a note of excitement in his voice. * The dog leapt and wagged its tail in excitement. * In her excitement she dropped her glass.\n  2  [C] (formal) something that you find exciting:\nThe new job was not without its excitements.


Words: exciting
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing great interest or excitement:\none of the most exciting developments in biology in recent years * They waited and waited for something exciting to happen. * an exciting prospect / possibility * an exciting story / discovery * I still find the job exciting.\n    excitingly adverb


Words: exclaim
Meaning:
verb\n(written) to say sth suddenly and loudly, especially because of strong emotion or pain:\n[V speech] ’It isn’t fair!’, he exclaimed angrily. * [V] She opened her eyes and exclaimed in delight at the scene. [also V that]


Words: exclamation
Meaning:
noun\na short sound, word or phrase spoken suddenly to express an emotion. Oh!, Look out! and Ow! are exclamations:\nHe gave an exclamation of surprise.


Words: exclamation mark
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually exclamation point) noun\nthe mark ( ! ) that is written after an exclamation


Words: exclude
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to deliberately not include sth in what you are doing or considering:\nThe cost of borrowing has been excluded from the inflation figures. * Try excluding sugar and fat from your diet. * Buses run every hour, Sundays excluded.\nOPP INCLUDE\n  2  ~ sb/sth (from sth) to prevent sb/sth from entering a place or taking part in sth:\nWomen are still excluded from some London clubs. * (BrE) Concern is growing over the number of children excluded from school (= forbidden to attend because of bad behaviour). * She felt excluded by the other girls (= they did not let her join in what they were doing).\n  3  to decide that sth is not possible:\nWe should not exclude the possibility of negotiation. * The police have excluded theft as a motive for the murder.


Words: exclusion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of sb/sth) (from sth) the act of excluding sb/sth; an example of this:\nExclusion of air creates a vacuum in the bottle. * the exclusion of robbery as a motive * Memories of the past filled her mind to the exclusion of all else. * (BrE) the exclusion of disruptive students from school * (BrE) Two exclusions from one school in the same week is unusual.\n  2  [C] a person or thing that is excluded:\nCheck the list of exclusions in the insurance policy.\nOPP INCLUSION


Words: exclusion zone
Meaning:
noun\nan area where people are not allowed to enter because it is dangerous or is used for secret activities:\nArmed forces have set up an exclusion zone around the island.


Words: exclusionary
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) designed to prevent a particular person or group of people from taking part in sth or doing sth


Words: exclusive
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  only to be used by one particular person or group; only given to one particular person or group:\nThe hotel has exclusive access to the beach. * exclusive rights to televise the World Cup * His mother has told ’The Times’ about his death in an exclusive interview (= not given to any other newspaper).\n  2  (of a group, society, etc.) not very willing to allow new people to become members, especially if they are from a lower social class:\nHe belongs to an exclusive club.\n  3  of a high quality and expensive and therefore not often bought or used by most people:\nan exclusive hotel * exclusive designer shops / clothes\n  4  not able to exist or be a true statement at the same time as sth else:\nThe two options are not mutually exclusive (= you can have them both).\n  5  ~ of sb/sth not including sb/sth:\nThe price is for accommodation only, exclusive of meals.\nOPP INCLUSIVE\n    exclusively adverb:\na charity that relies almost exclusively on voluntary contributions\n    noun an item of news or a story about famous people that is published in only one newspaper or magazine:\nWe feature an exclusive on the mothers whose babies were swapped at birth.


Words: exclusivity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being exclusive:\nThe resort still preserves a feeling of exclusivity. * a designer whose clothes have not lost their exclusiveness


Words: excommunicate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (for sth) to punish sb by officially stating that they can no longer be a member of a Christian Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church\n    excommunication  noun [U, C]:\nThey were threatened with excommunication.


Words: excoriate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (medical) to irritate a person’s skin so that it starts to come off\n  2  (rare, formal) to criticize sb/sth severely\n    excoriation noun [U, C]


Words: excrement
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) solid waste matter that is passed from the body through the bowels\nSYN FAECES:\nthe pollution of drinking water by untreated human excrement\n    excremental adjective


Words: excrescence
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) an ugly lump that has grown on a part of an animal’s body or on a plant:\nA hard, bony excrescence was visible above one of the animal’s hooves. * (figurative) The new office block is an excrescence (= it is very ugly).


Words: excrete
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (technical) to pass solid or liquid waste matter from the body\n    excretion  noun [U, C]:\nthe excretion of toxic substances through the skin


Words: excruciating
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely painful:\nThe pain in my back was excruciating. * She groaned at the memory, suffering all over again the excruciating embarrassment of those moments.\n    excruciatingly adverb:\nexcruciatingly uncomfortable * excruciatingly painful / boring / embarrassing


Words: exculpate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to prove or state officially that sb is not guilty of sth:\nThe defendant was able to exculpate himself from liability.\n    exculpation noun [U]


Words: excursion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a short journey made for pleasure, especially one that has been organized for a group of people:\nThey’ve gone on an excursion to York. * There are regular weekend excursions throughout the summer.\n  2  ~ into sth (formal) a short period of trying a new or different activity:\nAfter a brief excursion into drama, he concentrated on his main interest, which was poetry.


Words: excusable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] that can be excused:\nDoing it once was just about excusable-doing it twice was certainly not.\nOPP INEXCUSABLE


Words: excuse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour:\nLate again! What’s your excuse this time? * There’s no excuse for such behaviour. * His excuse for forgetting her birthday was that he had lost his diary. * You don’t have to make excuses for her (= try to think of reasons for her behaviour). * It’s late. I’m afraid I’ll have to make my excuses (= say I’m sorry, give my reasons and leave). -> REASON\n  2  ~ (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) a good reason that you give for doing sth that you want to do for other reasons:\nIt’s just an excuse for a party. * It gave me an excuse to take the car.\n  3  a very bad example of sth:\nWhy get involved with that pathetic excuse for a human being?\n  4  (AmE) a note written by a doctor or parent to explain why a student cannot go to school\n    verb \n  1  ~ sth | ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to forgive sb for sth that they have done, for example not being polite or making a small mistake:\n[VN] Please excuse the mess. * I hope you’ll excuse me for being so late. * You must excuse my father-he’s not always that rude. * (BrE) You might be excused for thinking that Ben is in charge (= he is not, but it is an easy mistake to make). * [VN -ing] (formal) Excuse my interrupting you.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth | ~ sb / yourself (for sth / for doing sth) to make your or sb else’s behaviour seem less offensive by finding reasons for it\nSYN JUSTIFY:\nNothing can excuse such rudeness.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb / yourself (from sth) to allow sb to leave; to say in a polite way that you are leaving:\nNow if you’ll excuse me, I’m a very busy man. * She excused herself and left the meeting early.\n  4  ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) [usually passive] to allow sb to not do sth that they should normally do:\n[VN] She was excused from giving evidence because of her age. [also VNN]\n IDIOMS \n  excuse me\n1 used to politely get sb’s attention, especially sb you do not know:\nExcuse me, is this the way to the station?\n2 used to politely ask sb to move so that you can get past them:\nExcuse me, could you let me through?\n3 used to say that you are sorry for interrupting sb or behaving in a slightly rude way:\nGuy sneezed loudly. ’Excuse me,’ he said.\n4 used to disagree politely with sb:\nExcuse me, but I don’t think that’s true.\n5 used to politely tell sb that you are going to leave or talk to sb else:\n’Excuse me for a moment,’ she said and left the room.\n6 (especially AmE) used to say sorry for pushing sb or doing sth wrong:\nOh, excuse me. I didn’t see you there.\n7 (excuse me?) (AmE) used when you did not hear what sb said and you want them to repeat it


Words: execute
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to kill sb, especially as a legal punishment:\nHe was executed for treason. * The prisoners were executed by firing squad.\n  2  (formal) to do a piece of work, perform a duty, put a plan into action, etc:\nThey drew up and executed a plan to reduce fuel consumption. * The crime was very cleverly executed. * Check that the computer has executed your commands.\n  3  (formal) to successfully perform a skilful action or movement:\nThe pilot executed a perfect landing.\n  4  (formal) to make or produce a work of art:\nPicasso also executed several landscapes at Horta de San Juan.\n  5  (law) to follow the instructions in a legal document; to make a document legally valid:\nHis will was executed by his lawyers in 1978.


Words: execution
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of killing sb, especially as a legal punishment:\nHe faced execution by hanging for murder. * Over 200 executions were carried out last year.\n  2  [U] (formal) the act of doing a piece of work, performing a duty, or putting a plan into action:\nHe had failed in the execution of his duty. * The idea was good, but the execution was poor. * The company is liable for any damage caused by faulty execution of the building work.\n  3  [U] (formal) skill in performing or making sth, such as a piece of music or work of art:\nHer execution of the piano piece was perfect.\n  4  [U] (law) the act of following the instructions in a legal document, especially those in sb’s WILL:\nThe solicitors are proceeding with the execution of her mother’s will.\n IDIOMS  see STAY n.


Words: executive
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a person who has an important job as a manager of a company or an organization:\nadvertising / business / sales executives * a chief / senior / top executive in a computer firm\n  2  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who run a company or an organization:\nThe union’s executive has / have yet to reach a decision.\n  3  (the executive) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the part of a government responsible for putting laws into effect\ncompare JUDICIARY, LEGISLATURE\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with managing a business or an organization, and with making plans and decisions:\nShe has an executive position in a finance company. * executive decisions / duties / jobs / positions * the executive dining room\n  2  having the power to put important laws and decisions into effect:\nexecutive authority * an executive board / body / committee / officer * Executive power is held by the president.\n  3  expensive; for the use of sb who is important:\nan executive car * an executive suite (= in a hotel) * an executive lounge (= at an airport)


Words: executive privilege
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in the US) the right of the President and the executive part of the government to keep official documents secret


Words: executor
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a person, bank, etc. that is chosen by sb who is making their WILL to carry out the instructions in it:\nShe appointed him executor of her will.


Words: exegesis
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural exegeses ) (formal) the detailed explanation of a piece of writing, especially religious writing:\nto provide an exegesis of a text * biblical / scientific exegesis


Words: exemplar
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person or thing that is a good or typical example of sth\nSYN MODEL:\nHer career was an exemplar of individual success at a time of great economic hardship.


Words: exemplary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  providing a good example for people to copy:\nHer behaviour was exemplary. * a man of exemplary character\n  2  [usually before noun] (law or formal) (of punishment) severe; used especially as a warning to others


Words: exemplify
Meaning:
verb (exemplifies, exemplifying, exemplified, exemplified) [VN] [often passive] (formal)\n  1  to be a typical example of sth:\nHer early work is exemplified in her book, ’A Study of Children’s Minds’. * His food exemplifies Italian cooking at its best.\n  2  to give an example in order to make sth clearer:\nShe exemplified each of the points she was making with an amusing anecdote.\n    exemplification  noun [U, C]


Words: exempt
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective [not before noun] ~ (from sth) if sb/sth is exempt from sth, they are not affected by it, do not have to do it, pay it, etc:\nThe interest on the money is exempt from tax. * Some students are exempt from certain exams. * Infant mortality was extremely high and the upper classes were not exempt.\n    -exempt (in compounds, forming adjectives):\ntax-exempt donations to charity\n    verb [VN] ~ sb/sth (from sth) (formal) to give or get sb’s official permission not to do sth or not to pay sth they would normally have to do or pay:\nHis bad eyesight exempted him from military service. * In 1983, charities were exempted from paying the tax.


Words: exemption
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (from sth) official permission not to do sth or pay sth that you would normally have to do or pay:\nShe was given exemption from the final examination.\n  2  [C] a part of your income that you do not have to pay tax on:\na tax exemption on money donated to charity


Words: exercise
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  activity / movements\n  1  [U] physical or mental activity that you do to stay healthy or become stronger:\nSwimming is good exercise. * I don’t get much exercise sitting in the office all day. * The mind needs exercise as well as the body. * vigorous / gentle exercise * (BrE) to take exercise\n  2  [C] a set of movements or activities that you do to stay healthy or develop a skill:\nbreathing / relaxation / stretching exercises * exercises for the piano * Repeat the exercise ten times on each leg.\n  questions\n  3  [C] a set of questions in a book that tests your knowledge or practises a skill:\ngrammar exercises * Do exercise one for homework.\n  use of power / right / quality\n  4  [U] ~ of sth the use of power, a skill, a quality or a right to make sth happen:\nthe exercise of power / authority by the government * the exercise of patience / discretion / judgement\n  for particular result\n  5  [C] ~ (in sth) an activity that is designed to achieve a particular result:\nan exercise in public relations * Staying calm was an exercise in self-control. * a communications exercise * In the end it proved a pointless exercise.\n  for soldiers\n  6  [C, usually pl.] a set of activities or movements for training soldiers:\nmilitary exercises\n  ceremonies\n  7  (exercises) [pl.] (AmE) ceremonies:\ncollege graduation exercises\n    verb\n  use power / right / quality\n  1  [VN] (formal) to use your power, rights or personal qualities in order to achieve sth:\nWhen she appeared in court she exercised her right to remain silent. * He was a man who exercised considerable influence over people.\n  do physical activity\n  2  to do sports or other physical activities in order to stay healthy or become stronger; to make an animal do this:\n[V] an hour’s class of exercising to music * How often do you exercise? * [VN] Horses need to be exercised regularly.\n  3  [VN] to give a part of the body the movement and activity it needs to keep strong and healthy:\nThese movements will exercise your arms and shoulders.\n  be anxious\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (about sth) (formal) if sb is exercised about sth, they are very anxious about it:\nThe public are less exercised about this matter than the media. * This very problem has exercised the minds of some of our most eminent scientists.


Words: exercise book
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE notebook) a small book for students to write their work in\n  2  (AmE) = WORKBOOK


Words: exert
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to use power or influence to affect sb/sth:\nHe exerted all his authority to make them accept the plan. * The moon exerts a force on the earth that causes the tides.\n  2  ~ yourself to make a big effort:\nIn order to be successful he would have to exert himself.


Words: exertion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (also exertions [pl.]) physical or mental effort; the act of making an effort:\nShe was hot and breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill. * He needed to relax after the exertions of a busy day at work.\n  2  [sing.] the use of power to make sth happen:\nthe exertion of force / strength / authority * It requires no great exertion of the imagination to recognize the truth of this.


Words: exeunt
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (from Latin) used in a play as a written instruction that tells two or more actors to leave the stage:\nExeunt Antony and Cleopatra.\ncompare EXIT


Words: exfoliate
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] to remove rough or dead cells from the surface of skin in order to make your skin smoother\n    exfoliation noun [U]:\nRegular deep-cleansing and exfoliation should be part of your beauty routine.


Words: exhale
Meaning:
verb\nto breathe out the air or smoke, etc. in your lungs:\n[V] He sat back and exhaled deeply. * [VN] She exhaled the smoke through her nose.\nOPP INHALE\n    exhalation  noun [U, C]


Words: exhaust
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] waste gases that come out of a vehicle, an engine or a machine:\ncar exhaust fumes / emissions\n \n  2  (also exhaust pipe) (also tailpipe especially in AmE) [C] a pipe through which exhaust gases come out:\nMy car needs a new exhaust.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to make you feel very tired:\nEven a short walk exhausted her. * There’s no need to exhaust yourself clearing up-we’ll do it.\n  2  to use all of sth so that there is none left:\nWithin three days they had exhausted their supply of food. * Don’t give up until you have exhausted all the possibilities.\n  3  to talk about or study a subject until there is nothing else to say about it:\nI think we’ve exhausted that particular topic.


Words: exhausted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very tired:\nI’m exhausted! * to feel completely / utterly exhausted * The exhausted climbers were rescued by helicopter.\n  2  completely used or finished:\nYou cannot grow crops on exhausted land.


Words: exhausting
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel very tired:\nan exhausting day at work * I find her exhausting-she never stops talking.


Words: exhaustion
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of being very tired:\nsuffering from physical / mental / nervous exhaustion * Her face was grey with exhaustion.\n  2  (formal) the act of using sth until it is completely finished:\nthe exhaustion of natural resources


Words: exhaustive
Meaning:
adjective\nvery thorough; looking at every detail:\nexhaustive research / tests * an exhaustive study of sth * The information in this leaflet is not intended to be exhaustive, but it does tell you the basic facts.\n    exhaustively adverb:\nEvery product is exhaustively tested before being sold.


Words: exhibit
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (at / in ...) to show sth in a public place for people to enjoy or to give them information:\n[VN] They will be exhibiting their new designs at the trade fairs this spring. * Only one painting was exhibited in the artist’s lifetime. * [V] He exhibits regularly in several local art galleries.\n  2  [VN] (written) to show clearly that you have or feel a particular feeling, quality or ability:\nThe patient exhibited signs of fatigue and memory loss.\n    noun\n  1  an object or a work of art put in a public place, for example a museum, so that people can see it:\nThe museum contains some interesting exhibits on Spanish rural life.\n  2  a thing that is used in a court of law to prove that sb is guilty or not guilty:\nThe first exhibit was a knife which the prosecution claimed was the murder weapon.\n  3  (AmE) = EXHIBITION (1):\nThe new exhibit will tour a dozen US cities next year.


Words: exhibition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially BrE) (AmE usually exhibit) [C] a collection of things, for example works of art, that are shown to the public:\nHave you seen the Picasso exhibition? * an exhibition of old photographs * an exhibition catalogue / centre / hall\n  2  [U] ~ of sth the act of showing sth, for example works of art, to the public:\nShe refused to allow the exhibition of her husband’s work.\n  3  [sing.] an ~ of sth the act of showing a skill, a feeling, or a kind of behaviour:\nWe were treated to an exhibition of the footballer’s speed and skill. * an appalling exhibition of bad manners\n  4  [C] (BrE) an amount of money that is given as a prize to a student\n IDIOMS \n  make an exhibition of yourself (disapproving) to behave in a bad or stupid way in public:\nI’m afraid Frank got drunk and made an exhibition of himself.


Words: exhibitionism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (disapproving) behaviour that is intended to make people notice or admire you\n  2  (psychology) the mental condition that makes sb want to show their sexual organs in public


Words: exhibitionist
Meaning:
noun\n(usually disapproving) a person who likes to make other people notice him or her:\nChildren are natural exhibitionists.


Words: exhibitor
Meaning:
noun\na person or a company that shows their work or products to the public:\nThe work of over 500 exhibitors will be on display at the arts and crafts show.


Words: exhilarate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb feel very happy and excited:\nSpeed had always exhilarated him.\n    exhilarated adjective:\nI felt exhilarated after a morning of skiing.\n    exhilaration  noun [U]:\nthe exhilaration of performing on stage


Words: exhort
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (to sth / to do sth) (formal) to try hard to persuade sb to do sth\nSYN URGE:\n[VN to inf] The party leader exhorted his members to start preparing for government. * [VN] They had been exhorted to action. [also V speech, VN speech]\n    exhortation  noun [C, U]


Words: exhume
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to remove a dead body from the ground especially in order to examine how the person died:\nThe body was exhumed on the order of the judge.\n    exhumation  noun [U]:\nA committee was appointed to supervise the exhumation and identification of the bodies.


Words: exigency
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually pl., U] (plural exigencies) (formal) an urgent need or demand that you must deal with:\nthe exigencies of war * political / financial exigencies


Words: exile
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, sing.] the state of being sent to live in another country that is not your own, especially for political reasons or as a punishment:\nto be / live in exile * to be forced / sent into exile * to go into exile * a place of exile * He returned after 40 years of exile.\n  2  [C] a person who chooses, or is forced to live away from his or her own country:\npolitical exiles * a tax exile (= a rich person who moves to another country where taxes are lower)\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (from ...) to force sb to leave their country, especially for political reasons or as a punishment; to send sb into exile:\nthe party’s exiled leaders * an American, exiled from his homeland


Words: exist
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) to be real; to be present in a place or situation:\nDoes life exist on other planets? * The problem only exists in your head, Jane. * Few of these monkeys still exist in the wild. * A temple existed here hundreds of years ago.\n  2  ~ (on sth) to live, especially in a difficult situation or with very little money:\nWe existed on a diet of rice and very little else. * They can’t exist on the money he’s earning.


Words: existence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the state or fact of being real or living:\nI was unaware of his existence until today. * This is the oldest Hebrew manuscript in existence. * Pakistan came into existence as an independent country after the war. * a crisis that threatens the industry’s continued existence\n  2  [C] a way of living especially when this is difficult or boring:\nThe family endured a miserable existence in a cramped and noisy apartment. * We led a poor but happy enough existence as children. * They eke out a precarious existence (= they have hardly enough money to live on). * The peasants depend on a good harvest for their very existence (= in order to continue to live).


Words: existent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (formal) existing; real:\ncreatures existent in nature\nOPP NON-EXISTENT\n    noun (philosophy) a thing that is real and exists:\nThe self is the only knowable existent.


Words: existential
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (formal) connected with human existence\n  2  (philosophy) connected with the theory of existentialism


Words: existentialism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (philosophy) the theory that human beings are free and responsible for their own actions in a world without meaning\n    existentialist  noun:\nSartre was an existentialist.\n    existentialist adjective:\nexistentialist theory


Words: exit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a way out of a public building or vehicle:\nWhere’s the exit? * There is a fire exit on each floor of the building. * The emergency exit is at the back of the bus.\ncompare ENTRANCE\n \n  2  an act of leaving, especially of an actor from the stage:\nThe heroine made her exit to great applause. * He made a quick exit to avoid meeting her. * an exit visa (= a stamp in a passport giving sb permission to leave a particular country) * an exit wound (= where a bullet that has entered sb’s body comes out again)\n \n  3  a place where vehicles can leave a road to join another road:\nLeave the roundabout at the second exit. * Take the exit for Trento.\n    verb\n  1  (formal) to go out; to leave a building, stage, vehicle, etc:\n[V] The bullet entered her back and exited through her chest. * We exited via a fire door. * [VN] As the actors exited the stage the lights went on.\n  2  to finish using a computer program:\n[V] To exit from this page, press the return key. * [VN] I exited the database and switched off the computer.\n  3  [V] (exit ...) used in the instructions printed in a play to say that an actor must leave the stage:\nExit Macbeth\ncompare EXEUNT


Words: exit poll
Meaning:
noun\nin an exit poll immediately after an election, people are asked how they voted, in order to predict the result of the election


Words: exodus
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] ~ (from ...) (to ...) (formal or humorous) a situation in which many people leave a place at the same time:\nthe mass exodus from Paris to the country in the summer * The play was so awful that there was a general exodus from the theatre at the interval.


Words: exonerate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to officially state that sb is not responsible for sth that they have been blamed for:\nThe police report exonerated Lewis from all charges of corruption.\n    exoneration  noun [U]


Words: exorbitant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a price) much too high:\nexorbitant costs / fares / fees / prices / rents * It’s a good hotel but the prices are exorbitant.\n    exorbitantly adverb:\nPrices are exorbitantly high in this shop.


Words: exorcism
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  the act of getting rid of an evil spirit from a place or a person’s body by prayers or magic; a ceremony where this is done:\nA priest performed an exorcism and afterwards the ghost disappeared.\n  2  (written) the act of making yourself forget a bad experience or memory


Words: exorcist
Meaning:
noun\na person who makes evil spirits leave a place or a person’s body by prayers or magic:\nAn exorcist was called in to get rid of the ghost.


Words: exorcize
Meaning:
(BrE also exorcise)  verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sb/sth) to make an evil spirit leave a place or sb’s body by special prayers or magic:\nThe ghost was exorcized from the house.\n  2  (written) to remove sth that is bad or painful from your mind:\nShe had managed to exorcize these unhappy memories from her mind.


Words: exotic
Meaning:
adjective\nfrom or in another country, especially a tropical one; seeming exciting and unusual because it is connected with foreign countries:\nbrightly-coloured exotic flowers / plants / birds * She travels to all kinds of exotic locations all over the world.


Words: exotica
Meaning:
noun\n[U] unusual and exciting things, especially from other countries:\na sale of antiques and exotica


Words: expand
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to become greater in size, number or importance; to make sth greater in size, number or importance:\n[V] Metals expand when they are heated. * Student numbers are expanding rapidly. * A child’s vocabulary expands through reading. * The waist expands to fit all sizes. * [VN] In breathing the chest muscles expand the rib cage and allow air to be sucked into the lungs. * The new system expanded the role of family doctors. * There are no plans to expand the local airport.\nOPP CONTRACT\n  2  if a business expands or is expanded, new branches are opened, it makes more money, etc:\n[VN] We’ve expanded the business by opening two more stores. * [V] an expanding economy (= with more businesses starting and growing)\n  3  [V] to talk more; to add details to what you are saying:\nI repeated the question and waited for her to expand.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  expand on / upon sth to say more about sth and add some details:\nCould you expand on that point, please?


Words: expandable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (especially technical) that can be expanded:\nan expandable briefcase * The system is expandable to 16 processors, with a maximum of 512MB RAM.


Words: expanse
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) a wide and open area of sth, especially land or water:\na wide / vast expanse of blue sky * I looked out over flat expanses of open farmland.


Words: expansion
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] an act of increasing or making sth increase in size, amount or importance:\na period of rapid economic expansion * Despite the recession the company is confident of further expansion. * The expansion of higher education will continue. * The book is an expansion of a series of lectures given last year.


Words: expansionary
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) encouraging economic expansion:\nThis budget will have a net expansionary effect on the economy.


Words: expansionism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (sometimes disapproving) the belief in and process of increasing the size and importance of sth, especially in a country or a business:\nthe economic expansionism of Europe and America * military / territorial expansionism\n    expansionist  adjective:\nexpansionist policies * an expansionist state\n    expansionist noun:\nHe was a ruthless expansionist.


Words: expansive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covering a large amount of space:\nShe opened her arms wide in an expansive gesture of welcome. * landscape with expansive skies * He waved an expansive arm (= in an expansive movement).\n  2  covering a large subject area, rather than trying to be exact and use few words:\nWe need to look at a more expansive definition of the term. * The piece is written in his usual expansive style.\n  3  friendly and willing to talk a lot:\nShe was clearly relaxed and in an expansive mood.\n  4  (especially of a period of time) encouraging economic EXPANSION:\nIn the expansive 1960s bright graduates could advance rapidly.\n    expansively adverb:\nHe waved his arms expansively.\n    expansiveness noun [U]


Words: expatiate
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  expatiate on / upon sth (rare, formal) to write or speak in detail about a subject


Words: expatriate
Meaning:
(also informal expat) noun\na person living in a country that is not their own:\nAmerican expatriates in Paris\n    expatriate adjective [only before noun]:\nexpatriate Britons in Spain * expatriate workers


Words: expect
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to think or believe that sth will happen or that sb will do sth:\n[VN] We are expecting a rise in food prices this month. * Don’t expect sympathy from me! * That’s not the sort of behaviour I expect of you! * Double the expected number of people came to the meeting. * [V to inf] You can’t expect to learn a foreign language in a few months. * I looked back, half expecting to see someone following me. * [VN to inf] House prices are expected to rise sharply. * I didn’t expect him to become a successful writer. * Do you really expect me to believe you? * [V (that)] Many people were expecting (that) the peace talks would break down. * [VN that] It is expected that the report will suggest some major reforms.\n  2  (often used in the progressive tenses) to be waiting for sb/sth to arrive, as this has been arranged:\n[VN] to expect a visit / call / letter from sb * Are you expecting visitors? * [VN, VN to inf] We were expecting him yesterday. * We were expecting him to arrive yesterday.\n  3  ~ sth (of / from sb) to demand that sb will do sth because it is their duty or responsibility:\n[VN] Her parents expected high standards from her. * Are you clear what is expected of you? * He’s still getting over his illness, so don’t expect too much from him. * [VN to inf] They expected all their children to be high achievers. * We are expected to work on Saturdays. * [V to inf] I expect to be paid promptly for the work. [also V that]\n  4  (informal, especially BrE) (not used in the progressive tenses) used when you think sth is probably true:\n[V] ’Will you be late?’ ’I expect so.’ * ’Are you going out tonight?’ ’I don’t expect so.’ * [V, V that] ’Who’s eaten all the cake?’ ’Tom, I expect / I expect it was Tom.’\n HELP NOTE  ’That’ is nearly always left out.\ncompare UNEXPECTED\n IDIOMS \n  be expecting a baby / child (informal) to be pregnant:\nAnn’s expecting a baby in June.\n  be (only) to be expected to be likely to happen; to be quite normal:\nA little tiredness after taking these drugs is to be expected.\n  what (else) do you expect? (spoken) used to tell sb not to be surprised by sth:\nShe swore at you? What do you expect when you treat her like that?\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nexpect / wait for / hope / look forward to\nIf you expect something, you think that it will or is likely to happen: I’m expecting him to arrive soon. If you wait for sth, you stay somewhere or pass the time until something happens: I’m waiting for him to arrive. Waiting describes what you are doing, usually for a short time, until something happens: I’ll wait for you outside the hotel. * _I_’_l_l_ _w_a_i_t_ _y_o_u_ _o_u_t_s_i_d_e_ _t_h_e_ _h_o_t_e_l. * How long have you been waiting to see the dentist? Expecting suggests that you think something will happen in the future: The fall in profits had been expected. * We weren’t expecting it to rain.\nYou use hope, not expect, to say that you want something to happen: I hope you will have a good party. * _I_ _e_x_p_e_c_t_ _y_o_u_ _w_i_l_l_ _h_a_v_e_ _a_ _g_o_o_d_ _p_a_r_t_y.\nYou use look forward to when you are feeling happy and excited about something that you expect to happen: I’m looking forward to your visit. At the end of a letter, use look forward to, not expect: I look forward to your reply. * I expect your reply.\n______________________________


Words: expectancy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of expecting or hoping that sth, especially sth good or exciting, will happen:\nThere was an air of expectancy among the waiting crowd.\nsee also LIFE EXPECTANCY


Words: expectant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  hoping for sth, especially sth good and exciting:\nchildren with expectant faces waiting for the fireworks to begin * A sudden roar came from the expectant crowd.\n  2  ~ mother / father / parent used to describe sb who is going to have a baby soon or become a father:\nSmoking by expectant mothers may increase the chances of brain damage in their babies.\n    expectantly adverb:\nShe looked at him expectantly. * waiting expectantly


Words: expectation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of sth) | ~ (that ...) a belief that sth will happen because it is likely:\nWe are confident in our expectation of a full recovery. * There was a general expectation that he would win. * I applied for the post more in hope than expectation. * The expectation is that property prices will rise. * Contrary to expectations, interest rates did not rise. * Against all expectations, she was enjoying herself.\n  2  [C, usually pl., U] a hope that sth good will happen:\nShe went to college with great expectations. * There was an air of expectation and great curiosity. * The results exceeded our expectations. * The numbers attending fell short of expectations. * The event did not live up to expectations.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a strong belief about the way sth should happen or how sb should behave:\nSome parents have unrealistic expectations of their children. * Unfortunately the new software has failed to meet expectations.


Words: expectorant
Meaning:
noun\n(medical) a cough medicine that helps you to get rid of thick liquid (= PHLEGM) from the lungs


Words: expectorate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) to cough and make PHLEGM come up from your lungs into your mouth so you can SPIT it out\n    expectoration  noun [U]


Words: expedient
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun an action that is useful or necessary for a particular purpose, but not always fair or right:\nThe disease was controlled by the simple expedient of not allowing anyone to leave the city.\n    adjective [not usually before noun] (of an action) useful or necessary for a particular purpose, but not always fair or right:\nThe government has clearly decided that a cut in interest rates would be politically expedient.\n    expediency  noun [U]:\nHe acted out of expediency, not principle.


Words: expedite
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make a process happen more quickly\nSYN SPEED UP:\nWe have developed rapid order processing to expedite deliveries to customers.


Words: expedition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an organized journey with a particular purpose, especially to find out about a place that is not well known:\nto plan / lead / go on an expedition to the North Pole * a military / scientific expedition\n  2  the people who go on an expedition:\nThree members of the Everest expedition were killed.\n  3  (sometimes humorous) a short trip that you make when you want or need sth:\na shopping / fishing expedition


Words: expeditious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that works well without wasting time, money, etc.\nSYN EFFICIENT:\nthe most expeditious method of dealing with the situation\n    expeditiously adverb:\nThe work was carried out as expeditiously as possible.


Words: expel sth
Meaning:
(from sth)\n  1  to officially make sb leave a school or an organization:\nShe was expelled from school at 15. * Olympic athletes expelled for drug-taking\n  2  to force sb to leave a country:\nForeign journalists are being expelled. * Thousands of Jews had been expelled from the city.\n  3  (technical) to force air or water out of a part of the body or from a container:\nto expel air from the lungs\nsee also EXPULSION


Words: expend
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (in / on sb) | ~ sth (in / on / doing sth) (formal) to use or spend a lot of time, money, energy, etc:\nShe expended all her efforts on the care of home and children. * Smith had expended large sums in pursuing his claim through the court. * Most animals expend a lot of energy searching for food.


Words: expendable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) if you consider people or things to be expendable, you think that you can get rid of them when they are no longer needed, or think it is acceptable if they are killed or destroyed


Words: expenditure
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  the act of spending or using money; an amount of money spent:\na reduction in public / government / military expenditure * plans to increase expenditure on health and education * The budget provided for a total expenditure of ｣27 billion. * Savings have been disposed of in order to meet the growing gap between income and expenditure.\n  2  the use of energy, time, materials, etc:\nthe expenditure of emotion * This study represents a major expenditure of time and effort.\ncompare INCOME


Words: expense
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the money that you spend on sth:\nThe garden was transformed at great expense. * No expense was spared (= they spent as much money as was needed) to make the party a success. * He’s arranged everything, no expense spared. * She always travels first-class regardless of expense. * The results are well worth the expense.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] something that makes you spend money:\nRunning a car is a big expense.\n  3  (expenses) [pl.] money spent in doing a particular job, or for a particular purpose:\nliving / household / medical / legal expenses * Can I give you something towards expenses? * financial help to meet the expenses of an emergency * The payments he gets barely cover his expenses.\n  4  (expenses) [pl.] money that you spend while you are working that your employer will pay back to you later:\nYou can claim back your travelling / travel expenses. * (BrE) to take a client out for a meal on expenses * an all-expenses-paid trip\n IDIOMS \n  at sb’s expense\n1 paid for by sb:\nWe were taken out for a meal at the company’s expense.\n2 if you make a joke at sb’s expense, you laugh at them and make them feel silly\n  at the expense of sb/sth with loss or damage to sb/sth:\nHe built up the business at the expense of his health. * an education system that benefits bright children at the expense of those who are slower to learn\n  go to the expense of sth / of doing sth | go to a lot of, etc. expense to spend money on sth:\nThey went to all the expense of redecorating the house and then they moved.\n  put sb to the expense of sth / of doing sth | put sb to a lot of, etc. expense to make sb spend money on sth:\nTheir visit put us to a lot of expense.\nmore at OBJECT n


Words: expense account
Meaning:
noun\nan arrangement by which money spent by sb while they are at work is later paid back to them by their employer; a record of money spent in this way:\nPut the cost of the train fare on your expense account.


Words: expensive
Meaning:
adjective\ncosting a lot of money:\nan expensive car / restaurant / holiday * Art books are expensive to produce. * I can’t afford it, it’s too expensive. * Making the wrong decision could prove expensive. * That dress was an expensive mistake.\nOPP INEXPENSIVE\n \n    expensively adverb:\nexpensively dressed / furnished * There are other restaurants where you can eat less expensively.


Words: experience
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the knowledge and skill that you have gained through doing sth for a period of time; the process of gaining this:\nto have over ten years’ teaching experience * Do you have any previous experience of this type of work? * a doctor with experience in dealing with patients suffering from stress * My lack of practical experience was a disadvantage. * She didn’t get paid much but it was all good experience. * He gained valuable experience whilst working on the project. * We all learn by experience.\nsee also WORK EXPERIENCE\n  2  [U] the things that have happened to you that influence the way you think and behave:\nExperience has taught me that life can be very unfair. * It is important to try and learn from experience. * In my experience, very few people really understand the problem. * She knew from past experience that Ann would not give up easily. * The book is based on personal experience. * direct / first-hand experience of poverty\n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) an event or activity that affects you in some way:\nan enjoyable / exciting / unusual / unforgettable experience * It was her first experience of living alone. * Living in Africa was very different from home and quite an experience (= unusual for us). * I had a bad experience with fireworks once. * He seems to have had some sort of religious experience.\n  4  (the ...experience) [sing.] events or knowledge shared by all the members of a particular group in society, that influences the way they think and behave:\nmusical forms like jazz that emerged out of the Black American experience\n IDIOMS  see CHALK v.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to have a particular situation affect you or happen to you:\nThe country experienced a foreign currency shortage for several months. * Everyone experiences these problems at some time in their lives.\n  2  to have and be aware of a particular emotion or physical feeling:\nto experience pain / pleasure / unhappiness * I experienced a moment of panic as I boarded the plane.


Words: experienced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (in sth) having knowledge or skill in a particular job or activity:\nan experienced teacher * He’s very experienced in looking after animals.\n  2  having knowledge as a result of doing sth for a long time, or having had a lot of different experiences:\nShe’s very young and not very experienced. * an experienced traveller (= sb who has travelled a lot)


Words: experiential
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or technical) based on or involving experience:\nexperiential knowledge * experiential learning methods


Words: experiment
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U]\n  1  a scientific test that is carried out in order to study what happens and to gain new knowledge:\nto do / perform / carry out / conduct an experiment * proved / shown by experiment * laboratory experiments * Many people do not like the idea of experiments on animals. * The results of the experiment were inconclusive. * Facts can be established by observation and experiment.\n  2  ~ (in sth) a new activity, idea or method that you try out to see what happens or what effect it has:\nthe country’s brief experiment in democracy * I’ve never cooked this before so it’s an experiment. * The system was installed four years ago as an experiment.\n    verb [V] ~ (on sb/sth) | ~ (with sth)\n  1  to carry out a scientific experiment or experiments:\nSome people feel that experimenting on animals causes unnecessary suffering.\n  2  to try or test new ideas, methods, etc. to find out what effect they have:\nHe wanted to experiment more with different textures in his paintings. * I experimented until I got the recipe just right.\n    experimenter noun


Words: experimental
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  based on new ideas, forms or methods that are used to find out what effect they have:\nexperimental teaching methods * experimental theatre / art / music * The equipment is still at the experimental stage. * Doctors stress that this kind of treatment is still experimental.\n  2  connected with scientific experiments:\nexperimental conditions / data / evidence\n    experimentally  adverb:\nThis theory can be confirmed experimentally. * The new drug is being used experimentally on some patients. * He moved his shoulder experimentally to see if it still hurt.


Words: experimentation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the activity or process of EXPERIMENTING:\nexperimentation with new teaching methods * Many people object to experimentation on embryos.


Words: expert
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun ~ (at / in / on sth) | ~ (at / in / on doing sth) a person with special knowledge, skill or training in sth:\na computer / medical expert * an expert in child psychology * an expert on modern literature * He’s an expert at getting his own way. * Don’t ask me-I’m no expert!\n    adjective ~ (at / in sth) | ~ (at / in doing sth) done with, having or involving great knowledge or skill:\nto seek expert advice / an expert opinion * an expert gardener / driver * We need some expert help. * She’s expert at making cheap, but stylish clothes. * They are all expert in this field.\ncompare INEXPERT\n    expertly adverb:\nThe roads were icy but she stopped the car expertly. * The music was expertly performed.


Words: expert system
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) a computer system that can provide information and expert advice on a particular subject. The program asks users a series of questions about their problem and gives them advice based on its store of knowledge:\nexpert systems to aid medical diagnosis


Words: expertise
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) expert knowledge or skill in a particular subject, activity or job:\nprofessional / scientific / technical expertise * They have considerable expertise in dealing with oil spills. * It is difficult to find staff with the level of expertise required for this job. * We have the expertise to help you run your business.


Words: expiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to accept punishment for sth that you have done wrong in order to show that you are sorry:\nHe had a chance to confess and expiate his guilt.\n    expiation  noun [U, sing.]


Words: expiration date
Meaning:
noun (AmE)\n  1  = EXPIRY DATE:\nCheck the expiration date on your passport.\n  2  the date by which an item of food should be eaten:\nThe expiration date on this yogurt was November 20.


Words: expire
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (of a document, an agreement, etc.) to be no longer valid because the period of time for which it could be used has ended\nSYN RUN OUT:\nWhen does your driving licence expire? * Our lease on the house expires next month.\n  2  (of a period of time, especially one during which sb holds a position of authority) to end:\nHis term of office expires at the end of June.\n  3  (literary) to die\nsee also UNEXPIRED


Words: expiry
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually expiration) noun [U] an ending of the period of time when an official document can be used, or when an agreement is valid:\nthe expiry of a fixed-term contract * The licence can be renewed on expiry.


Words: expiry date
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE expiration date) noun\nthe date after which an official document, agreement, etc. is no longer valid:\nCheck the expiry date of your credit cards.


Words: explain
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to tell sb about sth in a way that makes it easy to understand:\n[VN] First, I’ll explain the rules of the game. * It was difficult to explain the problem to beginners. * [V] ’Let me explain!’ he added helpfully. * She explained to them what to do in an emergency. * [V that] I explained that an ambulance would be coming soon. * [V wh-] He explained who each person in the photo was. * Can you explain how the e-mail system works? * [V speech] ’It works like this,’ she explained. [also VN that]\n  2  ~ sth (to sb) to give a reason, or be a reason, for sth:\n[V] She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen. * [V that] Alex explained that his car had broken down. * [V wh-] Well, that doesn’t explain why you didn’t phone. * [VN] Scientific findings that help explain the origins of the universe. * The government now has to explain its decision to the public. * (spoken) Oh well then, that explains it (= I understand now why sth happened).\n HELP NOTE  You cannot say ’explain me, him, her, etc.’: Can you explain the situation to me? * _C_a_n_ _y_o_u_ _e_x_p_l_a_i_n_ _m_e_ _t_h_e_ _s_i_t_u_a_t_i_o_n_? * I’ll explain to you why I like it. * _I_’_l_l_ _e_x_p_l_a_i_n_ _y_o_u_ _w_h_y_ _I_ _l_i_k_e_ _i_t_.\n IDIOMS \n  explain yourself\n1 to give sb reasons for your behaviour, especially when they are angry or upset because of it:\nI really don’t see why I should have to explain myself to you.\n2 to say what you mean in a clear way:\nCould you explain yourself a little more-I didn’t understand.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  explain sth<->away to give reasons why sth is not your fault or why sth is not important\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nexplain v.\nexplanation n.\nexplanatory adj.\nexplicable adj. (=/= inexplicable)\n______________________________


Words: explanation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a statement, fact, or situation that tells you why sth happened; a reason given for sth:\nThe most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed. * to offer / provide an explanation * I can’t think of any possible explanation for his absence. * She left the room abruptly without explanation. * ’I had to see you,’ he said, by way of explanation. * She didn’t give a very adequate explanation for being late. * The book opens with an explanation of why some drugs are banned. * an explanation as to why he had left early -> REASON\n  2  [C] a statement or piece of writing that tells you how sth works or makes sth easier to understand:\nFor a full explanation of how the machine works, turn to page 5. * The teacher gave the children a detailed explanation of the story.


Words: explanatory
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] giving the reasons for sth; intended to describe how sth works or to make sth easier to understand:\nThere are explanatory notes at the back of the book.\nsee also SELF-EXPLANATORY


Words: expletive
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a word, especially a rude word, that you use when you are angry, or in pain\nSYN SWEAR WORD:\nHe dropped the book on his foot and muttered several expletives under his breath.


Words: explicable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (formal) that can be explained or understood:\nHis behaviour is only explicable in terms of (= because of) his recent illness.\nOPP INEXPLICABLE


Words: explicate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to explain an idea or a work of literature in a lot of detail:\nHow can we best explicate ’King Lear’ and understand it?\n    explication  noun [C, U]


Words: explicit
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a statement or piece of writing) clear and easy to understand:\nHe gave me very explicit directions on how to get there.\n  2  (of a person) saying sth clearly, exactly and openly:\nShe was quite explicit about why she had left.\n  3  said, done or shown in an open or direct way, so that you do not doubt what is happening:\nThe reasons for the decision should be made explicit. * She made some very explicit references to my personal life. * a sexually explicit film\ncompare IMPLICIT\n    explicitly adverb:\nThe report states explicitly that the system was to blame.\ncompare IMPLICITLY\n    explicitness noun [U]:\nHe didn’t like the degree of sexual explicitness in the film.


Words: explode
Meaning:
verb\n  burst violently\n  1  to burst or make sth burst loudly and violently, causing damage\nSYN BLOW UP:\n[V] Bombs were exploding all around the city. * The firework exploded in his hand. * [VN] There was a huge bang as if someone had exploded a rocket outside. * Bomb disposal experts exploded the device under controlled conditions.\ncompare IMPLODE\n  get angry / dangerous\n  2  ~ (into / with sth) (of a person or situation) to suddenly become very angry or dangerous:\n[V] Suddenly Charles exploded with rage. * The protest exploded into a riot. * Tension between the two sides could explode at any time. * [V speech] ’Of course there’s something wrong!’ Jem exploded.\n  express emotion\n  3  [V] ~ (into / with sth) to suddenly express an emotion:\nWe all exploded into wild laughter.\n  move suddenly\n  4  [V] ~ (into sth) to suddenly and quickly do sth; to move suddenly with a lot of force:\nAfter ten minutes the game exploded into life.\n  make loud noise\n  5  [V] to make a sudden very loud noise:\nThunder exploded overhead.\n  increase quickly\n  6  [V] to increase suddenly and very quickly in number:\nthe exploding world population\n  show sth is not true\n  7  [VN] to show that sth is not true, especially sth that people believe:\nAt last, a women’s magazine to explode the myth that thin equals beautiful.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nexplode v.\nexplosion n.\nexplosive adj., n.\nunexploded adj.\n______________________________


Words: exploded
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) (of a drawing or diagram) showing the parts of sth separately but also showing how they are connected to each other:\nan exploded diagram of a plane\ncompare UNEXPLODED


Words: exploit
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] \n  1  (disapproving) to treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself:\nHe exploited his father’s name to get himself a job. * She realized that her youth and inexperience were being exploited. * The opposition parties will always exploit government problems to their own advantage.\n  2  (disapproving) to treat sb unfairly by making them work and not giving them much in return:\nWhat is being done to stop employers from exploiting young people?\n  3  to use sth well in order to gain as much from it as possible:\nShe fully exploits the humour of her role in the play. * Teachers should be exploiting computers in education.\n  4  ~ sth (for sth) to develop or use sth for business or industry:\ncountries exploiting the rainforests for hardwood * No minerals have yet been exploited in Antarctica.\n    exploiter noun [C] \n    noun  [usually pl.] a brave, exciting or interesting act:\nthe daring exploits of Roman heroes * The papers were full of her latest amorous exploits.


Words: exploitation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (disapproving) a situation in which sb treats sb else in an unfair way, especially in order to make money from their work:\nthe exploitation of children * Starvation and poverty are the result of global economic exploitation, not lack of resources.\n  2  the use of land, oil, minerals, etc:\ncommercial exploitation of the mineral resources in Antarctica\n  3  (disapproving) the fact of using a situation in order to get an advantage for yourself:\nexploitation of the situation for his own purposes


Words: exploitative
Meaning:
adjective\ntreating sb unfairly in order to gain an advantage or to make money:\nan exploitative economic system


Words: exploration
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  the act of travelling through a place in order to find out about it or look for sth in it:\nthe exploration of space * oil exploration (= searching for oil in the ground)\n  2  an examination of sth in order to find out about it:\nthe book’s explorations of the human mind


Words: exploratory
Meaning:
adjective\ndone with the intention of examining sth in order to find out more about it:\nexploratory surgery * exploratory drilling for oil * an exploratory expedition up the Amazon * Exploratory discussions between management and the unions have ended in stalemate.


Words: explore
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (for sth) to travel to or around an area or a country in order to learn about it:\n[VN] The city is best explored on foot. * They explored the land to the south of the Murray river. * [V] As soon as we arrived on the island we were eager to explore. * companies exploring for (= searching for) oil\n  2  [VN] to examine sth completely or carefully in order to find out more about it:\nThese ideas will be explored in more detail in chapter 7.\n  3  [VN] to feel sth with your hands or another part of the body:\nShe explored the sand with her toes.\nsee also UNEXPLORED


Words: explorer
Meaning:
noun\na person who travels to unknown places in order to find out more about them:\nEarly explorers traded directly with Native Americans for furs.


Words: explosion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the sudden violent bursting and loud noise of sth such as a bomb exploding; the act of deliberately causing sth to explode:\na bomb / nuclear / gas explosion * There were two loud explosions and then the building burst into flames. * Bomb Squad officers carried out a controlled explosion of the device. * 300 people were injured in the explosion.\n  2  [C] a large, sudden or rapid increase in the amount or number of sth:\na population explosion * an explosion of interest in learning Japanese * an explosion in oil prices\n  3  [C] (formal) a sudden, violent expression of emotion, especially anger\nSYN OUTBURST:\nDo you know what brought on that explosion? * Demonstrators clashed with riot police in an explosion of anger at live animal exports.


Words: explosive
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  easily able or likely to explode:\nan explosive device (= a bomb) * an explosive mixture of chemicals * Hydrogen is highly explosive.\n  2  likely to cause violence or strong feelings of anger or hatred:\na potentially explosive situation * one of the most explosive issues of our time\n  3  often having sudden violent or angry feelings:\nan explosive temper\n  4  increasing suddenly and rapidly:\nthe explosive growth of the export market\n  5  (of a sound) sudden and loud:\nThere was an explosive crash and then everything fell silent.\n    explosively adverb:\nThe company has grown explosively over the last two years.\n    noun [C, U] a substance that is able or likely to cause an explosion:\nnuclear / plastic explosives * The bomb was packed with several pounds of high explosive.


Words: exponent
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who supports an idea, theory, etc. and persuades others that it is good:\nShe was a leading exponent of free trade during her political career * Huxley was an exponent of Darwin’s theory of evolution.\n  2  a person who is able to perform a particular activity with skill:\nthe most famous exponent of the art of mime\n  3  (mathematics) a raised figure or symbol that shows how many times a quantity must be multiplied by itself, for example the figure 4 in a4


Words: exponential
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (mathematics) of or shown by an exponent:\n2 4 is an exponential expression. * an exponential curve / function\n  2  (written) (of a rate of increase) becoming faster and faster:\nexponential growth / increase\n    exponentially  adverb:\nto increase exponentially


Words: export
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb \n  1  ~ (sth) (to sb) to sell and send goods to another country:\n[VN] The islands export sugar and fruit. * 90% of the engines are exported to Europe. [also V]\n  2  [VN] to introduce an idea or activity to another country or area:\nAmerican pop music has been exported around the world.\nOPP IMPORT\n    noun \n  1  [U] the selling and transporting of goods to another country:\na ban on the export of live cattle * This is where the fruit is packaged for export. * export earnings / markets / industries * an export licence\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a product that is sold to another country:\nthe country’s major exports * a fall in the value of exports\nOPP IMPORT


Words: exportation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of transporting goods to another country for sale:\nHe was charged with attempted exportation of illegal drugs.


Words: exporter
Meaning:
noun\na person, company or country that sells goods to another country:\nthe world’s largest / major / leading exporter of cars * The country is now a net exporter of fuel (= it exports more than it imports).\ncompare IMPORTER


Words: expose
Meaning:
verb [VN]\n  show sth hidden\n  1  to show sth that is usually hidden:\nHe smiled suddenly, exposing a set of amazingly white teeth. * Miles of sand are exposed at low tide. * My job as a journalist is to expose the truth. * He did not want to expose his fears and insecurity to anyone.\n  show truth\n  2  to tell the true facts about a person or a situation, and show them/it to be immoral, illegal, etc:\nShe was exposed as a liar and a fraud. * He threatened to expose the racism that existed within the police force.\n  to sth harmful\n  3  ~ sb/sth / yourself (to sth) to put sb/sth in a place or situation where they are not protected from sth harmful or unpleasant:\nto expose yourself to criticism / ridicule * Do not expose babies to strong sunlight. * The roof collapsed, exposing the timbers to the elements. * You could be exposing yourself to unnecessary risks when driving alone.\n  give experience\n  4  ~ sb to sth to let sb find out about sth by giving them experience of it or showing them what it is like:\nWe want to expose the kids to as much art and culture as possible. * mountain communities that had not been exposed to tourism before\n  film in camera\n  5  to allow light onto the film inside a camera when taking a photograph\n  yourself\n  6  ~ yourself a man who exposes himself, shows his sexual organs in public in a way that is offensive to other people\nsee also EXPOSURE\n\n noun\nan account of the facts of a situation, especially when these are shocking or have deliberately been kept secret:\na damning expose of police corruption


Words: exposed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a place) not protected from the weather by trees, buildings or high ground:\nThe cottage is in a very exposed position on the top of a hill.\n  2  (of a person) not protected from attack or criticism:\nShe was left feeling exposed and vulnerable.\n  3  (finance) likely to experience financial losses


Words: exposition
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C, U] a full explanation of a theory, plan, etc:\na clear and detailed exposition of their legal position\n  2  [C] (rare) an event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods; a TRADE FAIR


Words: expostulate
Meaning:
verb\n[V, V speech] (formal) to argue, disagree or protest about sth\n    expostulation  noun [U, C]


Words: exposure
Meaning:
noun\n  to sth harmful\n  1  [U] ~ (to sth) the state of being in a place or situation where there is no protection from sth harmful or unpleasant:\nprolonged exposure to harmful radiation * (finance) the company’s exposure on the foreign exchange markets (= to the risk of making financial losses)\n  showing truth\n  2  [U] the state of having the true facts about sb/sth told after they have been hidden because they are bad, immoral or illegal:\nexposure as a liar and a fraud * the exposure of illegal currency deals\n  on tv / in newspapers, etc.\n  3  [U] the fact of being discussed or mentioned on television, in newspapers, etc.\nSYN PUBLICITY:\nHer new movie has had a lot of exposure in the media.\n  medical condition\n  4  [U] a medical condition caused by being out in very cold weather for too long without protection:\nTwo climbers were brought in suffering from exposure.\n  film in camera\n  5  [C] a length of film in a camera that is used to take a photograph:\nThere are three exposures left on this roll of film.\n  6  [C] the length of time for which light is allowed to reach the film when taking a photograph:\nI used a long exposure for this one.\n  showing sth hidden\n  7  [U] the act of showing sth that is usually hidden\nsee also INDECENT EXPOSURE


Words: expound
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (to sb) | ~ on sth (formal) to explain sth by talking about it in detail:\n[VN] He expounded his views on the subject to me at great length. * the theory of language expounded by Chomsky * [V] We listened as she expounded on the government’s new policies.


Words: express
Meaning:
verb, adjective, adverb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to show or make known a feeling, an opinion, etc. by words, looks or actions:\n[VN] Teachers have expressed concern about the emphasis on testing. * His views have been expressed in numerous speeches. * to express fears / doubts / reservations * to express interest / regret / surprise * [V wh-] Words cannot express how pleased I am.\n  2  ~ yourself to speak, write or communicate in some other way what you think or feel:\n[VN] Teenagers often have difficulty expressing themselves. * Perhaps I have not expressed myself very well. * She expresses herself most fully in her paintings. * (formal) [VN-ADJ] They expressed themselves delighted.\n  3  [VN] ~ itself (formal) (of a feeling) to become obvious in a particular way:\nTheir pleasure expressed itself in a burst of applause.\n  4  [VN] ~ sth as / in sth (especially mathematics) to represent sth in a particular way, for example by symbols:\nThe figures are expressed as percentages. * Educational expenditure is often expressed in terms of the amount spent per student.\nsee also UNEXPRESSED\n    adjective\n [only before noun]\n \n  1  travelling very fast; sent or done very quickly:\nan express bus / coach / train * express delivery services\n \n  2  (formal) (of a wish or an aim) clearly and openly stated\nSYN DEFINITE:\nIt was his express wish that you should have his gold watch after he died. * I came here with the express purpose of speaking with the manager.\n    adverb (especially BrE) using a special fast service:\nI’d like to send this parcel express, please.\n    noun\n  1  (also express train) [C] a fast train that does not stop at many places:\nthe 8.27 express to Edinburgh * the Trans-Siberian Express\n  2  (also special delivery) [U] (BrE) a service for sending or transporting things quickly


Words: expression
Meaning:
noun\n  showing feelings / ideas\n  1  [U, C] things that people say, write or do in order to show their feelings, opinions and ideas:\nan expression of support * Expressions of sympathy flooded in from all over the country. * Freedom of expression (= freedom to say what you think) is a basic human right. * (formal) The poet’s anger finds expression in (= is shown in) the last verse of the poem. * The riots are the most serious expression of anti-government feeling yet. * Only in his dreams does he give expression to his fears. * Their frustration needs some form of expression.\n  on face\n  2  [C] a look on a person’s face that shows their thoughts or feelings:\nThere was a worried expression on her face. * an expression of amazement / disbelief / horror * His expression changed from surprise to one of amusement. * The expression in her eyes told me something was wrong. * facial expressions\n  words\n  3  [C] a word or phrase:\na polite / slang / old-fashioned expression * (spoken) He’s a pain in the butt, if you’ll pardon the expression. * Her writing is full of colourful expressions.\n  in music / acting\n  4  [U] a strong show of feeling when you are playing music, speaking, acting, etc:\nTry to put a little more expression into it! * She plays the violin with great expression.\n  mathematics\n  5  [C] a group of signs that represent an idea or a quantity


Words: expressionism
Meaning:
(also Expressionism)  noun\n[U] a style and movement in early 20th century art, theatre, cinema and music that tries to express people’s feelings and emotions rather than showing events or objects in a realistic way\n    expressionist (also Expressionist)  noun:\nthe younger Expressionists\n    expressionist (also Expressionist) adjective:\nexpressionist art / cinema


Words: expressionless
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing feelings, thoughts, etc:\nan expressionless face / tone / voice\ncompare EXPRESSIVE


Words: expressive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  showing or able to show your thoughts and feelings:\nShe has wonderfully expressive eyes. * the expressive power of his music\ncompare EXPRESSIONLESS\n  2  [not before noun] ~ of sth (formal) showing sth; existing as an expression of sth:\nEvery word and gesture is expressive of the artist’s sincerity.\n    expressively adverb:\nHe raised his eyebrows expressively.\n    expressiveness noun [U]:\nthe poetic expressiveness of the sonata


Words: expressly
Meaning:
adverb (formal)\n  1  clearly; definitely:\nShe was expressly forbidden to touch my papers.\n  2  for a special and deliberate purpose\nSYN ESPECIALLY:\nThe rule was introduced expressly for this purpose.


Words: expropriate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal or law) (of a government or an authority) to officially take away private property from its owner for public use\n  2  (formal) to take sb’s property and use it without permission\n    expropriation  noun [U]


Words: expulsion
Meaning:
noun ~ (from ...)\n  1  [U, C] the act of forcing sb to leave a place; the act of EXPELLING sb:\nThese events led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from the country. * Troops are engaged in the expulsion of enemy forces from the area.\n  2  [U, C] the act of sending sb away from a school or an organization, so that they can no longer belong to it; the act of EXPELLING sb:\nThe headteacher threatened the three girls with expulsion. * The club faces expulsion from the football league.\n  3  [U] (formal) the act of sending or driving a substance out of your body or a container:\nthe expulsion of air from the lungs


Words: expunge
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sth) (formal) to remove or get rid of sth, such as a name, piece of information or a memory, from a book or list, or from your mind:\nDetails of his criminal activities were expunged from the file. * What happened just before the accident was expunged from his memory.


Words: expurgate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to remove or leave out parts of a piece of writing or a conversation when printing or reporting it, because you think those parts could offend people:\nShe gave an expurgated account of what had happened.


Words: exquisite
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely beautiful or carefully made:\nexquisite craftsmanship * Her wedding dress was absolutely exquisite.\n  2  (formal) (of a feeling) strongly felt\nSYN ACUTE:\nexquisite pain / pleasure\n  3  (formal) delicate and sensitive:\nThe room was decorated in exquisite taste. * an exquisite sense of timing\n    exquisitely adverb


Words: extant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of sth very old) still in existence:\nextant remains of the ancient wall * A limited number of documents from the period are still extant.


Words: extempore
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) spoken or done without any previous thought or preparation:\nan extempore speech\n    extempore adverb


Words: extemporize
Meaning:
(BrE also extemporise)  verb\n[V] (formal) to speak or perform without preparing or practising\nSYN IMPROVISE\n    extemporization, extemporisation  noun [U]


Words: extend
Meaning:
verb\n  make longer / larger / wider\n  1  [VN] to make sth longer or larger:\nto extend a fence / road / house * There are plans to extend the no-smoking area.\n  2  [VN] to make sth last longer:\nto extend a deadline / visa * The show has been extended for another six weeks. * Careful maintenance can extend the life of your car by several years.\n  3  [VN] to make a business, an idea, an influence, etc. cover more areas or operate in more places:\nThe company plans to extend its operations into Europe. * The school is extending the range of subjects taught.\n  include\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to relate to or include sb/sth:\nThe offer does not extend to employees’ partners. * His willingness to help did not extend beyond making a few phone calls.\n  cover area / time / distance\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] to cover a particular area, distance or length of time:\nOur land extends as far as the river. * His writing career extended over a period of 40 years.\n  6  [VN +adv./prep.] to make sth reach sth or stretch:\nto extend a rope between two posts\n  part of body\n  7  [VN] to stretch part of your body, especially an arm or a leg, away from yourself:\nHe extended his hand to (= offered to shake hands with) the new employee. * (figurative) to extend the hand of friendship to (= try to have good relations with) another country\n  offer / give\n  8  [VN] ~ sth to sb (formal) to offer or give sth to sb:\nI’m sure you will join me in extending a very warm welcome to our visitors. * to extend hospitality to overseas students * to extend an invitation * The bank refused to extend credit to them (= to lend them money). [also VNN]\n  use effort / ability\n  9  [VN] [often passive] to make sb/sth use all their effort, abilities, supplies, etc:\nJim didn’t really have to extend himself in the exam. * Hospitals were already fully extended because of the epidemic.\nsee also EXTENSION, EXTENSIVE


Words: extendable
Meaning:
(also extendible)  adjective\nthat can be made longer, or made valid for a longer time:\nan extendable ladder * The visa is for 14 days, extendable to one month.


Words: extended family
Meaning:
noun\na family group with a close relationship among the members that includes not only parents and children but also uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc:\nShe grew up surrounded by a large extended family.\ncompare NUCLEAR FAMILY


Words: extension
Meaning:
noun\n  increasing influence\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of sth) the act of increasing the area of activity, group of people, etc. that is affected by sth:\nthe extension of new technology into developing countries * a gradual extension of the powers of central government * The bank plans various extensions to its credit facilities. * My home life was becoming no more than an extension of my job.\n  of building\n  2  [C] ~ (to sth) (BrE) (AmE addition) a new room or rooms that are added to a house\n  3  [C] a new part that is added to a building:\na planned two-storey extension to the hospital\n  extra time\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) an extra period of time allowed for sth:\nHe’s been granted an extension of the contract for another year. * a visa extension * (BrE) The pub had an extension (= was allowed to stay open longer) on Christmas Eve. * She was given an extension to finish writing her thesis.\n  telephone\n  5  [C] (abbreviation ext.) an extra telephone line connected to a central telephone in a house or to a SWITCHBOARD in a large building. In a large building, each extension usually has its own number:\nWe have an extension in the bedroom. * What’s your extension number? * Can I have extension 4332 please?\n  making sth larger\n  6  [U, C] the act of making sth longer or larger; the thing that is made longer and larger:\nThe extension of the subway will take several months. * extensions to the original railway track * hair extensions (= pieces of artificial hair that are added to your hair to make it longer)\n  college / university\n  7  [C] (AmE) a part of a college or university that offers courses to students who are not studying FULL-TIME; a programme of study for these students:\nLa Salle Extension University * extension courses\n  computing\n  8  the set of three letters that are placed after a dot at the end of the name of a file and that show what type of file it is:\nThe extension.doc indicates a word-processing file.\n  electrical\n  9  [C] (BrE) = EXTENSION LEAD\n IDIOMS \n  by extension (formal) taking the argument or situation one stage further:\nThe blame lies with the teachers and, by extension, with the Education Service.


Words: extension agent
Meaning:
noun\n(in the US) a person who works for a state university in a country area, and whose job is to give advice to farmers, carry out research into farming, etc.


Words: extension lead
Meaning:
(also extension) (both BrE) (AmE extension cord) noun\nan extra length of electric wire, used when the wire on an electrical device is not long enough


Words: extensive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covering a large area; great in amount:\nThe house has extensive grounds. * The fire caused extensive damage. * She suffered extensive injuries in the accident. * Extensive repair work is being carried out. * an extensive range of wines\n  2  including or dealing with a wide range of information:\nExtensive research has been done into this disease. * His knowledge of music is extensive. * She has extensive experience in computers.\n    extensively adverb:\na spice used extensively in Eastern cooking * She has travelled extensively.


Words: extent
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n  1  how large, important, serious, etc. sth is:\nIt is difficult to assess the full extent of the damage. * She was exaggerating the true extent of the problem. * I was amazed at the extent of his knowledge.\n  2  the physical size of an area:\nYou can’t see the full extent of the beach from here.\n IDIOMS \n  to ...extent used to show how far sth is true or how great an effect it has:\nTo a certain extent, we are all responsible for this tragic situation. * He had changed to such an extent (= so much) that I no longer recognized him. * To some extent what she argues is true. * The pollution of the forest has seriously affected plant life and, to a lesser extent, wildlife. * To what extent is this true of all schools? * The book discusses the extent to which (= how much) family life has changed over the past 50 years.


Words: extenuating
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) showing reasons why a wrong or illegal act, or a bad situation, should be judged less seriously or excused:\nThere were extenuating circumstances and the defendant did not receive a prison sentence. * Cases of illness and other extenuating circumstances that may have affected a student’s performance will be dealt with by a personal tutor.


Words: exterior
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] the outside of sth, especially a building:\nThe exterior of the house needs painting.\nOPP INTERIOR\n  2  [sing.] the way that sb appears or behaves, especially when this is very different from their real feelings or character:\nBeneath his confident exterior, he was desperately nervous.\n    adjective [usually before noun] on the outside of sth; done or happening outdoors:\nexterior walls / surfaces * The filming of the exterior scenes was done on the moors. * The exterior lights of the house came on as I approached the door.\nOPP INTERIOR


Words: exterminate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to kill all the members of a group of people or animals\nSYN WIPE OUT:\nFur seals were nearly exterminated a few years ago.\n    extermination  noun [U]:\nthe extermination of rats and other vermin


Words: external
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with or situated on the outside of sth/sb:\nthe external walls of the building * The lotion is for external use only (= only for the skin and must not be swallowed).\n  2  happening or coming from outside a place, an organization, your particular situation, etc:\nA combination of internal and external factors caused the company to close down. * external pressures on the economy * Many external influences can affect your state of mind. * The information has come from reliable sources external to the government.\n  3  coming from or arranged by sb from outside a school, a university or an organization: (BrE) external examiners / assessors * An external auditor will verify the accounts.\n  4  connected with foreign countries:\nThe government is committed to reducing the country’s external debt. * the Minister of State for External Affairs\nOPP INTERNAL\n    externally  adverb:\nThe building has been restored externally and internally. * The university has many externally funded research projects.


Words: externalize
Meaning:
(BrE also externalise)  verb\n[VN] (formal) to show what you are thinking and feeling by what you say or do:\nHis worries about losing his job were externalized in angry outbursts at home.\ncompare INTERNALIZE


Words: externals
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal) the outer appearance of sth:\nIt would be easy to judge this situation by externals alone.


Words: extinct
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a type of plant, animal, etc.) no longer in existence:\nan extinct species * to become extinct * The red squirrel is in danger of becoming extinct in England. * the fossilised remains of extinct animals\n  2  (of a type of person, job or way of life) no longer in existence in society:\nServants are now almost extinct in modern society.\n  3  (of a VOLCANO) no longer active


Words: extinction
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a situation in which a plant, an animal, a way of life etc. stops existing:\na tribe threatened with extinction / in danger of extinction * The mountain gorilla is on the verge of extinction. * a campaign to save wild koalas from extinction * Will technology in music drive creativity to extinction? * The dormouse in Britain may face extinction if ancient woodland continues to disappear. * A comet colliding with the earth may have caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.


Words: extinguish
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make a fire stop burning or a light stop shining\nSYN PUT OUT:\nFirefighters tried to extinguish the flames. * (formal) All lights had been extinguished.\n  2  to destroy sth:\nNews of the bombing extinguished all hope of peace.


Words: extirpate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (rare, formal) to destroy or get rid of sth that is bad or not wanted\n    extirpation  noun [U]


Words: extol
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-) [VN] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to praise sb/sth very much:\nDoctors often extol the virtues of eating less fat. * She was extolled as a genius.


Words: extort
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sb) to make sb give you sth by threatening them:\nThe gang extorted money from over 30 local businesses.\n    extortion  noun [U, C]:\nHe was arrested and charged with extortion.


Words: extortionate
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (of prices, etc.) much too high\nSYN EXCESSIVE, OUTRAGEOUS:\nThey are offering loans at extortionate rates of interest. * The prices they charge are extortionate.


Words: extra
Meaning:
adjective, noun, adverb \n    adjective more than is usual, expected, or than exists already\nSYN ADDITIONAL:\nBreakfast is provided at no extra charge. * The conference is going to be a lot of extra work. * an extra pint of milk * The government has promised an extra ｣1 billion for health care. * Take extra care on the roads this evening. * The play is to run for an extra week! * extra help for single parents\nsee also EXTRA TIME\n    noun\n  1  a thing that is added to sth that is not usual, standard or necessary and that costs more:\nThe monthly fee is fixed and there are no hidden extras (= unexpected costs). * While I was saving I had no money for little extras or luxuries. * (BrE) Music is an optional extra (= a thing you can choose to have or not, but must pay more for if you have it) at our school.\n  2  a person who is employed to play a very small part in a film/movie, usually as a member of a crowd:\nWe need hundreds of extras for the battle scenes.\n    adverb\n  1  in addition; more than is usual, expected or exists already:\nto charge / pay / cost extra * We don’t charge extra for the activities-everything is included in the admission fee. * I need to earn a bit extra this month. * The rate for a room is ｣30, but breakfast is extra. * Now even bigger! Ten per cent extra!\n  2  (with an adjective or adverb) more than usually:\nYou need to be extra careful not to make any mistakes. * an extra large T-shirt * She tried extra hard. * Do you have this sweatshirt in an extra large size? * He wanted to cook something extra special for dinner that night.


Words: extra time
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE overtime) noun\n[U] (sport) a set period of time that is added to the end of a football game, etc., if there is no winner at the end of the normal period:\nThey won by a single goal after extra time. * They scored in extra time.


Words: extra-
Meaning:
prefix (in adjectives)\n  1  outside; beyond:\nextramarital sex * extraterrestrial beings\n  2  (informal) very; more than usual:\nextra-thin * extra-special


Words: extra-curricular
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] not part of the usual course of work or studies at a school or college:\nShe’s involved in many extra-curricular activities.


Words: extract
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  [C] ~ (from sth) a short passage from a book, piece of music, etc. that gives you an idea of what the whole thing is like:\nThe following extract is taken from her new novel.\n  2  [U, C] a substance that has been obtained from sth else using a particular process:\nyeast / malt extract * face cream containing natural plant extracts * (AmE) vanilla extract\nsee also ESSENCE\n    verb sth)\n  1  to remove or obtain a substance from sth, for example by using an industrial or a chemical process:\na machine that extracts excess moisture from the air * to extract essential oils from plants\n  2  to obtain information, money, etc., often by taking it from sb who is unwilling to give it:\nJournalists managed to extract all kinds of information about her private life.\n  3  to choose information, etc. from a book, a computer, etc. to be used for a particular purpose:\nThis article is extracted from his new book.\n  4  (formal) to take or pull sth out, especially when this needs force or effort:\nThe dentist may decide that the wisdom teeth need to be extracted. * He rifled through his briefcase and extracted a file.\n  5  (formal) to get a particular feeling or quality from a situation\nSYN DERIVE:\nThey are unlikely to extract much benefit from the trip.


Words: extraction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act or process of removing or obtaining sth from sth else:\noil / mineral / coal extraction * the extraction of salt from the sea * Commercial peat extraction is destroying many threatened habitats. * Methods of extraction vary from mine to mine.\n  2  [U] of ...extraction (formal) having a particular family origin:\nan American of Hungarian extraction\n  3  [C] (technical) the removal of a tooth:\nI didn’t like having my teeth drilled but extractions were infinitely worse.


Words: extractor
Meaning:
(also extractor fan) noun\na device that removes hot air, unpleasant smells, etc. from a room:\nFrom her bedroom she could hear the factory’s extractor fan. * a dust extractor


Words: extradite
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (to ...) (from ...) to officially send back sb who has been accused or found guilty of a crime to the country where the crime was committed:\nThe British government attempted to extradite the suspects from Belgium.\n    extradition  noun [U, C]:\nthe extradition of terrorist suspects * an extradition treaty * to start extradition proceedings


Words: extrajudicial
Meaning:
adjective\nhappening outside the normal power of the law:\nThe killing was feared to be an extrajudicial execution carried out by the security forces.


Words: extramural
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (BrE) arranged by a university, college, etc. for people who only study PART-TIME:\nextramural education / studies / departments\nsee also EXTENSION (7)\n  2  (formal) happening or existing outside or separate from a place, an organization, etc:\nThe hospital provides extramural care to patients who do not need to be admitted.


Words: extraneous
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (formal) not directly connected with the particular situation you are in or the subject you are dealing with\nSYN IRRELEVANT:\nWe do not want any extraneous information on the page. * We shall ignore factors extraneous to the problem. * Coughs and extraneous noises can be edited out.


Words: extraordinaire
Meaning:
adjective\n(from French, approving, often humorous) used after nouns to say that sb is a good example of a particular kind of person:\nHoudini, escape artist extraordinaire


Words: extraordinary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  unexpected, surprising or strange:\nIt’s extraordinary that he managed to sleep through the party. * What an extraordinary thing to say! * The president took the extraordinary step of apologizing publicly for his behaviour!\n  2  not normal or ordinary; greater or better than usual:\nan extraordinary achievement * She was a truly extraordinary woman. * They went to extraordinary lengths to explain their behaviour.\ncompare ORDINARY\n  3  [only before noun] (formal) (of a meeting, etc.) arranged for a special purpose and happening in addition to what normally or regularly happens:\nAn extraordinary meeting was held to discuss the problem.\n  4  (following nouns) (technical) (of an official) employed for a special purpose in addition to the usual staff:\nan envoy extraordinary\n    extraordinarily  adverb:\nHe behaves extraordinarily for someone in his position. * extraordinarily difficult * She did extraordinarily well.


Words: extrapolate
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth) (from / to sth) (formal) to estimate sth or form an opinion about sth, using the facts that you have now and that are valid for one situation and supposing that they will be valid for the new one:\n[V] The figures were obtained by extrapolating from past trends. * [VN] We have extrapolated these results from research done in other countries. * The results cannot be extrapolated to other patient groups.\n    extrapolation  [U, C]:\nTheir age can be determined by extrapolation from their growth rate.


Words: extraterrestrial
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (in stories) a creature that comes from another planet; a creature that may exist on another planet\n    adjective connected with life existing outside the planet Earth:\nextraterrestrial beings / life


Words: extravagance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act or habit of spending more money than you can afford or than is necessary:\nSuch extravagance is shameful when there are people starving in the world.\n  2  [C] something that you buy although it costs a lot of money, perhaps more than you can afford or than is necessary:\nGoing to the theatre is our only extravagance.\n  3  [C, U] something that is impressive or noticeable because it is unusual or extreme:\nthe extravagance of Strauss’s music


Words: extravagant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  spending a lot more money or using a lot more of sth than you can afford or than is necessary:\nI felt very extravagant spending ｣100 on a dress. * She’s got very extravagant tastes. * Residents were warned not to be extravagant with water, in view of the low rainfall this year.\n  2  costing a lot more money than you can afford or is necessary:\nan extravagant present\n  3  (of ideas, speech or behaviour) very extreme or impressive but not reasonable or practical\nSYN EXAGGERATED:\nthe extravagant claims / promises of politicians * I was embarrassed by all the extravagant praise I was getting. * He had the extravagant gestures and loud voice of an actor.\n    extravagantly adverb:\nextravagantly expensive * extravagantly high hopes


Words: extravaganza
Meaning:
noun\na large, expensive and impressive entertainment:\na musical extravaganza * a five-day extravaganza of art, music and dance


Words: extreme
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] very great in degree:\nWe are working under extreme pressure at the moment. * thousands of people living in extreme poverty * I’m having extreme difficulty in not losing my temper with her. * The heat in the desert was extreme.\n  2  not ordinary or usual; serious or severe:\nChildren will be removed from their parents only in extreme circumstances. * Don’t go doing anything extreme like leaving the country. * It was the most extreme example of cruelty to animals I had ever seen. * extreme weather conditions * extreme sports (= dangerous sports, for example SNOWBOARDING and BUNGEE JUMPING)\n  3  (of people, political organizations, opinions, etc.) far from what most people consider to be normal, reasonable or acceptable:\nextreme left-wing / right-wing views * an extreme nationalist organization * Their ideas are too extreme for me.\n  4  [only before noun] as far as possible from the centre, the beginning or in the direction mentioned:\nKerry is in the extreme west of Ireland. * She sat on the extreme edge of her seat. * politicians on the extreme left of the party\n    noun\n  1  a feeling, situation, way of behaving, etc. that is as different as possible from another or is opposite to it:\nextremes of love and hate * He used to be very shy, but now he’s gone to the opposite extreme (= changed from one extreme kind of behaviour to another).\n  2  the greatest or highest degree of sth:\nextremes of cold, wind or rain * the climatic extremes of the mountains\n IDIOMS \n  go, etc. to extremes | take sth to extremes to act or be forced to act in a way that is far from normal or reasonable:\nIt’s embarrassing the extremes he’ll go to in order to impress his boss. * Taken to extremes, this kind of behaviour can be dangerous. * In the jungle they were driven to extremes in order to survive.\n  in the extreme (formal) to a great degree:\nThe journey would be dangerous in the extreme.


Words: extremely
Meaning:
adverb\n(usually with adjectives and adverbs) to a very high degree:\nextremely important / useful / complicated * She found it extremely difficult to get a job. * Their new CD is selling extremely well. * I would be extremely grateful if you could have a word with her. * The risks involved are extremely high. * Mark knew he had behaved extremely badly.


Words: extremism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] political, religious, etc. ideas or actions that are extreme and not normal, reasonable or acceptable to most people:\npolitical extremism


Words: extremist
Meaning:
noun\n(usually disapproving) a person whose opinions, especially about religion or politics, are extreme, and who may do things that are violent, illegal, etc. for what they believe:\nleft-wing / right-wing / political / religious extremists * He was assassinated by extremists.\n    extremist adjective [usually before noun]:\nextremist attacks / groups / policies


Words: extremity
Meaning:
noun (plural extremities)\n  1  [C] the furthest point, end or limit of sth:\nThe lake is situated at the eastern extremity of the mountain range. * We travelled the whole distance between the two extremities of the island.\n  2  [C, U] the degree to which a situation, a feeling, an action, etc. is extreme, difficult or unusual:\nthe extremities / extremity of pain * The essence of New York is its extremity and diversity.\n  3  (extremities) [pl.] (formal) the parts of your body that are furthest from the centre, especially your hands and feet:\nCold extremities and a hot head are the first signs of the fever.


Words: extricate
Meaning:
(yourself) (from sth) (written)\n  1  to escape or enable sb to escape from a difficult situation:\nHe had managed to extricate himself from most of his official duties.\n  2  to free sb/sth or yourself from a place where they/it or you are trapped:\nThey managed to extricate the pilot from the tangled control panel.


Words: extrinsic
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not belonging naturally to sb/sth; coming from or existing outside sb/sth rather than within them:\nextrinsic factors * She was motivated by the idea of extrinsic rewards such as salary rather than intrinsic ones such as pride and self-respect.\ncompare INTRINSIC


Words: extrovert
Meaning:
(also less frequent extravert)  noun\na lively and confident person who enjoys being with other people\nOPP INTROVERT\n    extrovert (BrE) (also extroverted AmE, BrE) adjective:\nHe’s very friendly and extroverted so he should fit in quite easily.


Words: extrude
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (formal) to force or push sth out of sth; to be forced or pushed in this way:\n[VN] Lava is extruded from the volcano. [also V]\n  2  [VN] (technical) to shape metal or plastic by forcing it through a hole\n    extrusion  noun [U]


Words: exuberant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  full of energy, excitement and happiness:\nShe gave an exuberant performance. * an exuberant personality / imagination * a picture painted in exuberant reds and yellows\n  2  (of plants, etc.) strong and healthy; growing quickly and well:\nthe exuberant growth of high summer\n    exuberance  noun [U]:\nWe can excuse his behaviour as youthful exuberance. * Nothing will curb her natural exuberance.\n    exuberantly adverb


Words: exude
Meaning:
verb\n  1  if you exude a particular feeling or quality, or it exudes from you, people can easily see that you have it:\n[VN] She exuded confidence. [also V]\n  2  if sth exudes a liquid or smell, or a liquid or smell exudes from somewhere, the liquid, etc. comes out slowly:\n[VN] The plant exudes a sticky fluid. * [V] An awful smell exuded from the creature’s body.


Words: exult
Meaning:
verb\n~ (at / in sth) (formal) to feel and show that you are very excited and happy because of sth that has happened:\n[V] He leaned back, exulting at the success of his plan. * [V speech] ’We won!’ she exulted. [also V that]


Words: exultant
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (at sth) (formal) feeling or showing great pride or happiness especially because of sth exciting that has happened\nSYN TRIUMPHANT:\nThe fans were exultant at their team’s victory.\n    exultantly adverb


Words: eye
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  part of body\n \n  1  [C] either of the two organs on the face that you see with:\nThe suspect has dark hair and green eyes. * to close / open your eyes * to drop / lower your eyes (= to look down) * There were tears in his eyes. * I have something in my eye. * His eyes narrowed suspiciously. * Her eyes widened in horror. * to make / avoid eye contact with sb (= to look / avoid looking at them at the same time as they look at you) * All eyes were on him (= everyone was looking at him) as he walked on to the stage.\nsee also BLACK EYE, SHUT-EYE\n \n  2  (-eyed) (in adjectives) having the type or number of eyes mentioned:\na blue-eyed blonde * a one-eyed monster\n \n  ability to see\n \n  3  [sing.] the ability to see:\nA surgeon needs a good eye and a steady hand.\nsee also EAGLE EYE\n  way of seeing\n  4  [C, usually sing.] a particular way of seeing sth:\nHe looked at the design with the eye of an engineer. * She viewed the findings with a critical eye. * To my eye, the windows seem out of proportion. * She can do no wrong in his eyes.\n  of needle\n  5  [C] the hole in the end of a needle that you put the thread through\n  on clothes\n  6  [C] a small thin piece of metal curved round, that a small hook fits into, used for fastening clothes:\nIt fastens with a hook and eye.\n  of storm\n  7  [sing.] a / the ~ of a / the storm, tornado, hurricane, etc. a calm area at the centre of a storm, TORNADO, etc.\n  on potato\n  8  [C] a dark mark on a potato from which another plant will grow\nsee also CATSEYE, BULLSEYE, THE EVIL EYE, FISHEYE LENS, RED-EYE\n IDIOMS \n  be all eyes to be watching sb/sth carefully and with a lot of interest:\nThe kids were all eyes as he slowly unwrapped the package.\n  before / in front of sb’s (very) eyes in sb’s presence; in front of sb:\nHe had seen his life’s work destroyed before his very eyes.\n  be up to your eyes in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with:\nWe’re up to our eyes in work.\n  cast / run an eye / your eyes over sth to look at or examine sth quickly:\nCould you just run your eyes over this report?\n  clap / lay / set eyes on sb/sth (spoken) (usually used in negative sentences) to see sb/sth:\nI haven’t clapped eyes on them for weeks. * I hope I never set eyes on this place again!\n  an eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth) (saying) used to say that you should punish sb by doing to them what they have done to you or to sb else:\nThey advocate a justice system that works on the principle of an eye for an eye.\n  sb’s eyes are bigger than their stomach used to say that sb has been GREEDY by taking more food than they can eat\n  for sb’s eyes only to be seen only by a particular person:\nI’ll lend you the letters but they’re for your eyes only.\n  get / keep your eye in (BrE) (in ball games) to practise so that you are able to judge more clearly how fast and where the ball is going\n  have an eye for sth to be able to judge if things look attractive, valuable, etc:\nI’ve never had much of an eye for fashion. * She has an eye for a bargain.\n  have eyes in the back of your head to be aware of everything that is happening around you, even things that seem difficult or impossible to see:\nYou can’t get away with anything in her class-she has eyes in the back of her head.\n  have one eye / half an eye on sth to look at or watch sth while doing sth else, especially in a secret way so that other people do not notice:\nDuring his talk, most of the delegates had one eye on the clock.\n  have your eye on sb\n1 to be watching sb carefully, especially to check that they do not do anything wrong:\nAnd remember, I’ll have my eye on you so you’d better behave.\n2 to be thinking about asking sb out, offering sb a job, etc. because you think they are attractive, good at their job, etc:\nHe’s got his eye on the new girl in your class.\n  have your eye on sth to be thinking about buying sth\n  in the eyes of the law, world, etc. according to the law, most people in the world, etc:\nIn the eyes of the law she is guilty though few ordinary people would think so.\n  keep an eye on sb/sth to take care of sb/sth and make sure that they are not harmed, damaged, etc:\nWe’ve asked the neighbours to keep an eye on the house for us while we are away.\n  keep an eye open / out (for sb/sth) to look for sb/sth while you are doing other things:\nPolice have asked residents to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.\n  keep your eyes peeled / skinned (for sb/sth) to look carefully for sb/sth:\nWe kept our eyes peeled for any signs of life.\n  look sb in the eye(s) / face (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to look straight at sb without feeling embarrassed or ashamed:\nCan you look me in the eye and tell me you’re not lying? * I’ll never be able to look her in the face again!\n  make eyes at sb | give sb the eye to look at sb in a way that shows that you find them sexually attractive:\nHe’s definitely giving you the eye!\n  my eye! (BrE, spoken) used to show that you do not believe sb/sth:\n’It’s an antique.’ ’An antique, my eye!’\n  not see eye to eye with sb (on sth) to not share the same views as sb about sth:\nThe two of them have never seen eye to eye on politics.\n  not (be able to) take your eyes off sb/sth to find sb/sth so interesting, attractive, etc. that you watch them all the time\n  one in the eye (for sb/sth) (informal) a result, action, etc. that represents a defeat or disappointment for sb/sth:\nThe appointment of a woman was one in the eye for male domination.\n  only have eyes for / have eyes only for sb to be in love with only one particular person:\nHe’s only ever had eyes for his wife.\n  see, look at, etc. sth through sb’s eyes to think about or see sth from another person’s point of view:\nTry looking at it through her eyes for a change. * Events are seen through the eyes of a Polish refugee.\n  shut / close your eyes to sth to pretend that you have not noticed sth so that you do not have to deal with it:\nYou can’t just close your eyes to his violence. * They seem intent on shutting their eyes to the problems of pollution.\n  under the (watchful) eye of sb being watched carefully by sb:\nThe children played under the watchful eye of their father.\n  with an eye for / on / to the main chance (BrE, usually disapproving) with the hope of using a particular situation in order to gain some advantage for yourself\n  with an eye to sth / to doing sth with the intention of doing sth:\nHe bought the warehouse with an eye to converting it into a hotel.\n  with your eyes open fully aware of the possible problems or results of a particular course of action:\nI went into this with my eyes open so I guess I only have myself to blame.\n  with your eyes shut / closed having enough experience to be able to do sth easily:\nI’ve made this trip so often, I could do it with my eyes shut.\nmore at APPLE, BAT v., BEAUTY, BELIEVE, BIRD, BLIND adj., BLINK n., BLUE adj., CATCH v., CLOSE adj., COCK v., CORNER n., DRY n., EASY adj., FAR adv., FEAST v., HIT v., MEET v., MIND n., NAKED, OPEN adj., OPEN v., PLEASE v., PUBLIC adj., PULL v., ROVING, SIGHT n., TWINKLING, WEATHER n.\n    verb (eyeing or eying, eyed, eyed) [VN] to look at sb/sth carefully, especially because you want sth or you are suspicious of sth:\nto eye sb curiously / doubtfully / suspiciously / thoughtfully * He couldn’t help eyeing the cakes hungrily. * They eyed us with alarm.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  eye sb<->up (informal) to look at sb in a way that shows you have a special interest in them, especially a sexual interest


Words: eye level
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the height of a person’s eyes:\nComputer screens should be at eye level. * an eye-level grill / oven / monitor


Words: eye strain
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a condition of the eyes caused, for example, by a long period of reading or looking at a computer screen


Words: eye teeth
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  give your eye teeth for sth / to do sth (informal) used when you are saying that you want sth very much:\nI’d give my eye teeth to own a car like that.


Words: eye-catching
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a thing) immediately noticeable because it is particularly interesting, bright or attractive:\nan eye-catching advertisement * beautiful clothes in eye-catching colours


Words: eye-opener
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an event, experience, etc. that is surprising and shows you sth that you did not already know:\nTravelling around India was a real eye-opener for me.


Words: eyeball
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n the whole of the eye, including the part inside the head that cannot be seen\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  eyeball to eyeball (with sb) very close to sb and looking at them, especially during an angry conversation, meeting, etc:\nThe protesters and police stood eyeball to eyeball. * an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation\n \n  be up to your eyeballs in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with:\nThey’re up to their eyeballs in work.\nmore at DRUG v.\n    verb [VN] (informal) to look at sb/sth in a way that is very direct and not always polite or friendly:\nThey eyeballed each other across the room.


Words: eyebrow
Meaning:
(also brow) noun\n[usually pl.] the line of hair above the eye\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be up to your eyebrows in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with:\nHe’s in it (= trouble) up to his eyebrows.\nmore at RAISE v.


Words: eyeful
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an amount of sth such as liquid or dust that has been thrown, or blown into your eye:\nan eyeful of sand\n  2  (informal) a person or thing that is beautiful or interesting to look at:\nI’ve been told that she was quite an eyeful in her youth.\n IDIOMS \n  have / get an eyeful (of sth) (BrE, spoken) to look carefully at sth that is interesting or unusual


Words: eyeglass
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a LENS for one eye used to help you see more clearly with that eye:\na jeweller’s eyeglass\n \n  2  (eyeglasses) (AmE) = GLASSES


Words: eyelash
Meaning:
(also lash) noun\n[usually pl.] one of the hairs growing on the edge of the EYELIDS:\nfalse eyelashes * She just flutters her eyelashes and the men come running!


Words: eyelet
Meaning:
noun\na hole with a metal ring around it in a piece of cloth or leather normally used for passing a rope or string through:\nInsert the tent poles through the eyelets on the groundsheet. * The jacket has underarm eyelets for ventilation.


Words: eyelid
Meaning:
(also lid) noun\neither of the pieces of skin above and below the eye that cover it when you BLINK or close the eye\n \n IDIOMS  see BAT v.


Words: eyeliner
Meaning:
(also liner) noun\n[U] a type of MAKE-UP, usually black, that is put around the edge of the eyes to make them more noticeable and attractive


Words: eyeshadow
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a type of coloured MAKE-UP that is put on the skin above the eyes (= the EYELIDS) to make them look more attractive


Words: eyesore
Meaning:
noun\na building, an object, etc. that is unpleasant to look at:\nThat old factory is a real eyesore!


Words: eyewash
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned, informal) words, promises, etc. that are not true or sincere:\nThat’s complete eyewash and you know it!


Words: eyewitness
Meaning:
noun\na person who has seen a crime, accident, etc. and can describe it afterwards:\nan eyewitness account of the suffering of the refugees\nsee also WITNESS


Words: eyrie
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually aerie)  noun\n  1  a nest that is built high up among rocks by a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) such as an EAGLE\n  2  a room or building in a high place that is often difficult to reach and from which sb can see what is happening below


Words: F
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (also f) )\n  1  the 6th letter of the English alphabet:\n’Fox’ begins with (an) F / ’F’.\n  2  (F) (music) the fourth note in the scale of C MAJOR\n  3  the 6th highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work, showing that it is very bad and the student has failed:\nHe got (an) F / ’F’ in / for Chemistry.\nsee also F-WORD\n    abbreviation\n  1  FAHRENHEIT:\nWater freezes at 32ｰF.\n  2  (BrE) (in academic titles) FELLOW of:\nFRCM (= Fellow of the Royal College of Music)


Words: f
Meaning:
(BrE) (also f. AmE, BrE) abbreviation\n  1  female\n  2  (grammar) feminine\n  3  (music) loudly (from Italian ’forte’)


Words: F-word
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) used to refer to the offensive swear word ’fuck’, to avoid having to say it:\nHe was shocked at how often she used the F-word.


Words: fable
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a traditional short story that teaches a moral lesson, especially one with animals as characters; these stories considered as a group:\nAesop’s Fables * a land rich in fable\n  2  [U, C] a statement, or an account of sth, that is not true


Words: fabled
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary or humorous) famous and often talked about, but rarely seen:\na fabled monster * For the first week he never actually saw the fabled Jack.\ncompare LEGENDARY


Words: fabric
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] material made by weaving wool, cotton, silk, etc., used for making clothes, curtains, etc. and for covering furniture:\ncotton / knitted fabric * furnishing fabrics\n \n  2  [sing.] the ~ (of sth) (written) the basic structure of a society, an organization, etc. that enables it to function successfully:\na trend which threatens the very fabric of society\n \n  3  [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the basic structure of a building, such as the walls, floor and roof


Words: fabricate
Meaning:
verb [VN] [often passive]\n  1  to invent false information in order to deceive people:\nThe evidence was totally fabricated. * The prisoner claimed the police had fabricated his confession.\n  2  (technical) to make or produce goods, equipment, etc. from various different materials\nSYN MANUFACTURE\n    fabrication  noun [C, U]:\nHer story was a complete fabrication from start to finish.


Words: fabulous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (informal) extremely good:\na fabulous performance / view * Jane is a fabulous cook. * The food looks fabulous.\n  2  (written) very great:\nfabulous wealth / riches / beauty\n  3  [only before noun] (literary) appearing in FABLES:\nfabulous beasts


Words: facade
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the front of a building:\na classical facade\n  2  [usually sing.] the way that sb/sth appears to be, which is different from the way sb/sth really is:\nShe managed to maintain a facade of indifference. * They seem happy together, but it’s all a facade. * Squalor and poverty lay behind the city’s glittering facade.


Words: face
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  front of head\n \n  1  the front part of the head between the forehead and the chin:\na pretty / round / freckled face * He buried his face in his hands. * You should have seen the look on her face when I told her! * The expression on his face never changed. * At that time, her face was on the covers of all the magazines.\n \n  expression\n \n  2  an expression that is shown on sb’s face:\na sad / happy / smiling face * Her face lit up (= showed happiness) when she spoke of the past. * His face fell (= showed disappointment, sadness, etc.) when he read the headlines. * Sue’s face was a picture (= she looked very surprised, angry, etc.) as she listened to her husband’s speech.\n \n  -faced\n \n  3  (in adjectives) having the type of face or expression mentioned:\npale-faced * grim-faced\n  person\n  4  (in compounds) used to refer to a person of the type mentioned:\nShe looked around for a familiar face. * a well-known face on our television screens * It’s nice to see some new faces here this evening. * I’m fed up of seeing the same old faces every time we go out!\n  side / surface\n  5  a side or surface of sth:\nthe north face of the mountain * The birds build their nests in the rock face. * Ivy covered the front face of the house. * How many faces does a cube have?\nsee also COALFACE\n  front of clock\n  6  the front part of a clock or watch\n  character / aspect\n  7  ~ of sth (written) the particular character of sth:\nthe changing face of Britain\n  8  ~ of sth a particular aspect of sth:\nthe unacceptable face of capitalism\nsee also IN-YOUR-FACE, TYPEFACE, VOLTE-FACE\n IDIOMS \n  disappear / vanish off the face of the earth to disappear completely:\nKeep looking-they can’t just have vanished off the face of the earth.\n  sb’s face doesn’t fit used to say that sb will not get a particular job or position because they do not have the appearance, personality, etc. that the employer wants, even when this should not be important:\nIt doesn’t matter how qualified you are, if your face doesn’t fit, you don’t stand a chance.\n  sb’s face is like thunder | sb has a face like thunder sb looks very angry\n  face to face (with sb) close to and looking at sb:\nThe two have never met face to face before. * The room fell silent as she came face to face with the man who had tried to kill her.\n  face to face with sth in a situation where you have to accept that sth is true and deal with it:\nShe was at an early age brought face to face with the horrors of war.\n  face up / down\n1 (of a person) with your face and stomach facing upwards/downwards:\nShe lay face down on the bed.\n2 (of a playing card) with the number or picture facing upwards/downwards:\nPlace the card face up on the pile.\n  have the face to do sth (BrE, informal) to do sth that other people think is rude or shows a lack of respect without feeling embarrassed or ashamed:\nI don’t know how you have the face to complain after everything they’ve done for you!\n  in the face of sth\n1 in spite of problems, difficulties, etc:\nShe showed great courage in the face of danger. * The campaign continued in the face of great opposition.\n2 as a result of sth:\nHe was unable to deny the charges in the face of new evidence.\n  lose face to be less respected or look stupid because of sth you have done\n  on the face of it (informal) used to say that sth seems to be good, true, etc. but that this opinion may need to be changed when you know more about it:\nOn the face of it, it seems like a great deal. * What may, on the face of it, seem obvious often turns out to be far more complicated.\n  pull / make faces / a face (at sb) to produce an expression on your face to show that you do not like sb/sth or in order to make sb laugh:\nWhat are you pulling a face at now? * Do you think it’s funny to make faces behind my back?\n  put your face on (informal) to put on MAKE-UP\n  set your face against sb/sth (written, especially BrE) to be determined to oppose sb/sth:\nHer father had set his face against the marriage.\n  to sb’s face if you say sth to sb’s face, you say it to them directly rather than to other people:\nHe’s a liar, and I’ve told him so to his face many times.\ncompare BEHIND SB’S BACK\n  what’s his / her face (spoken) used to refer to a person whose name you cannot remember:\nAre you still working for what’s her face?\nmore at BLOW v., BLUE adj., BRAVE adj., DOOR n., FEED v., EGG n., EYE n., FLAT adv., FLY v., LAUGH v., LONG adj., NOSE n., PLAIN adj., PRETTY adj., SAVE v., SHOW v., SHUT v., SLAP n., STARE v., STRAIGHT n., WIPE v., WRITE\n    verb\n  be opposite\n  1  to be opposite sb/sth; to have your face or front pointing towards sb/sth or in a particular direction:\n[VN] She turned and faced him. * Most of the rooms face the sea. * [V +adv./prep.] The terrace faces south. * a north-facing wall * Stand with your feet apart and your hands facing upwards. * Which direction are you facing?\n  sb / sth difficult\n  2  [VN] if you face a particular situation, or it faces you, you have to deal with it:\nthe problems faced by one-parent families * The company is facing a financial crisis. * She’s faced with a difficult decision.\n  3  [VN] to accept that a difficult situation exists, although you would prefer not to:\nIt’s not always easy to face the truth. * She had to face the fact that her life had changed forever. * Face facts-she isn’t coming back. * Let’s face it, we’re not going to win.\n  4  if you can’t face sth unpleasant, you feel unable or unwilling to deal with it:\n[VN] I just can’t face work today. * [V -ing] I can’t face seeing them.\n  5  [VN] to talk to or deal with sb, even though this is difficult or unpleasant:\nHow can I face Tom? He’ll be so disappointed.\n  cover surface\n  6  [VN] to cover a surface with another material:\na brick building faced with stone\n IDIOMS \n  face the music (informal) to accept and deal with criticism or punishment for sth you have done:\nThe others all ran off, leaving me to face the music.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  face sb<->down to oppose or beat sb by dealing with them directly and confidently\n  face off (especially AmE)\n1 to start a game such as ice hockey:\nBoth teams are ready to face off.\n2 to get ready to argue, fight or compete with sb:\nThe candidates are preparing to face off on TV tonight.\nrelated noun FACE-OFF\n  face up to sth to accept and deal with sth that is difficult or unpleasant:\nShe had to face up to the fact that she would never walk again. * You have to face up to your responsibilities.\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \nexpressions on your face\nTo beam is to have a big happy smile on your face.\nTo frown is to make a serious, angry or worried expression by bringing your eyebrows closer together so that lines appear on your forehead.\nTo glare or glower is to look in an angry, aggressive way.\nTo grimace is to make an ugly expression with your face to show pain, disgust, etc.\nTo scowl is to look at someone in an angry or annoyed way.\nTo smirk is to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself, know something that other people do not know, etc.\nTo sneer is to show that you have no respect for someone by turning your upper lip upwards.\nThese words can also be used as nouns: She looked up with a puzzled frown. * He gave me an icy glare. * a grimace of pain.\n______________________________


Words: face pack
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a substance that you put on your face and take off after a short period of time, used to clean and improve the quality of your skin


Words: face value
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the value of a stamp, coin, ticket, etc. that is shown on the front of it:\nTickets were changing hands at three times their face value.\n IDIOMS \n  take sth at face value to believe that sth is what it appears to be, without questioning it:\nTaken at face value, the figures look very encouraging. * You shouldn’t take anything she says at face value.


Words: face-off
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal, especially AmE) an argument or a fight:\na face-off between the presidential candidates * There were minor face-offs between demonstrators and police.\n  2  the way of starting play in a game of ice hockey


Words: face-saving
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] intended to protect sb’s reputation and to avoid embarrassment:\na face-saving compromise


Words: faceless
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (disapproving) having no noticeable characteristics or identity:\nfaceless bureaucrats * faceless high-rise apartment blocks


Words: facelift
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a medical operation in which the skin on a person’s face is tightened in order to make them look younger:\nto have a facelift\n  2  changes made to a building, room or place to make it look more attractive:\nThe town has recently been given a facelift.


Words: facet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (of sth) a particular part or aspect of sth:\nNow let’s look at another facet of the problem. * The report examines every facet of the prison system. * the many facets of rural life\n  2  one of the flat sides of a cut stone or jewel


Words: facetious
Meaning:
adjective\ntrying to appear amusing and intelligent at a time when other people do not think it is appropriate, and when it would be better to be serious:\na facetious comment / remark * Stop being facetious; this is serious.\n    facetiously adverb\n    facetiousness noun [U]


Words: facial
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] connected with a person’s face; on a person’s face:\na facial expression / injury * facial hair\n    facially  adverb:\nFacially the two men were very different.\n    noun a beauty treatment in which a person’s face is cleaned using creams, steam, etc. in order to improve the quality of the skin


Words: facile
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  produced without effort or careful thought:\na facile remark / generalization * It seems too facile to blame everything on his mishandling of the crisis.\n  2  [only before noun] (formal) obtained too easily and having little value:\na facile victory


Words: facilitate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make an action or a process possible or easier:\nThe new trade agreement should facilitate more rapid economic growth. * Structured teaching facilitates learning.\n    facilitation  noun [U, sing.]:\nthe facilitation of international communication


Words: facilitator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who helps sb do sth more easily by discussing problems, giving advice, etc. rather than telling them what to do:\nThe teacher acts as a facilitator of learning.\n  2  (formal) a thing that helps a process take place


Words: facility
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (facilities) [pl.] buildings, services, equipment, etc. that are provided for a particular purpose:\nsports / leisure facilities * conference / storage facilities * shopping / banking / cooking facilities * The hotel has special facilities for welcoming disabled people. * All rooms have private facilities (= a private bathroom).\n  2  [C] a special feature of a machine, service, etc. that makes it possible to do sth extra:\na bank account with an overdraft facility * a facility for checking spelling * This facility allows the user to input text in various forms onto the screen and thus create a true newspaper page.\n  3  [C] a place, usually including buildings, used for a particular purpose or activity:\nthe world’s largest nuclear waste facility * a new health care facility\n  4  [sing., U] ~ (for sth) a natural ability to learn or do sth easily:\nShe has a great facility for languages. * He plays the piano with surprising facility.


Words: facing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a layer of brick, stone, etc. that covers the surface of a wall to make it look more attractive:\nmarble / stone / brick facings\n  2  [C, U] a layer of stiff material sewn around the inside of the neck, ARMHOLES, etc. of a piece of clothing to strengthen them:\nCut the facings out of thinner material.\n  3  (facings) [pl.] the collar, cuffs, etc. of a piece of clothing that are made in a different colour or material:\na smoking jacket with green velvet facings


Words: facsimile
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an exact copy of sth:\na facsimile edition * a manuscript reproduced in facsimile\n  2  [C, U] (formal) = FAX:\na facsimile machine


Words: fact
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing.] ~ (that ...) used to refer to a particular situation that exists:\nI could no longer ignore the fact that he was deeply unhappy. * Despite the fact that she was wearing a seat belt, she was thrown sharply forward. * Due to the fact that they did not read English, the prisoners were unaware of what they were signing. * She was happy apart from the fact that she could not return home. * Voluntary work was particularly important in view of the fact that women were often forced to give up paid work on marriage. * How do you account for the fact that unemployment is still rising? * The fact remains that we are still two teachers short. * The mere fact of being poor makes such children criminals in the eyes of the police.\n  2  [C] a thing that is known to be true, especially when it can be proved:\nIsn’t it a fact that the firm is losing money? * (informal) I haven’t spoken to anyone in English for days and that’s a fact. * I know for a fact (= I am certain) that she’s involved in something illegal. * The judge instructed both lawyers to stick to the facts of the case. * First, some basic facts about healthy eating! * The report is based on hard facts (= information that can be proved to be true). * If you’re going to make accusations, you’d better get your facts right (= make sure your information is correct). * It’s about time you learnt to face (the) facts (= accepted the truth about the situation).\n  3  [U] things that are true rather than things that have been invented:\nThe story is based on fact. * It’s important to distinguish fact from fiction.\n IDIOMS \n  after the fact after sth has happened or been done when it is too late to prevent it or change it:\nOn some vital decisions employees were only informed after the fact.\n  the fact (of the matter) is (that) ... used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned:\nA new car would be wonderful but the fact of the matter is that we can’t afford one.\n  a fact of life a situation that cannot be changed, especially one that is unpleasant:\nIt’s a fact of life that some people will always be racist.\n  facts and figures accurate and detailed information:\nI’ve asked to see all the facts and figures before I make a decision.\n  the facts of life the details about sex and about how babies are born, especially as told to children\n  the facts speak for themselves it is not necessary to give any further explanation about sth because the information that is available already proves that it is true\n  in (actual) fact\n1 used to give extra details about sth that has just been mentioned:\nI used to live in France; in fact, not far from where you’re going.\n2 used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned:\nI thought the work would be difficult. In actual fact, it’s very easy.\n  Is that a fact? (spoken) used to reply to a statement that you find interesting or surprising, or that you do not believe:\n’She says I’m one of the best students she’s ever taught.’ ’Is that a fact?’\nmore at MATTER n., POINT n.


Words: fact sheet
Meaning:
noun\na piece of paper giving information about a subject, especially (in Britain) one discussed on a radio or television programme:\nFor further details, write in for our free fact sheet.


Words: fact-finding
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] that aims to find out information about a country, an organization, a situation, etc:\na fact-finding mission / visit


Words: faction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small group of people within a larger one whose members have some different aims and beliefs to those of the larger group:\nrival factions within the administration\n  2  [U] opposition, disagreement, etc. that exists between small groups of people within an organization or political party:\na party divided by faction and intrigue\n  3  [U] films/movies, books, etc. that combine fact with FICTION (= imaginary events)


Words: factional
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with the factions of an organization or political party:\nfactional conflict / infighting * factional rivalries / disputes\n    factionalism noun [U]


Words: factor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] one of several things that cause or influence sth:\nenvironmental / economic factors * The closure of the mine was the single most important factor in the town’s decline. * the key / crucial / deciding factor * The result will depend on a number of different factors\n  2  [C] (mathematics) a number that divides into another number exactly:\n2, 3, 4 and 6 are factors of 12.\n  3  [C] the amount by which sth increases or decreases:\nThe real wage of the average worker has increased by a factor of over ten in the last 70 years.\n  4  [C] a particular level on a scale of measurement:\na suntan lotion with a protection factor of 10 * The wind-chill factor will make it seem colder.\n  5  [U] (medical) a substance in the blood that helps the CLOTTING process. There are several types of this substance:\nHaemophiliacs have no factor 8 in their blood\n IDIOMS  see FEEL-GOOD\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  factor sth<->in | factor sth<->into sth (technical) to include a particular fact or situation when you are thinking about or planning sth:\nRemember to factor in staffing costs when you are planning the project.


Words: factorial
Meaning:
noun\n(mathematics) the result when you multiply a whole number by all the numbers below it:\nfactorial 5 (represented as 5!) = 5 ﾗ 4 ﾗ 3 ﾗ 2 ﾗ 1


Words: factory
Meaning:
noun\n(plural factories) a building or group of buildings where goods are made:\na car factory * factory workers


Words: factory farm
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a type of farm in which animals are kept inside in small spaces and are fed special food so that a large amount of meat, milk, etc. is produced as quickly and cheaply as possible\ncompare BATTERY FARM\n    factory farming noun [U]


Words: factory floor
Meaning:
noun\n(often the factory floor) [sing.] the part of a factory where the goods are actually produced:\nJobs are at risk, not just on the factory floor (= among the workers, rather than the managers) but throughout the business.


Words: factory ship
Meaning:
noun\na large ship used for catching fish, that has equipment for cleaning and freezing the fish on board


Words: factotum
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or humorous) a person employed to do a wide variety of jobs for sb:\nI became her assistant and general factotum.


Words: factual
Meaning:
adjective\nbased on or containing facts:\na factual account of events * factual information / knowledge * The essay contains a number of factual errors.\n    factually  adverb:\nfactually correct / accurate


Words: faculty
Meaning:
noun (plural faculties)\n  1  [C, usually pl.] any of the physical or mental abilities that a person is born with:\nthe faculty of sight * She retained her mental faculties (= the ability to think and understand) until the day she died. * to be in full possession of your faculties (= be able to speak, hear, see, understand, etc.) * intellectual / critical / artistic faculties\n  2  [sing.] ~ of / for (doing) sth (formal) a particular ability for doing sth:\nthe faculty of understanding complex issues * a faculty for seeing his own mistakes\n  3  [C] a department or group of related departments in a college or university:\nthe Faculty of Law * the Arts Faculty\n  4  [C+sing./pl. v.] all the teachers in a faculty of a college or university:\nthe Law School faculty * a faculty meeting * faculty members\n  5  [C, U] (often the faculty) (AmE) all the teachers of a particular university or college:\nfaculty members


Words: fad
Meaning:
noun\nsomething that people are interested in for only a short period of time:\nthe latest / current fad * a fad for physical fitness * Rap music proved to be more than just a passing fad.


Words: faddy
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE, informal, disapproving) liking some things and not others, especially food, in a way that other people think is unreasonable:\na faddy eater * He’s always been faddy about his food.\n    faddiness noun [U]


Words: fade
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to become or to make sth become paler or less bright:\n[V] All colour had faded from the sky. * The curtains had faded in the sun. * [VN] The sun had faded the curtains. * He was wearing faded blue jeans.\n  2  [V] ~ (away) to disappear gradually:\nHer smile faded. * Hopes of reaching an agreement seem to be fading away. * His voice faded to a whisper (= gradually became quieter). * The laughter faded away. * All other issues fade into insignificance compared with the struggle for survival. * Summer was fading into autumn.\n  3  if a sports player, team, actor, etc. fades, they stop playing or performing as well as they did before:\nBlack faded on the final bend.\n IDIOMS  see WOODWORK\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fade away (of a person) to become very weak or ill/sick and die:\nIn the last weeks of her life she simply faded away.\n  fade in / out to become clearer or louder / less clear or quieter:\nGeorge saw the monitor black out and then a few words faded in.\n  fade sth in / out to make a picture or a sound clearer or louder / less clear or quieter:\nFade out the music at the end of the scene.


Words: fade-out
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (in cinema or broadcasting) the process of making sound or a picture gradually less loud or clear


Words: faeces
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE feces)  noun\n[pl.] (formal) solid waste material that leaves the body through the ANUS\n    faecal (BrE) (AmE fecal)  adjective [only before noun]


Words: faff
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  faff about / around (BrE, spoken) to spend time doing things in a way that is not well organized and that does not achieve much:\nStop faffing about and get on with it!


Words: fag
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (BrE, informal) = CIGARETTE\n  2  [C] (AmE, !!!, slang) an offensive word for a male HOMOSEXUAL\n  3  [sing.] (BrE, informal) something that is boring and tiring to do:\nIt’s too much of a fag to go out. * Travelling all that way to work every day is a real fag.\n  4  [C] (BrE) (especially in the past) a boy at a PUBLIC SCHOOL who has to do jobs for an older boy


Words: fag end
Meaning:
noun (BrE, informal)\n  1  [C] the last part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked:\nThe floor was littered with fag ends.\n  2  [sing.] the ~ of sth the last part of sth, especially when it is less important or interesting:\nI only caught the fag end of their conversation. * the fag end of England’s industrial heyday


Words: fagged
Meaning:
(also fagged out) adjective\n[not before noun] (BrE, spoken) very tired\n IDIOMS \n  I can’t be fagged (to do sth) used to say that you are too tired or bored to do sth


Words: faggot
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a ball of finely chopped meat mixed with bread, baked or fried and eaten hot\n  2  (also fag) (AmE, informal, !!!) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL man\n  3  a bunch of sticks tied together, used for burning on a fire


Words: Fahrenheit
Meaning:
adjective\n(abbreviation F) of or using a scale of temperature in which water freezes at 32ｰ and boils at 212ｰ:\nfifty degrees Fahrenheit * Temperatures tomorrow will rise to around seventy degrees Fahrenheit.\n    Fahrenheit noun [U]:\nto give the temperature in Fahrenheit


Words: fail
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  not succeed\n  1  ~ (in sth) to not be successful in achieving sth:\n[V] I failed in my attempt to persuade her. * Many diets fail because they are boring. * a failing school * [V to inf] She failed to get into art college. * The song can’t fail to be a hit (= definitely will be a hit).\n  not do sth\n  2  to not do sth:\n[V to inf] He failed to keep the appointment. * She never fails to e-mail every week. * I fail to see (= I don’t understand) why you won’t even give it a try. * [V] He felt he would be failing in his duty if he did not report it.\n  test / exam\n  3  to not pass a test or an exam; to decide that sb/sth has not passed a test or an exam:\n[VN] He failed his driving test. * The examiners failed over half the candidates. * She was disqualified after failing a drugs test. * [V] What will you do if you fail?\nOPP PASS\n  of machines / parts of body\n  4  [V] to stop working:\nThe brakes on my bike failed half way down the hill.\n  of health / sight\n  5  [V] (especially in the progressive tenses) to become weak:\nHer eyesight is failing. * His last months in office were marred by failing health.\n  disappoint sb\n  6  [VN] to DISAPPOINT sb; to be unable to help when needed:\nWhen he lost his job, he felt he had failed his family. * She tried to be brave, but her courage failed her. * (figurative) Words fail me (= I cannot express how I feel).\n  not be enough\n  7  [V] to not be enough when needed or expected:\nThe crops failed again last summer. * The rains had failed and the rivers were dry.\n  of company / business\n  8  [V] to be unable to continue:\nSeveral banks failed during the recession.\n    noun the result of an exam in which a person is not successful:\nI got three passes and one fail.\n IDIOMS \n  without fail\n1 when you tell sb to do sth without fail, you are telling them that they must do it:\nI want you here by two o’clock without fail.\n2 always:\nHe writes every week without fail.


Words: fail-safe
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (of machinery or equipment) designed to stop working if anything goes wrong:\na fail-safe device / mechanism / system


Words: failing
Meaning:
noun, preposition \n    noun [usually pl.] a weakness or fault in sb/sth:\nShe is aware of her own failings. * The inquiry acknowledges failings in the judicial system. * Jealousy is a very human failing.\n    preposition used to introduce a suggestion that could be considered if the one just mentioned is not possible:\nAsk a friend to recommend a doctor or, failing that, ask for a list in your local library.


Words: failure
Meaning:
noun\n  not successful\n  1  [U] lack of success in doing or achieving sth:\nThe success or failure of the plan depends on you. * The attempt was doomed to failure. * All my efforts ended in failure. * the problems of economic failure and increasing unemployment * She is still coming to terms with the failure of her marriage.\nOPP SUCCESS\n  2  [C] somebody or something that is not successful:\nThe whole thing was a complete failure. * He was a failure as a teacher. * A team learns from experience, both successes and failures.\nOPP SUCCESS\n  not doing sth\n  3  [U, C] ~ to do sth an act of not doing sth, especially sth that you are expected to do:\nthe failure of the United Nations to maintain food supplies * Failure to comply with the regulations will result in prosecution. * His confession followed repeated failures to appear in court.\n  of machine / part of body\n  4  [U, C] the state of not working correctly or as expected; an occasion when this happens:\npatients suffering from heart / kidney failure * Production has been hampered by mechanical failure. * A power failure plunged everything into darkness. * The cause of the crash was given as engine failure.\n  of business\n  5  [C, U] (business ~) a situation in which a business has to close because it is not successful:\nan alarming increase in business failures\n  of crop / harvest\n  6  [U, C] crop / harvest ~ a situation in which crops do not grow correctly and do not produce food:\nBad weather has resulted in crop failure.


Words: faint
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun \n    adjective (fainter, faintest)\n  1  that cannot be clearly seen, heard or smelt:\na faint glow / glimmer / light * a faint smell of perfume * We saw the faint outline of the mountain through the mist. * We could hear their voices growing fainter as they walked down the road. * His breathing became faint.\n  2  very small; possible but unlikely:\nThere is still a faint hope that she may be cured. * They don’t have the faintest chance of winning.\n  3  not enthusiastic:\na faint show of resistance * a faint smile\n  4  [not before noun] feeling weak and tired and likely to lose consciousness:\nShe suddenly felt faint. * The walkers were faint from hunger.\n    faintly adverb:\nShe smiled faintly. * He looked faintly embarrassed.\n IDIOMS \n  not have the faintest (idea) (informal) to not know anything at all about sth:\nI didn’t have the faintest idea what you meant. * He didn’t have the faintest idea how the others would react.\nmore at DAMN v.\n    verb [V] to become unconscious when not enough blood is going to your brain, usually because of the heat, a shock, etc:\nto faint from hunger * Suddenly the woman in front of me fainted. * I’m nearly fainting with the heat in here. * (informal) I almost fainted (= I was very surprised) when she told me.\n    noun [sing.] the state of losing consciousness:\nHe fell to the ground in a dead faint.


Words: faint-hearted
Meaning:
adjective\nlacking confidence and not brave; afraid of failing\nSYN COWARDLY:\nHe tried not to appear faint-hearted.\n    the faint-hearted noun [pl.]:\nThe climb is not for the faint-hearted (= people who are not brave).


Words: faintness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of feeling weak and tired and likely to lose consciousness:\nThe side effects include nausea and faintness.


Words: fair
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective (fairer, fairest)\n  acceptable / appropriate\n  1  ~ (to / on sb) acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation:\na fair deal / wage / price / question * The punishment was very fair. * Was it really fair to him to ask him to do all the work? * It’s not fair on the students to keep changing the timetable. * It’s only fair to add that they were not told about the problem until the last minute. * It seems only fair that they should give us something in return. * I think it is fair to say that they are pleased with this latest offer. * To be fair, she behaved better than we expected. * (especially BrE) ’You should really have asked me first.’ ’Right, okay, fair comment.’ * In the end, a draw was a fair result. * I give you fair warning, I’m not always this generous.\nOPP UNFAIR\n  treating people equally\n  2  ~ (to sb) treating everyone equally and according to the rules or law:\nShe has always been scrupulously fair. * demands for a fairer distribution of wealth * We have to be fair to both players. * to receive a fair trial * free and fair elections * It’s not fair! He always gets more than me. * The new tax is fairer than the old system. * They are fair and decent employers. * his vision of a fairer, kinder society\nOPP UNFAIR\n  quite large\n  3  [only before noun] quite large in number, size or amount:\nA fair number of people came along. * a fair-sized town * We’ve still got a fair bit / amount (= quite a lot) to do. * My birthday’s still a fair way off (= it’s still a long time until my birthday).\n  quite good\n  4  (especially BrE) quite good:\nThere’s a fair chance that we might win this time. * It’s a fair bet that they won’t turn up. * I have a fair idea of what happened. * His knowledge of French is only fair.\n  hair / skin\n  5  pale in colour:\na fair complexion * She has long fair hair. * All her children are fair (= they all have fair hair).\n  weather\n  6  bright and not raining:\na fair and breezy day * The day was set fair with the spring sun shining down.\n  7  (literary) (of winds) not too strong and blowing in the right direction:\nThey set sail with the first fair wind.\n  beautiful\n  8  (literary or old use) beautiful:\na fair maiden\n IDIOMS \n  all’s fair in love and war (saying) in some situations any type of behaviour is acceptable to get what you want\n  be fair! (spoken) used to tell sb to be reasonable in their judgement of sb/sth:\nBe fair! She didn’t know you were coming.\n  by fair means or foul using dishonest methods if honest ones do not work:\nShe’s determined to win, by fair means or foul.\n  a fair crack of the whip (BrE, informal) a reasonable opportunity to show that you can do sth:\nI felt we weren’t given a fair crack of the whip.\n  fair enough (spoken, especially BrE) used to say that an idea or suggestion seems reasonable:\n’We’ll meet at 8.’ ’Fair enough.’ * If you don’t want to come, fair enough, but let Bill know.\n  (give sb) a fair hearing (to allow sb) the opportunity to give their point of view about sth before deciding if they have done sth wrong, often in a court of law:\nI’ll see that you get a fair hearing.\n  fair’s fair (spoken) (BrE also fair dos / do’s) used, especially as an exclamation, to say that you think that an action, decision, etc. is acceptable and appropriate because it means that everyone will be treated fairly:\nFair’s fair-you can’t expect them to cancel everything just because you can’t make it. * Come one, fair dos-you’ve had your chance, now let me try.\n  (give sb / get) a fair shake (AmE, informal) (to give sb/get) fair treatment that gives you the same chance as sb else:\nAre minority students getting a fair shake at college?\n  (more than) your fair share of sth (more than) an amount of sth that is considered to be reasonable or acceptable:\nHe has more than his fair share of problems. * I’ve had my fair share of success in the past.\n  it’s a fair cop (BrE, spoken, humorous) used by sb who is caught doing sth wrong, to say that they admit that they are wrong\n    adverb according to the rules; in a way that is considered to be acceptable and appropriate:\nCome on, you two, fight fair! * They’ll respect you as long as you play fair (= behave honestly).\n IDIOMS \n  fair and square (also fairly and squarely)\n1 honestly and according to the rules:\nWe won the election fair and square.\n2 (BrE) in a direct way that is easy to understand:\nI told him fair and square to pack his bags.\n3 (BrE) exactly in the place you were aiming for:\nI hit the target fair and square.\n  set fair (to do sth / for sth) (BrE) having the necessary qualities or conditions to succeed:\nShe seems set fair to win the championship. * Conditions were set fair for stable economic development.\nmore at SAY v.\n    noun\n  entertainment\n  1  (BrE also funfair) (AmE also carnival) a type of entertainment in a field or park at which people can ride on large machines and play games to win prizes:\nLet’s take the kids to the fair. * all the fun of the fair\n  2  (AmE) a type of entertainment in a field or park at which farm animals and products are shown and take part in competitions:\nthe county / state fair\n  3  (BrE) = FeTE\n  business\n  4  an event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods:\na world trade fair * a craft / a book / an antique fair\n  animal market\n  5  (BrE) (in the past) a market at which animals were sold:\na horse fair\n  jobs\n  6  job / careers ~ an event at which people who are looking for jobs can get information about companies who might employ them


Words: fair game
Meaning:
noun\n[U] if a person or thing is said to be fair game, it is considered acceptable to play jokes on them, criticize them, etc:\nThe younger teachers were considered fair game by most of the kids.


Words: fair play
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the fact of playing a game or acting honestly, fairly and according to the rules:\na player admired for his sense of fair play * The task of the organization is to ensure fair play when food is distributed to the refugees.


Words: fair-weather
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (disapproving) (of people) behaving in a particular way or doing a particular activity only when it is pleasant for them:\na fair-weather friend (= sb who stops being a friend when you are in trouble)


Words: fairground
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  an outdoor area where a FAIR with entertainments is held\n \n  2  [usually pl.] (AmE) a place where a FAIR showing farm animals, farm products, etc. is held:\nthe Ohio State Fairgrounds\n \n  3  [usually pl.] (AmE) a place where companies and businesses hold a FAIR to show their products:\nthe Milan trade fairgrounds


Words: fairly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (before adjectives and adverbs) to some extent but not very:\na fairly easy book * a fairly typical reaction * I know him fairly well, but I wouldn’t say we were really close friends. * I go jogging fairly regularly. * We’ll have to leave fairly soon (= before very long). * I’m fairly certain I can do the job. * The report was fairly incomprehensible. * I think you’ll find it fairly difficult (= you do not want to say that it is very difficult). -> QUITE\n  2  in a fair and reasonable way; honestly:\nHe has always treated me very fairly. * Her attitude could fairly be described as hostile.\n  3  (old-fashioned) used to emphasize sth that you are saying:\nI fairly jumped for joy. * The time fairly raced by.\n IDIOMS \n  fairly and squarely = FAIR AND SQUARE


Words: fairness
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the quality of treating people equally or in a way that is reasonable:\nthe fairness of the judicial system * She has a strong sense of justice and fairness.\n  2  (of skin or hair) a pale colour:\nA tan emphasized the fairness of her hair.\n IDIOMS \n  in (all) fairness (to sb) used to introduce a statement that defends sb who has just been criticized, or that explains another statement that may seem unreasonable:\nIn all fairness to him, he did try to stop her leaving. * I have in fairness to say that, as yet, there is no hard evidence to support these charges.


Words: fairway
Meaning:
noun\n(in golf) the long strip of short grass that you must hit the ball along before you get to the GREEN and the hole\ncompare THE ROUGH


Words: fairy
Meaning:
noun (plural fairies)\n  1  (in stories) a creature like a small person, who has magic powers:\na good / wicked fairy\n  2  (disapproving, slang) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL man


Words: fairy cake
Meaning:
(BrE) (also cupcake AmE, BrE) noun\na small cake, baked in a paper container shaped like a cup and often with ICING on top


Words: fairy lights
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE) small coloured electric lights used for decoration, especially on a tree at Christmas


Words: fairy tale
Meaning:
(also fairy story) noun\n  1  a story about magic or FAIRIES, usually for children:\nthe prince in a fairy tale\n  2  a story that sb tells that is not true; a lie:\nNow tell me the truth: I don’t want any more of your fairy stories.


Words: fairy-tale
Meaning:
adjective\ntypical of sth in a fairy tale:\na fairy-tale castle on an island * a fairy-tale wedding in the cathedral


Words: fairyland
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the home of FAIRIES\n  2  [sing.] a beautiful, special or unusual place:\nThe toyshop is a fairyland for young children.


Words: fait accompli
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural faits accomplis ) (from French) something that has already happened or been done and that you cannot change:\nWe got married secretly and then presented our parents with a fait accompli.


Words: faith
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (in sb/sth) trust in sb’s ability or knowledge; trust that sb/sth will do what has been promised:\nI have great faith in you-I know you’ll do well. * We’ve lost faith in the government’s promises. * Her friend’s kindness has restored her faith in human nature.\n  2  [U, sing.] strong religious belief:\nblind / unquestioning faith * to lose your faith * Faith is stronger than reason.\n  3  [C] a particular religion:\nthe Christian faith * The children are learning to understand people of different faiths.\n  4  (good ~) [U] the intention to do sth right:\nThey handed over the weapons as a gesture of good faith.\n IDIOMS \n  break / keep faith with sb to break/keep a promise that you have made to sb; to stop/continue being loyal to sb\n  in bad faith knowing that what you are doing is wrong\n  in good faith believing that what you are doing is right; believing that sth is correct:\nWe printed the report in good faith but have now learnt that it was incorrect. * He bought the painting in good faith (= he did not know that it had been stolen).\nmore at PIN v.


Words: faith healing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a method of treating a sick person through the power of belief and prayer\n    faith healer noun


Words: faithful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) staying with or supporting a particular person, organization or belief\nSYN LOYAL:\na faithful servant / friend / dog * He remained faithful to the ideals of the party until his death. * She was rewarded for her 40 years’ faithful service with the company. * I have been a faithful reader of your newspaper for many years.\n  2  (the faithful) noun [pl.] people who believe in a religion; the loyal supporters of a political party:\nThe president will keep the support of the party faithful.\n  3  (of a wife, husband or partner) ~ (to sb) not having a sexual relationship with anyone else\n  4  ~ (to sth) true and accurate; not changing anything:\na faithful copy / account / description / representation * His translation manages to be faithful to the spirit of the original.\n  5  [only before noun] able to be trusted; that you can rely on:\na faithful worker / correspondent * my faithful old car\n    faithfulness noun [U]:\nfaithfulness to tradition * She had doubts about his faithfulness.


Words: faithfully
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  accurately; carefully:\nto follow instructions faithfully * The events were faithfully recorded in her diary.\n  2  in a loyal way; in a way that you can rely on:\nHe had supported the local team faithfully for 30 years. * She promised faithfully not to tell anyone my secret.\n IDIOMS \n  Yours faithfully (BrE) used at the end of a formal letter before you sign your name, when you have addressed sb as ’Dear Sir/Dear Madam, etc.’ and not by their name


Words: fajitas
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (from Spanish) a Mexican dish of strips of meat and/or vegetables wrapped in a soft TORTILLA and often served with sour cream


Words: fake
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  (disapproving) not genuine; appearing to be sth it is not:\nfake designer clothing * a fake American accent\n  2  made to look like sth else:\na Jean Paul Gaultier jacket in fake fur * Don’t go out in the sun-get a fake tan from a bottle.\n    noun\n  1  an object such as a work of art, a coin or a piece of jewellery that is not genuine but has been made to look as if it is:\nAll the paintings proved to be fakes.\n  2  a person who pretends to be what they are not in order to deceive people\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to make sth false appear to be genuine, especially in order to deceive sb:\nShe faked her mother’s signature on the document. * He arranged the accident in order to fake his own death.\n  2  to pretend to have a particular feeling, illness, etc:\n[VN] She’s not really sick-she’s just faking it. * He faked a yawn. [also V]۠\n    faker noun


Words: fakir
Meaning:
noun\na Muslim holy man without possessions who lives by asking other people for money or food (= by BEGGING)


Words: falconry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the art or sport of breeding falcons and training them to hunt and kill other birds or animals


Words: fall
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (fell )\n \n  drop down\n \n  1  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to drop down from a higher level to a lower level:\nSeveral of the books had fallen onto the floor. * One of the kids fell into the river. * The handle had fallen off the drawer. * September had come and the leaves were starting to fall. * He fell 20 metres onto the rocks below. * The rain was falling steadily. * They were injured by falling rocks.\n \n  stop standing\n \n  2  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to suddenly stop standing:\nShe slipped on the ice and fell. * I fell over and cut my knee. * The house looked as if it was about to fall down.\nsee also FALLEN\n  of hair / material\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to hang down:\nHer hair fell over her shoulders in a mass of curls.\n  slope downwards\n  4  [V] ~ (away / off) to slope downwards:\nBeyond the hill, the land falls away sharply towards the river.\n  decrease\n  5  to decrease in amount, number or strength:\n[V] Their profits have fallen by 30 per cent. * Prices continued to fall on the stock market today. * The temperature fell sharply in the night. * falling birth rates * (written) Her voice fell to a whisper. * [VN] Share prices fell 30p.\n  be defeated\n  6  [V] to be defeated or captured:\nThe coup failed but the government fell shortly afterwards. * Troy finally fell to the Greeks.\n  die in battle\n  7  [V] (literary) to die in battle; to be shot:\na memorial to those who fell in the two world wars\n  become\n  8  to pass into a particular state; to begin to be sth:\n[V-ADJ] He had fallen asleep on the sofa. * The book fell open at a page of illustrations. * (written) The room had fallen silent. * She fell ill soon after and did not recover. * [V] I had fallen into conversation with a man on the train. * The house had fallen into disrepair. * [V-N] She knew she must not fall prey to his charm.\n  happen / occur\n  9  [V] ~ (on sb/sth) (literary) to come quickly and suddenly\nSYN DESCEND:\nA sudden silence fell. * Darkness falls quickly in the tropics. * An expectant hush fell on the guests.\n  10  [V +adv./prep.] to happen or take place:\nMy birthday falls on a Monday this year.\n  11  [V +adv./prep.] to move in a particular direction or come in a particular position:\nMy eye fell on (= I suddenly saw) a curious object. * Which syllable does the stress fall on? * A shadow fell across her face.\n  belong to group\n  12  [V +adv./prep.] to belong to a particular class, group or area of responsibility:\nOut of over 400 staff there are just 7 that fall into this category. * This case falls outside my jurisdiction. * This falls under the heading of scientific research.\n IDIOMS \n  Idioms containing fall are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example fall by the wayside is at wayside.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fall about (BrE, informal) to laugh a lot:\n[+ -ing] We all fell about laughing.\n  fall apart\n1 to be in very bad condition so that parts are breaking off:\nMy car is falling apart.\n2 to have so many problems that it is no longer possible to exist or function:\nTheir marriage finally fell apart. * The deal fell apart when we failed to agree on a price.\n  fall away to become gradually fewer or smaller; to disappear:\nHis supporters fell away as his popularity declined. * The market for their products fell away to almost nothing. * All our doubts fell away. * The houses fell away as we left the city.\n  fall back\n1 to move or turn back\nSYN RETREAT:\nThe enemy fell back as our troops advanced.\n2 to decrease in value or amount:\nShare prices fell back after brisk early trading.\n  fall back on sb/sth [no passive] to go to sb for support; to have sth to use when you are in difficulty:\nI have a little money in the bank to fall back on. * She fell back on her usual excuse of having no time.\nrelated noun FALLBACK\n  fall behind | fall behind sb/sth to fail to keep level with sb/sth:\nShe soon fell behind the leaders.\n  fall behind with sth to not pay or do sth at the right time:\nThey had fallen behind with their mortgage repayments. * He’s fallen behind with his school work again.\n  fall down to be shown to be not true or not good enough:\nAnd that’s where the theory falls down.\nsee also FALL v. (2)\n  fall for sb [no passive] (informal) to be strongly attracted to sb; to fall in love with sb:\nThey fell for each other instantly.\n  fall for sth [no passive] (informal) to be tricked into believing sth that is not true:\nI’m surprised you fell for that trick.\n  fall in if soldiers fall in, they form lines:\nThe sergeant ordered his men to fall in.\n  fall in with sb/sth [no passive] (BrE) to agree to sth:\nShe fell in with my idea at once.\n  fall into sth to be able to be divided into sth:\nMy talk falls naturally into three parts.\n  fall off to decrease in quantity or quality:\nAttendance at my lectures has fallen off considerably.\n  fall on / upon sb/sth [no passive] (especially BrE)\n1 to attack or take hold of sb/sth with a lot of energy and enthusiasm:\nThey fell on him with sticks. * The children fell on the food and ate it greedily.\n2 to be the responsibility of sb:\nThe full cost of the wedding fell on us.\n  fall out\n1 to become loose and drop:\nHis hair is falling out. * My tooth fell out.\n2 if soldiers fall out, they leave their lines and move away\n  fall out (with sb) (BrE) to quarrel with sb so that you are no longer friendly with them\n  fall over sb/sth [no passive] to hit your foot against sth when you are walking and fall, or almost fall:\nI rushed for the door and fell over the cat in the hallway.\nsee also FALL v. (2)\n  fall over yourself to do sth (informal) to try very hard or want very much to do sth:\nHe was falling over himself to be nice to me.\n  fall through to not be completed, or not happen:\nOur plans fell through because of lack of money.\n  fall to sth (literary) to begin to do sth:\n[+ -ing] She fell to brooding about what had happened to her.\n  fall to sb to become the duty or responsibility of sb:\nWith his partner away, all the work now fell to him. * [+ to inf] It fell to me to inform her of her son’s death.\n    noun\n  act of falling\n \n  1  [C] an act of falling:\nI had a bad fall and broke my arm. * She was killed in a fall from a horse.\n \n  of snow / rocks\n \n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) an amount of snow, rocks, etc. that falls or has fallen:\na heavy fall of snow * a rock fall\n \n  way sth falls / happens\n \n  3  [sing.] ~ of sth the way in which sth falls or happens:\nthe fall of the cards / dice * the dark fall of her hair (= the way her hair hangs down)\n  of water\n  4  (falls) [pl.] (especially in names) a large amount of water falling down from a height\nSYN WATERFALL:\nThe falls upstream are full of salmon. * Niagara Falls\n  autumn\n  5  [C] (AmE) = AUTUMN:\nin the fall of 1990 * last fall\n  decrease\n  6  [C] ~ (in sth) a decrease in size, number, rate or level:\na steep fall in prices / profits * a big fall in unemployment\n  defeat\n  7  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a loss of political, economic, etc. power or success; the loss or defeat of a city, country, etc. in war:\nthe fall of the Roman Empire * the rise and fall of British industry * the fall of Berlin\n  loss of respect\n  8  [sing.] a situation in which a person, an organization, etc. loses the respect of other people because they have done sth wrong:\nthe TV preacher’s spectacular fall from grace\n  in bible\n  9  (the Fall) [sing.] the occasion when Adam and Eve did not obey God and had to leave the Garden of Eden\n IDIOMS  see PRIDE n., RIDE v.


Words: fall guy
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a person who is blamed or punished for sth wrong that sb else has done\nSYN SCAPEGOAT


Words: fall-off
Meaning:
(BrE also less frequent falling-off) noun\n[sing.] ~ (in sth) a reduction in the number, amount or quality of sth:\na recent fall-off in sales


Words: fallacy
Meaning:
noun (plural fallacies)\n  1  [C] a false idea that many people believe is true:\nIt is a fallacy to say that the camera never lies.\n  2  [U, C] a false way of thinking about sth:\nHe detected the fallacy of her argument.\nsee also PATHETIC FALLACY


Words: fallback
Meaning:
noun\na plan or course of action that is ready to be used in an emergency if other things fail:\nWhat’s our fallback if they don’t come up with the money? * We need a fallback position if they won’t do the job.


Words: fallen
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  lying on the ground, after falling:\nThe road was blocked by a fallen tree.\n  2  (formal) (of a soldier) killed in a war\nsee also FALL v.


Words: fallen woman
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a way of describing a woman in the past who had a sexual relationship with sb who was not her husband


Words: fallible
Meaning:
adjective\nable to make mistakes or be wrong:\nMemory is selective and fallible. * All human beings are fallible.\nOPP INFALLIBLE\n    fallibility  noun [U]:\nhuman fallibility


Words: Fallopian tubes
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (anatomy) the two tubes in the body of a woman or female animal along which eggs pass from the OVARIES to the UTERUS


Words: fallout
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  dangerous RADIOACTIVE dust that is in the air after a nuclear explosion\n  2  the bad results of a situation or an action:\nthe political fallout of the current crisis


Words: fallow
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of farm land) not used for growing crops, especially so that the quality of the land will improve:\nFarmers are now paid to let their land lie fallow.\n  2  (of a period of time) when nothing is created or produced; not successful:\nContemporary dance is coming onto the arts scene again after a long fallow period.


Words: false
Meaning:
adjective\n  not true\n  1  wrong; not correct or true:\nA whale is a fish. True or false? * Predictions of an early improvement in the housing market proved false. * She gave false information to the insurance company. * He used a false name to get the job.\n  not natural\n  2  not natural; artificial:\nfalse teeth / eyelashes * a false beard\n  not genuine\n  3  not genuine, but made to look real to deceive people:\na false passport * a suitcase with a false bottom\n  not sincere\n  4  (of people’s behaviour) not real or sincere:\nfalse modesty * She flashed him a false smile of congratulation.\n  wrong / mistaken\n  5  [usually before noun] wrong or MISTAKEN, because it is based on sth that is not true or correct:\na false argument / assumption / belief * to give a false impression of wealth * to lull sb into a false sense of security (= make sb feel safe when they are really in danger) * They didn’t want to raise any false hopes, but they believed her husband had escaped capture. * Buying a cheap computer is a false economy (= will not actually save you money).\n  not faithful\n  6  (literary) (of people) not faithful:\na false lover\n    falsely adverb:\nto be falsely accused of sth * She smiled falsely at his joke.\n IDIOMS \n  by / under / on false pretences by pretending to be sth that you are not, in order to gain some advantage for yourself:\nShe was accused of obtaining money under false pretences.\nmore at RING v.


Words: false alarm
Meaning:
noun\na warning about a danger that does not happen; a belief that sth bad is going to happen, when it is not:\nThe fire service was called out but it was a false alarm.


Words: false dawn
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (formal) a situation in which you think that sth good is going to happen but it does not:\na false dawn for the economy


Words: false friend
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who seems to be your friend, but who is not loyal and cannot be trusted\n  2  a word in a foreign language that looks similar to a word in your own language, but has a different meaning:\nThe English word ’sensible’ and the French word ’sensible’ are false friends.


Words: false move
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an action that is not allowed or not recommended and that may cause a bad result:\nOne false move and the bomb might blow up.


Words: false start
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an attempt to begin sth that is not successful:\nAfter a number of false starts, she finally found a job she liked.\n  2  (sport) a situation when a competitor in a race starts before the official signal has been given


Words: falsehood
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U] the state of not being true; the act of telling a lie:\nto test the truth or falsehood of her claims\n  2  [C] a statement that is not true; a lie


Words: falsetto
Meaning:
noun\n(plural falsettos) an unusually high voice, especially the voice that men use to sing very high notes


Words: falsify
Meaning:
verb\n(falsifies, falsifying, falsified, falsified) [VN] to change a written record or information so that it is no longer true:\nto falsify data / records / accounts\n    falsification  noun [U, C]:\nthe deliberate falsification of the company’s records


Words: falter
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] to become weaker or less effective:\nThe economy shows no signs of faltering. * Her courage never faltered.\n  2  to speak in a way that shows that you are not confident:\n[V] His voice faltered as he began his speech. [also V speech]\n  3  [V] to walk or behave in a way that shows that you are not confident:\nShe walked up to the platform without faltering. * He never faltered in his commitment to the party.\n    faltering  adjective:\nthe faltering peace talks * the baby’s first faltering steps


Words: fame
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being known and talked about by many people:\nto achieve / win instant fame * to rise / shoot to fame overnight * Andrew Lloyd Webber of ’Evita’ fame (= famous for ’Evita’) * The town’s only claim to fame is that there was once a riot there. * She went to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune.\nsee also FAMOUS\n IDIOMS  see CLAIM n.


Words: famed
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth) (written) very well known\nSYN RENOWNED:\nLas Vegas, famed for its casinos * a famed poet and musician\nsee also FAMOUS


Words: familial
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (formal)\n  1  related to or typical of a family:\nfamilial obligations\n  2  (medical) (of diseases, conditions, etc.) affecting several members of a family:\nfamilial left-handedness


Words: familiar
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb) well known to you; often seen or heard and therefore easy to recognize:\nto look / sound / taste familiar * He’s a familiar figure in the neighbourhood. * The smell is very familiar to everyone who lives near a bakery. * Something about her voice was vaguely familiar. * Violent attacks are becoming all too familiar (= sadly familiar). * I couldn’t see any familiar faces in the room.\nOPP UNFAMILIAR\n  2  ~ with sth knowing sth very well:\nan area with which I had been familiar since childhood * By now you will be familiar with the one-way system in the centre of town. * Are you familiar with the computer software they use?\nOPP UNFAMILIAR\n  3  ~ (with sb) (of a person’s behaviour) very informal, sometimes in a way that is unpleasant:\nYou seem to be on very familiar terms with your tutor. * After a few drinks her boss started getting too familiar for her liking.


Words: familiarity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (with sth) | ~ (to sb) the state of knowing sb/sth well; the state of recognizing sb/sth:\nHis familiarity with the language helped him enjoy his stay. * When she saw the house, she had a feeling of familiarity.\n  2  a friendly informal manner:\nShe addressed me with an easy familiarity that made me feel at home.\n IDIOMS \n  familiarity breeds contempt (saying) knowing sb/sth very well may cause you to lose admiration and respect for them/it


Words: familiarize
Meaning:
(BrE also familiarise)  verb\n[VN] ~ yourself / sb (with sth) to learn about sth or teach sb about sth, so that you/they start to understand it:\nYou’ll need time to familiarize yourself with our office procedures. * The aim of the course was to familiarize students with the uses of the Internet.\n    familiarization, familiarisation  noun [U]


Words: familiarly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a friendly and informal manner, sometimes in a way that is too informal to be pleasant:\nJohn Hunt, familiarly known to his friends as Jack * He touched her cheek familiarly.\n  2  in the way that is well known to people:\nThe elephant’s nose or, more familiarly, trunk is the most versatile organ in the animal kingdom.


Words: family
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n (plural families)\n \n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group consisting of one or two parents and their children:\nthe other members of my family * Almost every family in the country owns a television. * All my family enjoy skiing. * one-parent / single-parent families * a family of four * families with young children * He’s a friend of the family (= he is known and liked by the parents and the children).\nsee also NUCLEAR FAMILY\n \n  2  [C+sing./pl. v., U] a group consisting of one or two parents, their children and close relations:\nAll our family came to Grandad’s eightieth birthday party. * The support of family and friends is vital. * We’ve only told the immediate family (= the closest relations). * the Royal Family (= the children and close relations of the king or queen) * I always think of you as one of the family. * (informal) She’s family (= she is a relation).\nsee also EXTENDED FAMILY\n \n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people who are related to each other, including those who are now dead:\nSome families have farmed in this area for hundreds of years. * This painting has been in our family for generations.\n  4  [C+sing./pl. v., U] a couple’s or a person’s children, especially young children:\nThey have a large family. * I addressed it to Mr and Mrs Jones and family. * Do they plan to start a family (= have children)? * to bring up / raise a family\n  5  [C] a group of related animals and plants; a group of related things, especially languages:\nLions belong to the cat family. * the Germanic family of languages\n IDIOMS \n  (be / get) in the family way (old-fashioned, informal) (to be/become) pregnant\n  run in the family to be a common feature in a particular family:\nHeart disease runs in the family.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with the family or a particular family:\nfamily life * your family background * family ties / connections * It’s a family tradition.\n  2  owned by a family:\na family business * the family car\n  3  suitable for all members of a family, both adults and children:\na family show * family entertainment


Words: family man
Meaning:
noun\na man who has a wife or partner and children; a man who enjoys being at home with his wife or partner and children:\nI see he’s become a family man. * a devoted family man


Words: family planning
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of controlling the number of children you have by using CONTRACEPTION:\nto make an appointment at the family planning clinic


Words: family room
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE) a room in a house where the family can relax, watch television, etc.\n  2  a room in a hotel for three or four people to sleep in, especially parents and children\n  3  (in Britain) a room in a pub where children are allowed to sit


Words: family tree
Meaning:
noun\na diagram that shows the relationship between members of a family over a long period of time:\nHow far back can you trace your family tree?


Words: famine
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a lack of food during a long period of time in a region:\na severe famine * disasters such as floods and famine * the threat of widespread famine in Africa * to raise money for famine relief


Words: famished
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) very hungry\nSYN STARVING:\nWhen’s lunch? I’m famished! * famished refugees


Words: famous
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth) | ~ (as sth) known about by many people:\na famous artist / hotel * the most famous lake in Scotland * He became internationally famous for his novels and poetry. * One day, I’ll be rich and famous. * She was more famous as a writer than as a singer. * So this is the famous dress! (= the one we have heard a lot about but have not seen).\nsee also FAME, INFAMOUS, NOTORIOUS, WORLD-FAMOUS\n IDIOMS \n  famous last words (saying) people sometimes say Famous last words! when sb is too confident about sth they think is going to happen:\n’We should win easily.’ ’Famous last words!’


Words: famously
Meaning:
adverb\nin a way that is famous:\nSome newspapers, most famously the New York Times, refuse to print the word Ms. * the words he famously uttered on his deathbed\n IDIOMS \n  get on / along famously (informal, becoming old-fashioned) to have a very good relationship:\nMy mother and my mother-in-law are getting on famously.


Words: fan
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a person who admires sb/sth or enjoys watching or listening to sb/sth very much:\nmovie fans * crowds of football fans * a big fan of Pavarotti * fan mail (= letters from fans to the person they admire)\n \n  2  a machine with blades that go round to create a current of air:\nto switch on the electric fan * a fan heater\nsee also EXTRACTOR\n \n  3  a thing that you hold in your hand and wave to create a current of cool air\n \n IDIOMS  see SHIT n.\n    verb (-nn-) [VN] \n  1  to make air blow onto sb/sth by waving a fan, your hand, etc:\nHe fanned himself with a newspaper to cool down. * A warm breeze fanned her cheeks.\n  2  to make a fire burn more strongly by blowing on it:\nFanned by a westerly wind, the fire spread rapidly through the city.\n  3  (written) to make a feeling, an attitude, etc. stronger\nSYN FUEL:\nHis reluctance to answer her questions simply fanned her curiosity.\n IDIOMS \n  fan the flames (of sth) to make a feeling such as anger, hatred, etc. worse:\nHis writings fanned the flames of racism.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fan out | fan sth<->out to spread out or spread sth out over an area:\nThe police fanned out to surround the house. * The bird fanned out its tail feathers.


Words: fan club
Meaning:
noun\nan organization that a person’s FANS belong to and that sends them information, etc. about that person:\na member of the official Spice girls fan club


Words: fanatic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) a person who is extremely enthusiastic about sth\nSYN ENTHUSIAST:\na fitness / crossword fanatic\n  2  (disapproving) a person who holds extreme or dangerous opinions\nSYN EXTREMIST:\nreligious fanatics\n    fanatical  adjective:\na fanatical supporter * fanatical anti-royalists * a fanatical interest in football * She’s fanatical about healthy eating.\n    fanatically  adverb:\nfanatically fit


Words: fanaticism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) extreme beliefs or behaviour, especially in connection with religion or politics:\ndriven by religious fanaticism * the fanaticism of football supporters


Words: fancier
Meaning:
noun\n(usually in compounds) (especially BrE) a person who has a special interest in sth, especially sb who keeps or breeds birds, animals or plants:\na pigeon fancier


Words: fanciful
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (disapproving) based on imagination and not facts or reason\n  2  (of things) decorated in an unusual and imaginative style:\na fanciful gold border\n    fancifully  adverb


Words: fancy
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb (fancies, fancying, fancied, fancied)\n  1  (BrE, informal) to want sth or want to do sth:\n[VN] Fancy a drink? * I fancied a change of scene. * She didn’t fancy (= did not like) the idea of going home in the dark. * [V -ing] Do you fancy going out this evening?\n  2  [VN] (BrE, informal) to be sexually attracted to sb:\nI think she fancies me.\n  3  [VN] ~ yourself (BrE, informal, disapproving) to think that you are very popular, attractive or intelligent:\nHe started to chat to me and I could tell that he really fancied himself.\n  4  [VN-N] ~ yourself (as) sth (BrE) to like the idea of being sth or to believe, often wrongly, that you are sth:\nShe fancies herself (as) a serious actress. * He fancied himself in love with me, the silly boy.\n  5  (Fancy!) (BrE, spoken, becoming old-fashioned) used to show that you are surprised or shocked by sth:\n[V] Fancy! She’s never been in a plane before. * [V -ing] Fancy meeting you here! * [VN] ’She remembered my name after all those years.’ ’Fancy that!’\n  6  (BrE) [VN] to think that sb will win or be successful at sth, especially in a race:\nWhich horse do you fancy in the next race? * He’s hoping to get the job but I don’t fancy his chances.\n  7  [V (that)] (literary) to believe or imagine sth:\nShe fancied (that) she heard footsteps behind her.\n    noun (plural fancies)\n  1  [C, U] something that you imagine; your imagination\nSYN FANTASY:\nteenage / girlish fancies * night-time fancies that disappear in the morning * a child’s wild flights of fancy\n  2  [sing.] a feeling that you would like to have or to do sth\nSYN WHIM:\nShe said she wanted a dog but it was only a passing fancy.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] (BrE) a small decorated cake\n IDIOMS \n  as / whenever, etc. the fancy takes you as/whenever, etc. you feel like doing sth:\nWe bought a camper van so we could go away whenever the fancy took us.\n  catch / take sb’s fancy to attract or please sb:\nShe looked through the hotel advertisements until one of them caught her fancy.\n  take a fancy to sb/sth (especially BrE) to start liking sb/sth, often without an obvious reason:\nHe’s taken quite a fancy to his next-door neighbour.\nmore at TICKLE v.\n    adjective (fancier, fanciest)\n  1  unusually complicated, often in an unnecessary way:\na kitchen full of fancy gadgets * They added a lot of fancy footwork to the dance.\nOPP SIMPLE\n  2  [only before noun] (especially of small things) with a lot of decorations or bright colours:\nfancy goods (= things sold as ornaments or gifts) * He was the fanciest dresser in the room.\ncompare PLAIN\n  3  (sometimes disapproving) expensive or connected with an expensive way of life:\nfancy restaurants with fancy prices * Don’t come back with any fancy ideas.


Words: fancy dress
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) clothes that you wear, especially at parties, to make you appear to be a different character:\nguests in fancy dress\nsee also COSTUME, MASQUERADE


Words: fancy-free
Meaning:
adjective\nfree to do what you like because you are not emotionally involved with anyone:\nI was still footloose and fancy-free (= free to enjoy myself) in those days.


Words: fanfare
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a short loud piece of music that is played to celebrate sb/sth important arriving:\nA fanfare of trumpets will sound for the Queen.\n  2  [U, C] a large amount of activity and discussion on television, in newspapers, etc. to celebrate sb/sth:\nThe new century will begin amid much fanfare worldwide. * Despite the fanfare of publicity that accompanied its launch, his latest novel sold only a few hundred copies.


Words: fang
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] either of two long sharp teeth at the front of the mouths of some animals, such as a snake or dog


Words: fanny
Meaning:
noun (plural fannies)\n  1  (BrE, !!!, slang) the female sex organs\n  2  (slang, especially AmE) a person’s bottom


Words: fantasia
Meaning:
noun\na piece of music that does not have a regular form or style, including one based on several well-known tunes


Words: fantasize
Meaning:
(BrE also fantasise)  verb\n~ (about sth) to imagine that you are doing sth that you would like to do, or that sth that you would like to happen is happening, even though this is very unlikely:\n[V] He sometimes fantasized about winning the gold medal. [also V that]\n    fantasist  noun


Words: fantastic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (informal) extremely good; excellent\nSYN GREAT, BRILLIANT:\na fantastic beach in Australia * a fantastic achievement * The weather was absolutely fantastic. * You’ve got the job? Fantastic!\n  2  (informal) very large; larger than you expected\nSYN ENORMOUS, AMAZING:\nThe response to our appeal was fantastic. * The car costs a fantastic amount of money.\n  3  (also less frequent fantastical) [usually before noun] strange and imaginative\nSYN WEIRD:\nfantastic dreams of forests and jungles\n  4  impossible to put into practice:\na fantastic scheme / project\n    fantastically  adverb:\nfantastically expensive / successful * a fantastically shaped piece of stone


Words: fantasy
Meaning:
noun (plural fantasies)\n  1  [C] a pleasant situation that you imagine but that is unlikely to happen:\nhis childhood fantasies about becoming a famous football player\n  2  [C] a product of your imagination:\nHer books are usually escapist fantasies.\n  3  [U] the act of imagining things; a person’s imagination:\na work of fantasy * Stop living in a fantasy world.


Words: far
Meaning:
adverb, adjective \n    adverb (farther, farthest or further, furthest)\n  distance\n  1  ~ (from, away, below, etc.) a long distance away:\nWe didn’t go far. * Have you come far? * It’s not far to the beach. * There’s not far to go now. * The restaurant is not far from here. * countries as far apart as Japan and Brazil * He looked down at the traffic far below. * Far away in the distance, a train whistled. * The farther north they went, the colder it became.\n HELP NOTE  In positive sentences it is more usual to use a long way: We went a long way. * _W_e_ _w_e_n_t_ _f_a_r_. * The restaurant is a long way from here.\n  2  used when you are asking or talking about the distance between two places or the distance that has been travelled or is to be travelled:\nHow far is it to your house from here? * How far is Boston from New York? * How much further is it? * We’ll go by train as far as London, and then take a bus. * We didn’t go as far as the others. * I’m not sure I can walk so far.\n  time\n  3  ~ (back / ahead) | ~ (into sth) a long time from the present; for a large part of a particular period of time:\nThe band made their first record as far back as 1980. * Let’s try to plan further ahead. * We worked far into the night. * To answer that question we need to go further back in time.\n  degree\n  4  very much; to a great degree:\nThat’s a far better idea. * There are far more opportunities for young people than there used to be. * It had been a success far beyond their expectations. * He’s fallen far behind in his work. * She always gives us far too much homework.\n  5  used when you are asking or talking about the degree to which sth is true or possible:\nHow far can we trust him? * His parents supported him as far as they could. * Plan your route in advance, using main roads as far as possible.\n  progress\n  6  used to talk about how much progress has been made in doing or achieving sth:\nHow far have you got with that report? * Half an hour later Duncan was no farther in his quest. * I read as far as the third chapter. * We’ve got as far as collecting our data but we haven’t analysed it yet. -> FARTHER\n IDIOMS \n  as far as the eye can / could see to the HORIZON (= where the sky meets the land or sea):\nThe bleak moorland stretched on all sides as far as the eye could see.\n  as far as I know | as far as I can remember, see, tell, etc. used to say that you think you know, remember, understand, etc. sth but you cannot be completely sure, especially because you do not know all the facts:\nAs far as we knew, there was no cause for concern. * As far as I can see, you’ve done nothing wrong. * She lived in Chicago, as far as I can remember.\n  as / so far as I am concerned used to give your personal opinion on sth:\nAs far as I am concerned, you can do what you like.\n  as / so far as sb/sth is concerned used to give facts or an opinion about a particular aspect of sth:\nShe’s doing fine as far as French is concerned, it’s her German I’m worried about.\n  as / so far as it goes to a limited degree, usually less than is satisfactory:\nIt’s a good plan as far as it goes, but there are a lot of things they haven’t thought of.\n  by far (used with comparative or superlative adjectives or adverbs) by a great amount:\nThe last of these reasons is by far the most important. * Amy is the smartest by far.\n  carry / take sth too, etc. far to continue doing sth beyond reasonable limits\n  far and away (followed by comparative or superlative adjectives) by a very great amount:\nShe’s far and away the best player.\n  far and wide over a large area:\nThey searched far and wide for the missing child.\n  far be it from me to do sth (but ...) (informal) used when you are just about to disagree with sb or to criticize them and you would like them to think that you do not really want to do this:\nFar be it from me to interfere in your affairs but I would like to give you just one piece of advice.\n  far from sth / from doing sth almost the opposite of sth or of what is expected:\nIt is far from clear (= it is not clear) what he intends to do. * Computers, far from destroying jobs, can create employment.\n  far from it (informal) used to say that the opposite of what sb says is true:\n’You’re not angry then?’ ’Far from it. I’ve never laughed so much in my life.’\n  go far (of people) to be very successful in the future:\nShe is very talented and should go far.\n  go far enough (used in questions and negative sentences) to achieve all that is wanted:\nThe new legislation is welcome but does not go far enough. * Do these measures go far enough? * (disapproving) Stop it now. The joke has gone far enough (= it has continued too long).\n  go so / as far as to ... to be willing to go to extreme or surprising limits in dealing with sth:\nI wouldn’t go as far as to say that he’s a liar (= but I think he may be slightly dishonest). * In June 1998 he went so far as to offer his resignation.\n  go too far | go this / that far to behave in an extreme way that is not acceptable:\nHe’s always been quite crude, but this time he’s gone too far. * I never thought she’d go this far.\n  in so / as far as to the degree that:\nThat’s the truth, in so far as I know it.\n  not far off / out / wrong (informal) almost correct:\nYour guess wasn’t far out at all.\n  not go far\n1 (of money) to not be enough to buy a lot of things:\nFive pounds doesn’t go very far these days.\n2 (of a supply of sth) to not be enough for what is needed:\nFour bottles of wine won’t go far among twenty people.\n  so far | thus far until now; up to this point:\nWhat do you think of the show so far? * Detectives are so far at a loss to explain the reason for his death.\n  so far (informal) only to a limited degree:\nI trust him only so far.\n  so far, so good (saying) used to say that things have been successful until now and you hope they will continue to do so, but you know the task, etc. is not finished yet\nmore at AFIELD, FEW adj., NEAR adv.\n    adjective (farther, farthest or further, furthest) [only before noun]\n  distant\n  1  at a greater distance away from you:\nI saw her on the far side of the road. * at the far end of the room * They made for an empty table in the far corner.\n  2  at the furthest point in a particular direction:\nthe far north of Scotland * Who is that on the far left of the photograph? * She is on the far right of the party (= holds extreme RIGHT-WING political views).\n  3  (old-fashioned or literary) a long distance away:\na far country * Somewhere in the far regions of her mind a voice was screaming warnings.\n IDIOMS \n  a far cry from sth a very different experience from sth:\nAll this luxury was a far cry from the poverty of his childhood.


Words: far gone
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (informal) very ill/sick, crazy or drunk:\nShe was too far gone to understand anything we said to her.


Words: far-flung
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun] (written)\n  1  a long distance away:\nexpeditions to the far-flung corners of the world\n  2  spread over a wide area:\na newsletter that helps to keep all our far-flung graduates in touch


Words: far-off
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  a long distance away:\na far-off land\n  2  a long time ago:\nmemories of those far-off days


Words: far-reaching
Meaning:
adjective\nlikely to have a lot of influence or many effects:\nfar-reaching consequences / implications * far-reaching changes / reforms


Words: far-sighted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having or showing an understanding of the effects in the future of actions that you take now, and being able to plan for them:\nthe most far-sighted of politicians * a far-sighted decision\n  2  (especially AmE) = LONG-SIGHTED\n    far-sightedness noun [U]


Words: faraway
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  a long distance away:\na war in a faraway country\n  2  a ~ look / expression an expression on your face that shows that your thoughts are far away from your present surroundings:\nThere was a faraway look in her eyes. * His face wore a glazed, faraway expression.


Words: farce
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a funny play for the theatre based on ridiculous and unlikely situations and events; this type of writing or performance:\na bedroom farce (= a funny play about sex)\n  2  [C] a situation or an event that is so unfair or badly organized that it becomes ridiculous:\nThe trial was a complete farce.


Words: farcical
Meaning:
adjective\nridiculous and not worth taking seriously:\nIt was a farcical trial. * a situation verging on the farcical


Words: fare
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the money that you pay to travel by bus, plane, taxi, etc:\nair / bus / taxi fares * train / rail fares * Children travel (at) half fare. * When do they start paying full fare?\nsee also RETURN FARE\n  2  [C] a passenger in a taxi:\nThe taxi driver picked up a fare at the station.\n  3  [U] (old-fashioned or formal) food that is offered as a meal:\nThe restaurant provides good traditional fare. * (figurative) His student drawings were not standard art school fare.\n    verb [V] ~ well, badly, better, etc. to be successful/unsuccessful in a particular situation\nSYN GET ON:\nThe party fared very badly in the last election. * The North, by and large, has fared better than most regions in avoiding high unemployment figures.


Words: farewell
Meaning:
noun, exclamation \n    noun [C, U] the act of saying goodbye to sb:\nShe said her farewells and left. * Maria raised her hand in farewell. * a farewell party / drink\n    exclamation (old use or formal) goodbye


Words: farm
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  an area of land, and the buildings on it, used for growing crops and/or keeping animals:\na 200-acre farm * a farm worker / labourer * farm buildings / machinery * to live / work on a farm\n \n  2  the main house on a farm, where the farmer lives\n \n  3  (especially in compounds) a place where particular fish or animals are bred:\na trout / mink / pig farm\nsee also BATTERY FARM, COLLECTIVE FARM, DAIRY, FACTORY FARM, HEALTH FARM, TRUCK FARM, WIND FARM\n    verb to use land for growing crops and/or keeping animals: [V] The family has farmed in Kent for over two hundred years. * [VN] They farm dairy cattle. * He farmed 200 acres of prime arable land. * organically farmed produce\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  farm sb<->out (to sb) (BrE, disapproving) to arrange for sb to be cared for by other people:\nHer children were farmed out at an early age to childminders.\n  farm sb/sth<->out to sb to send out work for other people to do:\nThe company farms out a lot of work to freelancers.


Words: farming
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the business of managing or working on a farm:\nto take up farming * sheep / fish / organic farming * modern farming methods * a farming community


Words: farmland
Meaning:
noun\n[U, pl.] land that is used for farming:\n250 acres of farmland * the prosperous farmlands of Picardy


Words: farrago
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural farragoes or farragos) (formal, disapproving) a confused mixture of different things:\nThe film is a farrago of trite emotions, one-note acting and embarrassing lines.


Words: fart
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (!!!, slang) [V] to let air from the bowels come out through the ANUS, especially when it happens loudly\n HELP NOTE  A more polite way of expressing this is ’to break wind’.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fart around (BrE also fart about) (!!!, slang) to waste time by behaving in a silly way:\nStop farting around and give me a hand with this!\n    noun (!!!, slang)\n  1  an act of letting air from the bowels come out through the ANUS, especially when it happens loudly\n  2  an unpleasant, boring or stupid person:\nHe’s just a boring old fart.


Words: farther
Meaning:
adverb, adjective \n    adverb (comparative of far) at or to a greater distance in space or time:\nfarther north / south * farther along the road * I can’t go any farther. * As a family we grew farther and farther apart. * We watched their ship moving gradually farther away. * How much farther is it? * They hadn’t got any farther with the work (= they had made no progress)\n IDIOMS  see AFIELD\n    adjective (comparative of far) at a greater distance in space, direction or time:\nthe farther shore of the lake\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nfarther / further / farthest / furthest\nThese are the comparative and superlative forms of far.\nTo talk about distance, use either farther, farthest or further, furthest .In BrE, further, furthest are the most common forms and in AmE, further and farthest: I have to travel further/farther to work now.\nTo talk about the degree or extent of something, further/furthest are usually preferred: Let’s consider this point further.\nFurther, but not farther, can also mean ’more’ or ’additional’: Are there any further questions? This sounds very formal in AmE.\n______________________________


Words: farthest
Meaning:
(also furthest) adverb, adjective \n    adverb (superlative of far) at or to the greatest distance in space or time:\nthe house farthest away from the road * a competition to see who could throw (the) farthest\n    adjective (also furthest) (superlative of far) most distant in space, direction or time:\nthe farthest point of the journey * the part of the garden farthest from the house -> FARTHER


Words: fascia
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  (also facia) = DASHBOARD\n  2  (also fascia board) a board on the roof of a house, at the end of the RAFTERS\n  3  (also facia) a board above the entrance of a shop, with the name of the shop on it


Words: fascinate
Meaning:
verb\nto attract or interest sb very much:\n[VN] China has always fascinated me. * It was a question that had fascinated him since he was a boy. * [V] It seems that the private lives of movie stars never fail to fascinate.


Words: fascinated
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by sth) | ~ to see, learn, etc. very interested:\nThe children watched, fascinated, as the picture began to appear. * I’ve always been fascinated by his ideas. * They were fascinated to see that it was similar to one they had at home.


Words: fascinating
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely interesting and attractive:\na fascinating story / subject * The results of the survey made fascinating reading. * It’s fascinating to see how different people approach the problem. * I fail to see what women find so fascinating about him. * Your trip to Alaska sounds absolutely fascinating. * The book provides a fascinating glimpse into Moroccan life.\n    fascinatingly adverb


Words: fascination
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a very strong attraction, that makes sth very interesting:\nWater holds a fascination for most children. * London has a fascination all of its own. * The fascination of the game lies in trying to guess what your opponent is thinking.\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ (for / with sb/sth) the state of being very attracted to and interested in sb/sth:\nthe public’s enduring fascination with the Royal Family * The girls listened in fascination as the story unfolded. * They stared in horrified fascination as the snake approached.


Words: fascism
Meaning:
(also Fascism) noun\n[U] an extreme RIGHT-WING political system or attitude which is in favour of strong central government and which does not allow any opposition


Words: fascist
Meaning:
(also Fascist) noun\n  1  a person who supports fascism\n  2  a way of referring to sb that you disapprove of because they have RIGHT-WING attitudes\n    fascist adjective:\na fascist state * fascist sympathies


Words: fashion
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] a popular style of clothes, hair, etc. at a particular time or place; the state of being popular:\ndressed in the latest fashion * the new season’s fashions * Long skirts have come into fashion again. * Jeans are still in fashion. * Some styles never go out of fashion. * She’s a fashion victim (= she always wears the latest fashions).\n  2  [C] a popular way of behaving, doing an activity, etc:\nThe fashion at the time was for teaching mainly the written language. * Fashions in art and literature come and go.\n  3  [U] the business of making or selling clothes in new and different styles:\na fashion designer / magazine / show * the world of fashion * the fashion industry\n IDIOMS \n  after a fashion to some extent, but not very well:\nI can play the piano, after a fashion. * ’Do you speak French?’ ’After a fashion.’\n  after the fashion of sb/sth (formal) in the style of sb/sth:\nThe new library is very much after the fashion of Nash.\n  in (a) ...fashion (formal) in a particular way:\nHow could they behave in such a fashion? * She was proved right, in dramatic fashion, when the whole department resigned.\n  like it’s going out of fashion (spoken) used to emphasize that sb is doing sth or using sth a lot:\nShe’s been spending money like it’s going out of fashion.\nsee also PARROT-FASHION\n    verb [VN] ~ A (from / out of B) | ~ B (into A) to make or shape sth, especially with your hands:\nShe fashioned a pot from the clay. * She fashioned the clay into a pot.


Words: fashion-conscious
Meaning:
adjective\naware of the latest fashions and wanting to follow them:\nfashion-conscious teenagers / shoppers


Words: fashionable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  following a style that is popular at a particular time:\nfashionable clothes / furniture / ideas * It’s becoming fashionable to have long hair again. * Such thinking is fashionable among right-wing politicians at the moment.\n  2  used or visited by people following a current fashion, especially by rich people:\na fashionable address / resort / restaurant * She lives in a very fashionable part of London.\nOPP UNFASHIONABLE\ncompare OLD-FASHIONED\n    fashionably  adverb:\nfashionably dressed * His wife was blonde and fashionably thin. * They chose a fashionably rustic look for the kitchen.


Words: fast
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, verb, noun \n    adjective (faster, fastest)\n  quick\n  1  moving or able to move quickly:\na fast car / horse * the world’s fastest runner\n  2  happening in a short time or without delay:\nthe fastest rate of increase for several years * a fast response time\n  3  able to do sth quickly:\na fast learner / reader\n  surface\n  4  producing or allowing quick movement:\na fast road / pitch\nsee also FAST LANE\n  watch / clock\n  5  [not before noun] showing a time later than the true time:\nI’m early-my watch must be fast. * That clock’s ten minutes fast.\n  photographic film\n  6  (technical) very sensitive to light, and therefore useful when taking photographs in poor light or of sth that is moving very quickly\n  firmly fixed\n  7  (of a boat, etc.) firmly fixed and safe:\nHe made the boat fast.\n  colours in clothes\n  8  not likely to change or to come out when washed\n HELP NOTE  There is no noun related to fast. Use speed in connection with vehicles, actions, etc.; quickness is used about thinking.\n IDIOMS \n  fast and furious (of films / movies, shows, etc.) full of rapid action and sudden changes:\nIn his latest movie, the action is fast and furious.\n  a fast talker a person who can talk very quickly and easily, but who cannot always be trusted:\nAs a politician, she had the reputation for being a real fast talker.\n  a fast worker (informal) a person who knows how to get what they want quickly, especially when beginning a sexual relationship with sb\nmore at BUCK n., HARD adj., PULL v.\n    adverb (faster, fastest)\n  quickly\n  1  quickly:\nDon’t drive so fast! * How fast were you going? * I can’t go any faster. * The water was rising fast. * Her heart beat faster. * (formal) Night was fast approaching. * a fast-flowing stream -> QUICK\n  2  in a short time; without delay:\nChildren grow up so fast these days. * Britain is fast becoming a nation of fatties. * The police said that they had reacted as fast as they could.\n  firmly\n  3  firmly; completely:\nWithin a few minutes she was fast asleep (= sleeping deeply). * The boat was stuck fast (= unable to move) in the mud.\n HELP NOTE  There is no noun related to fast. Use speed in connection with vehicles, actions, etc.; quickness is used about thinking.\n IDIOMS \n  as fast as your legs can carry you as quickly as you can\n  hold fast to sth (formal) to continue to believe in an idea, etc. in spite of difficulties\n  play fast and loose (with sb/sth) (old-fashioned) to treat sb/sth in a way that shows that you feel no responsibility or respect for them\n  stand fast / firm to refuse to move back; to refuse to change your opinions\nmore at THICK adv.\n    verb [V] to eat little or no food for a period of time, especially for religious reasons:\nMuslims fast during Ramadan.\n    noun a period during which you do not eat food, especially for religious or health reasons:\nto go on a fast * to break (= end) your fast\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nfast / quick / rapid\nThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:\nfast ~  quick ~  rapid ~\ncar  glance  change tab\ntrain  look  growth\nbowler  reply  increase\ngrower  decision  decline\npace  method  progress\nlane  way  development\nFast is used especially to describe a person or thing that moves or is able to move at great speed.\nQuick is more often used to describe something that is done in a short time or without delay.\nRapid, swift and speedy are more formal words.\nRapid is most commonly used to describe the speed at which something changes. It is not used to describe the speed at which something moves or is done: a rapid train * We had a rapid coffee.\nSwift usually describes something that happens or is done quickly and immediately: a swift decision * The government took swift action.\nSpeedy has a similar meaning: a speedy recovery. It is used less often to talk about the speed at which something moves: a speedy car.\nFor the use of fast and quick as adverbs, see the usage note at quick.\n______________________________


Words: fast food
Meaning:
noun\n[U] hot food that is served very quickly in special restaurants, and often taken away to be eaten in the street


Words: fast forward
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] to wind a tape or video forward without playing it\n    fast forward noun [U]:\nPress fast forward to advance the tape. * the fast-forward button


Words: fast lane
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the part of a main road such as a motorway where vehicles drive fastest\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  in the fast lane where things are most exciting and where a lot is happening:\nHe had a good job, plenty of money and he was enjoying life in the fast lane.


Words: fast track
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a quick way to achieve sth, for example a high position in a job\n    fast-track adjective:\nthe fast-track route to promotion * fast-track graduates


Words: fasten
Meaning:
verb\n \n  1  ~ (sth) (up) to close or join together the two parts of sth; to become closed or joined together\nSYN DO UP:\n[VN] Fasten your seatbelts, please. * He fastened up his coat and hurried out. * [V] The dress fastens at the back.\nOPP UNFASTEN\n \n  2  to close sth firmly so that it will not open; to be closed in this way:\n[VN] Fasten the gates securely so that they do not blow open. * [V] The window wouldn’t fasten.\nOPP UNFASTEN\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to fix or place sth in a particular position, so that it will not move:\nHe fastened back the shutters.\n  4  [VN] ~ A to B | ~ A and B (together) to attach or tie one thing to another thing:\nHe fastened the papers together with a paper clip.\n  5  if you fasten your arms around sb, your teeth into sth, etc., or if your arms, teeth, etc. fasten around, into, etc. sb/sth, you hold the person/thing firmly with your arms, etc:\n[VN] The dog fastened its teeth in his leg. * [V] His hand fastened on her arm.\n  6  if you fasten your eyes on sb/sth or your eyes fasten on sb/sth, you look at them for a long time:\n[VN] He fastened his gaze on her face. [also V]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fasten on(to) sb/sth to choose or follow sb/sth in a determined way\nSYN LATCH ON TO SB/STH


Words: fastener
Meaning:
(also fastening) noun\na device, such as a button or a zip/zipper, used to close a piece of clothing; a device used to close a window, suitcase, etc. tightly


Words: fastening
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = FASTENER\n  2  the place where sth, especially a piece of clothing, fastens; the way sth fastens:\nThe trousers have a fly fastening.


Words: fastidious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  being careful that every detail of sth is correct\nSYN METICULOUS:\nEverything was planned in fastidious detail. * He was fastidious in his preparation for the big day.\n  2  (sometimes disapproving) not liking things to be dirty or untidy:\nShe wasn’t very fastidious about personal hygiene.\n    fastidiously adjective\n    fastidiousness noun [U]


Words: fastness
Meaning:
noun\n(literary) a place that is thought to be safe because it is difficult to get to or easy to defend\nSYN STRONGHOLD:\na mountain fastness


Words: fat
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (fatter, fattest)\n  1  (of a person’s or an animal’s body) having too much flesh on it and weighing too much:\na big fat man / woman * You’ll get fat if you eat so much chocolate. * He grew fatter and fatter. * fat flabby legs\n  2  thick or wide:\na fat volume on American history\n  3  [only before noun] (informal) large in quantity; worth a lot of money:\na fat sum / profit * He gave me a nice fat cheque.\n    fatness noun [U]:\nFatness tends to run in families.\n IDIOMS \n  (a) fat chance (of sth / doing sth) (spoken) used for saying that you do not believe sth is likely to happen:\n’They might let us in without tickets.’ ’Fat chance of that!’\n  a fat lot of good, use, etc. (spoken) not at all good or useful:\nPaul can’t drive so he was a fat lot of use when I broke my arm.\n    noun\n  1  [U] a white or yellow substance in the bodies of animals and humans, stored under the skin:\nexcess body fat * This ham has too much fat on it.\n  2  [C, U] a solid or liquid substance from animals or plants, treated so that it becomes pure for use in cooking:\nCook the meat in shallow fat.\n  3  [C, U] animal and vegetable fats, when you are thinking of them as part of what a person eats:\nYou should cut down on fats and carbohydrates. * foods which are low in fat * fat free yoghurts * reduced fat margarines\n IDIOMS  see CHEW v., LIVE\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \nsaying that someone is fat\nFat is the most common and direct word, but it is not polite to say to someone that they are fat:Does this dress make me look fat? * _Y_o_u_’_r_e_ _l_o_o_k_i_n_g_ _f_a_t_ _n_o_w.\nOverweight is a more neutral word: I’m a bit overweight. It can also mean too fat, especially so that you are not fit.\nLarge or heavy is less offensive than fat: She’s a rather large woman. Big describes someone who is tall as well as fat: Her sister is a big girl, isn’t she?\nPlump means slightly fat in an attractive way, often used to describe women.\nChubby is used mainly to describe babies and children who are fat in a pleasant, healthy-looking way: the baby’s chubby cheeks.\nTubby (informal) is used in a friendly way to describe people who are short and round, especially around the stomach.\nStocky is a neutral word and means fairly short, broad and strong.\nStout is often used to describe older people who have a round and heavy appearance: a short stout man with a bald head.\nFlabby describes flesh that is fat and loose and it can sound offensive: exercises to firm up flabby thighs.\nObese is used by doctors to describe people who are so fat that they are unhealthy. It is also used in a general way to mean ’really fat’.\nNote that although people talk a lot about their own size or weight, it is generally not considered polite to refer to a person’s large size or their weight when you talk to them.\n-> note at THIN\n______________________________\n\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nfat adj.\nfatty adj.\nfatten v.\nfattening adj.\n______________________________


Words: fat cat
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who earns, or who has, a lot of money (especially when compared to people who do not earn so much):\nWhy should those fat cats get rich at our expense?


Words: fatal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  causing or ending in death:\na fatal accident / blow / illness * a potentially fatal form of cancer * If she gets ill again it could prove fatal.\ncompare MORTAL\n  2  causing disaster or failure:\na fatal error / mistake * Any delay would be fatal. * There was a fatal flaw in the plan. * It’d be fatal to try and stop them now.\n    fatally  adverb:\nfatally injured / wounded * The plan was fatally flawed from the start.


Words: fatalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the belief that events are decided by fate and that you cannot control them; the fact of accepting that you cannot prevent sth from happening:\nThere is a mood of profound fatalism amongst party members.\n    fatalist noun:\nI’m a fatalist.


Words: fatalistic
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing a belief in fate and feeling that you cannot control events or stop them from happening:\na fatalistic attitude / outlook\n    fatalistically  adverb


Words: fatality
Meaning:
noun (plural fatalities)\n  1  [C] a death that is caused in an accident or a war or by some other act of violence:\nSeveral people were injured, but there were no fatalities. * a campaign to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads\n  2  [U] the fact that a particular disease will result in death:\nto reduce the fatality of certain types of cancer * Different forms of cancer have different fatality rates.\n  3  [U] the belief or feeling that we have no control over what happens to us:\nA sense of fatality gripped her.


Words: fate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the things, especially bad things, that will happen or have happened to sb/sth:\nThe fate of the three men is unknown. * She sat outside, waiting to find out her fate. * The court will decide our fate / fates. * Each of the managers suffered the same fate. * The government had abandoned the refugees to their fate. * From that moment our fate was sealed (= our future was decided).\n  2  [U] the power that is believed to control everything that happens and that cannot be stopped or changed:\nFate was kind to me that day. * By a strange twist of fate, Andy and I were on the same plane.\n IDIOMS \n  a fate worse than death (often humorous) a terrible thing that could happen:\nAt the last minute the hero saves her from a fate worse than death.\nmore at TEMPT


Words: fated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to do sth) unable to escape a particular fate; certain to happen because everything is controlled by fate:\nWe were fated never to meet again. * He believes that everything in life is fated.\n  2  = ILL-FATED


Words: fateful
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] having an important, often very bad, effect on future events:\nShe looked back now to that fateful day in December. * his final fateful journey to Moscow


Words: father
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a male parent of a child or an animal; a person who is acting as the father to a child:\nBen’s a wonderful father. * You’ve been like a father to me. * Our new boss is a father of three (= he has three children). * He was a wonderful father to both his natural and adopted children. * (old-fashioned) Father, I cannot lie to you.\nsee also GODFATHER, GRANDFATHER, STEPFATHER\n  2  (fathers) [pl.] (literary) a person’s ANCESTORS (= people who are related to you who lived in the past):\nthe land of our fathers\nsee also FOREFATHERS\n  3  ~ (of sth) the first man to introduce a new way of thinking about sth or of doing sth:\nHenry Moore is considered to be the father of modern British sculpture.\nsee also FOUNDING FATHER\n  4  (Father) used by Christians to refer to God:\nFather, forgive us. * God the Father\n  5  (Father) (abbreviation Fr) the title of a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church:\nFather Dominic\nsee also HOLY FATHER\n IDIOMS \n  from father to son from one GENERATION of a family to the next\n  like father, like son used to say that a son’s character or behaviour is similar to that of his father\nmore at OLD\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to become the father of a child by making its mother pregnant:\nHe claims to have fathered over 20 children.\n  2  (written) to create new ideas or a new way of doing sth


Words: Father Christmas
Meaning:
(BrE) (also Santa Claus AmE, BrE) noun\nan imaginary old man with red clothes and a long white BEARD. Parents tell small children that he brings them presents at Christmas.


Words: father figure
Meaning:
noun\nan older man that sb respects because he will advise and help them like a father:\nAdam looked up to Bill as a father figure.


Words: Father’s Day
Meaning:
noun\na day when fathers receive cards and gifts from their children, usually the third Sunday in June


Words: fatherland
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (old-fashioned) (used especially about Germany) the country where a person, or their family, was born, especially when they feel very loyal towards it


Words: fatherless
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] without a father, either because he has died or because he does not live with his children:\nfatherless children / families * His long periods abroad left the family virtually fatherless.


Words: fathom
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb ~ sb/sth (out) to understand or find an explanation for sth:\n[VN] It is hard to fathom the pain felt at the death of a child. * [V wh-] He couldn’t fathom out what the man could possibly mean.\n    noun a unit for measuring the depth of water, equal to 6 feet or 1.8 metres:\nThe ship sank in 20 fathoms. * (figurative) She kept her feelings hidden fathoms deep.


Words: fatigue
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a feeling of being extremely tired, usually because of hard work or exercise:\nphysical and mental fatigue * Driver fatigue was to blame for the accident. * I was dropping with fatigue and could not keep my eyes open.\n  2  [U] (usually after another noun) a feeling of not wanting to do a particular activity any longer because you have done too much of it:\nbattle fatigue * compassion fatigue (= the inability to feel pity for other people’s suffering any more) brought on by too many charity appeals\n  3  [U] weakness in metal or wood caused by repeated bending or stretching:\nThe wing of the plane showed signs of metal fatigue.\n  4  (fatigues) [pl.] loose clothes worn by soldiers\n  5  (fatigues) [pl.] (especially AmE) duties, such as cleaning and cooking, that soldiers have to do, especially as a punishment:\nWe were all put on cookhouse fatigues for a week.


Words: fatten
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sb/sth) up to make sb/sth fatter, especially an animal before killing it for food; to become fatter:\n[VN] The piglets are taken from the sow to be fattened for market. * She’s very thin after her illness-but we’ll soon fatten her up. [also V]


Words: fattening
Meaning:
adjective\n(of food) likely to make you fat:\nfattening cakes * Pasta is not as fattening as people think it is.


Words: fatty
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (fattier, fattiest) containing a lot of fat; consisting of fat:\nfatty foods * fatty tissue\n    noun (plural fatties) (also fatso) (informal, disapproving) a fat person:\nBritain is fast becoming a nation of fatties. * ’Hey, Fatty, bring us another beer.’


Words: fatuous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) very silly and showing a lack of intelligence:\na fatuous comment / grin\n    fatuously adverb


Words: faucet
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) (BrE tap) a device that controls the flow of water from a pipe:\nthe hot / cold faucet * to turn a faucet on / off


Words: fault
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  responsibility\n  1  [U] ~ (that ...) | ~ (for doing sth) the responsibility for sth wrong that has happened or been done:\nIt was his fault that we were late. * Why should I say sorry when it’s not my fault? * It’s nobody’s fault. * It’s your own fault for being careless. * Many people live in poverty through no fault of their own. * I think the owners are at fault (= responsible) for not warning us. * He believes that the product’s poor image is partly the fault of the press.\n  in sb’s character\n  2  [C] a bad or weak aspect of sb’s character:\nHe’s proud of his children and blind to their faults. * I love her for all her faults (= in spite of them). * I think my worst fault is impatience.\n  sth wrong\n  3  [C] something that is wrong or not perfect with sth; something that is wrong with a machine or system that stops it from working correctly:\nThe book’s virtues far outweigh its faults. * The system, for all its faults, is the best available at the moment. * a major fault in the design * a structural / an electrical fault\n  in tennis\n  4  [C] a mistake made when SERVING:\nHe has served a number of double faults in this set.\n  geology\n  5  [C] a place where there is a break that is longer than usual in the layers of rock in the earth’s CRUST:\nthe San Andreas fault * a fault line\n IDIOMS \n  to a fault (written) used to say that sb has a lot, or even too much, of a particular good quality:\nShe is generous to a fault.\nmore at FIND v.\n    verb [VN] (often used in negative sentences with can and could) to find a mistake or a weakness in sb/sth\nSYN CRITICIZE:\nHer colleagues could not fault her dedication to the job. * He had always been polite-she couldn’t fault him on that.


Words: faultless
Meaning:
adjective\nperfect; having no mistakes:\nfaultless English * Her piano-playing was faultless.\n    faultlessly adverb:\nThe engine performed faultlessly.


Words: faulty
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not perfect; not working or made correctly:\nAsk for a refund if the goods are faulty. * faulty workmanship * an accident caused by a faulty signal\n  2  (of a way of thinking) wrong or containing mistakes, often resulting in bad decisions:\nfaulty reasoning


Words: faun
Meaning:
noun\n(in ancient Roman stories) a god of the woods, with a man’s face and body and a goat’s legs and horns


Words: fauna
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] all the animals living in an area or in a particular period of history:\nthe local flora and fauna (= plants and animals) * (technical) land and marine faunas


Words: faux pas
Meaning:
noun\n(plural faux pas ) (from French) an action or a remark that causes embarrassment because it is not socially correct


Words: fave
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a favourite person or thing:\nThat song is one of my faves.\n    fave adjective:\nher fave TV show


Words: favour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE favor)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  help\n  1  [C] a thing that you do to help sb:\nCould you do me a favour and pick up Sam from school today? * Can I ask a favour? * I would never ask for any favours from her. * I’m going as a favour to Ann, not because I want to. * I’ll ask Steve to take it. He owes me a favour. * Thanks for helping me out. I’ll return the favour (= help you because you have helped me) some time. * Do yourself a favour (= help yourself) and wear a helmet on the bike.\n  approval\n  2  [U] approval or support for sb/sth:\nThe suggestion to close the road has found favour with (= been supported by) local people. * The programme has lost favour with viewers recently. * an athlete who fell from favour after a drugs scandal * (formal) The government looks with favour upon (= approves of) the report’s recommendations. * She’s not in favour with (= supported or liked by) the media just now. * It seems Tim is back in favour with the boss (= the boss likes him again).\n  better treatment\n  3  [U] treatment that is generous to one person or group in a way that seems unfair to others:\nAs an examiner, she showed no favour to any candidate.\n  party gift\n  4  (favors) [pl.] (AmE) = PARTY FAVORS\n  sex\n  5  (favours) [pl.] (old-fashioned) agreement to have sex with sb:\ndemands for sexual favours\n IDIOMS \n  do sb no favours to do sth that is not helpful to sb or that gives a bad impression of them:\nYou’re not doing yourself any favours, working for nothing. * The orchestra did Beethoven no favours.\n  Do me a favour! (spoken) used in reply to a question that you think is silly:\n’Do you think they’ll win?’ ’Do me a favour! They haven’t got a single decent player.’\n  in favour (of sb/sth)\n1 if you are in favour of sb/sth, you support and agree with them/it:\nHe argued in favour of a strike. * There were 247 votes in favour (of the motion) and 152 against. * I’m all in favour of (= completely support) equal pay for equal work. * Most of the ’don’t knows’ in the opinion polls came down in favour of (= eventually chose to support) the Democrats.\n2 if you replace one thing in favour of another, you think the second thing is better or you want it more:\nHe abandoned teaching in favour of a career as a musician.\n  in sb’s favour\n1 if sth is in sb’s favour, it gives them an advantage or helps them:\nThe exchange rate is in our favour at the moment. * She was willing to bend the rules in Mary’s favour.\n2 a decision or judgement that is in sb’s favour benefits that person or says that they were right:\nThe court decided in Ms Smith’s favour and she received compensation for unfair dismissal.\nmore at CURRY v., FEAR n., STACKED\n    verb\n  prefer\n  1  to prefer one system, plan, way of doing sth, etc. to another:\n[VN] Many countries favour a presidential system of government. * It’s a resort favoured by families with young children. [also V -ing, VN -ing]\n  treat better\n  2  [VN] to treat sb better than you treat other people, especially in an unfair way:\nThe treaty seems to favour the US. * My parents always favoured my older brother.\n  help\n  3  [VN] to provide suitable conditions for a particular person, group, etc:\nThe warm climate favours many types of tropical plants.\n  look like parent\n  4  [VN] (old-fashioned or AmE) to look like one of your parents or older relations:\nShe definitely favours her father.


Words: favourable
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE favorable)  adjective\n  1  making people have a good opinion of sb/sth:\nShe made a favourable impression on his parents. * The biography shows him in a favourable light.\n  2  positive and showing your good opinion of sb/sth:\nfavourable comments * Reviews of the book have been favourable.\n  3  ~ (to / for sb/sth) good for sth and making it likely to be successful or have an advantage:\nThe terms of the agreement are favourable to both sides. * The weather was favourable for a barbecue outside. * favourable economic conditions\n  4  fairly good and not too expensive:\nThey offered me a loan on very favourable terms.\nOPP UNFAVOURABLE\n    favourably (BrE) (AmE favorably)  adverb:\nHe speaks very favourably of your work. * These figures compare favourably with last year’s. * I was very favourably impressed with her work.


Words: favoured
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE favored)  adjective\n  1  treated in a special way or receiving special help or advantages in a way that may seem unfair:\na member of the President’s favoured circle of advisers\n  2  preferred by most people:\nthe favoured candidate\n  3  (formal) particularly pleasant and worth having:\nTheir house is in a very favoured position near the park.


Words: favourite
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE favorite)  adjective, noun \n    adjective liked more than others of the same kind:\nIt’s one of my favourite movies. * Who is your favourite writer?\n IDIOMS \n  sb’s favourite son a performer, politician, sports player, etc., who is popular where they were born\n    noun\n  1  a person or thing that you like more than the others of the same type:\nThese biscuits are great favourites with the children. * This song is a particular favourite of mine. * Which one’s your favourite? * The programme has become a firm favourite with young people.\n  2  a person who is liked better by sb and receives better treatment than others:\nShe loved all her grandchildren but Ann was her favourite.\n  3  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) the horse, competitor, team, etc. that is expected to win:\nThe favourite came third. * Her horse is the hot favourite for the race. * AC Milan, the hot favourites to win the European Cup\n  4  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) the person who is expected by most people to get a particular job or position:\nShe’s the favourite for the job. * She’s the favourite to succeed Blair as leader.


Words: favouritism
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE favoritism) noun\n[U] (disapproving) the act of unfairly treating one person better than others because you like them better:\nThe students accused the teacher of favouritism. * She had four children but never showed any favouritism.


Words: fawn
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective light yellowish-brown in colour:\na fawn coat\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a deer less than one year old\n \n  2  [U] a light yellowish-brown colour\n    verb [V] ~ (on / over sb) (disapproving) to try to please sb by praising them or paying them too much attention:\nHe seemed unaware of the girl’s fawning admiration.


Words: fax
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (also formal facsimile)\n \n  1  (also fax machine) [C] a machine that sends and receives documents in an electronic form along telephone wires and then prints them:\nDo you have a fax?\n \n  2  [U] a system for sending documents using a fax machine:\nCan you send it to me by fax? * What is your fax number?\n \n  3  [C] a letter or message sent by fax:\nDid you get my fax? * You can send faxes by e-mail from your computer.\n    verb ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb (sth) to send sb a document, message, etc. by fax: [VNN, VN] Could you fax me the latest version? * Could you fax it to me? * [VN] I faxed the list of hotels through to them.


Words: faze
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] (informal) to make you feel confused or shocked, so that you do not know what to do:\nShe wasn’t fazed by his comments. * He looked as if nothing could faze him.


Words: FBI
Meaning:
abbreviation\nFederal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI is the police department in the US that is controlled by the national government and that is responsible for dealing with crimes that affect more than one state.


Words: fear
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] ~ (of sb/sth) | ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (that ...) the bad feeling that you have when you are in danger, when sth bad might happen, or when a particular thing frightens you:\n(a) fear of the dark / spiders / flying * Her eyes showed no fear. * The child was shaking with fear. * We lived in constant fear of losing our jobs. * her fears for her son’s safety * the fear that he had cancer * The doctor’s report confirmed our worst fears. * Alan spoke of his fears for the future.\n IDIOMS \n  for fear of sth / of doing sth | for fear (that) ... to avoid the danger of sth happening:\nWe spoke quietly for fear of waking the guards. * I had to run away for fear (that) he might one day kill me.\n  in fear of your life feeling frightened that you might be killed\n  no fear (BrE, spoken) used to say that you definitely do not want to do sth:\n’Are you coming climbing?’ ’No fear!’\n  put the fear of God into sb to make sb very frightened, especially in order to make them do sth\n  without fear or favour (formal) in a fair way:\nThey undertook to make their judgement without fear or favour.\nmore at STRIKE v.\n    verb\n  1  to be frightened of sb/sth or frightened of doing sth:\n[VN] All his employees fear him. * to fear death / persecution / the unknown * Everyone feared the coming war. * Don’t worry, you have nothing to fear from us. * [V to inf] (formal) She feared to tell him the truth. [also V -ing]\n  2  to feel that sth bad might have happened or might happen in the future:\n[VN] She has been missing for three days now and police are beginning to fear the worst (= think that she is dead). * [VN-ADJ] Hundreds of people are feared dead. * [VN to inf] Women and children are feared to be among the victims.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is only used in the passive. [VN (that)] It is feared (that) he may have been kidnapped. * [V] Never fear / Fear not (= Don’t worry), I shall return. [also V (that)]\n  3  (I fear) [V] (formal) used to tell sb that you think that sth bad has happened or is true:\nThey are unlikely to get here on time, I fear. * ’He must be dead then?’ ’I fear so.’ * ’She’s not coming back?’ ’I fear not.’\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fear for sb/sth to be worried about sb/sth:\nWe fear for his safety. * He feared for his mother, left alone on the farm.


Words: fearful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sb) | ~ (of sth / of doing sth) | ~ (that) ... (formal) nervous and afraid:\nParents are ever fearful for their children. * fearful of an attack * She was fearful that she would fail. * Fearful of continued unrest, the government imposed a state of emergency.\n  2  [only before noun] (formal) terrible and frightening\n  3  (old-fashioned, informal) extremely bad:\nWe made a fearful mess of the room.\n    fearfully  adverb:\nWe watched fearfully. * fearfully (= extremely) expensive\n    fearfulness noun [U]


Words: fearless
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) not afraid, in a way that people admire:\na fearless mountaineer * She was fearless and full of energy.\n    fearlessly adverb\n    fearlessness noun [U]:\nHe showed complete fearlessness in the face of danger.


Words: fearsome
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) making people feel very frightened:\na fearsome dinosaur * He has a fearsome reputation as a fighter.


Words: feasible
Meaning:
adjective\nthat is possible and likely to be achieved\nSYN PRACTICABLE:\na feasible plan / suggestion / idea * It’s just not feasible to manage the business on a part-time basis.\nOPP UNFEASIBLE\n    feasibility  noun [U]:\na feasibility study on the proposed new airport * I doubt the feasibility of the plan.


Words: feast
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (formal)\n  1  a large or special meal, especially for a lot of people and to celebrate sth:\na wedding feast\n  2  a day or period of time when there is a religious festival:\nthe feast of Christmas * a feast day\n  3  [usually sing.] a thing or an event that brings great pleasure:\na feast of colours * The evening was a real feast for music lovers.\n    verb [V] ~ (on sth) to eat a large amount of food, with great enjoyment:\nWe sat in the yard feasting on barbecued chicken and beer.\n IDIOMS \n  feast your eyes (on sb/sth) to look at sb/sth and get great pleasure


Words: feat
Meaning:
noun\n(approving) an action or piece of work that needs skill, strength or courage:\nThe tunnel is a brilliant feat of engineering. * to perform / attempt / achieve astonishing feats * That was no mean feat (= it was difficult to do).


Words: feather
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n one of the many soft light parts covering a bird’s body:\na peacock feather * a feather pillow (= one containing feathers)\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  a feather in your cap an action that you can be proud of\nmore at BIRD, KNOCK v., RUFFLE v., SMOOTH v.\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  feather your (own) nest to make yourself richer, especially by spending money on yourself that should be spent on sth else\nmore at TAR v.


Words: feather boa
Meaning:
(also boa) noun\na long thin piece of clothing like a SCARF, made of feathers and worn over the shoulders by women, especially in the past


Words: feather-bed
Meaning:
verb\n(-dd-) [VN] (BrE) to make things easy for sb, especially by giving them money or good conditions of work


Words: featherweight
Meaning:
noun\na boxer weighing between 53.5 and 57 kilograms, heavier than a BANTAMWEIGHT:\na featherweight champion


Words: feature
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C]\n  1  something important, interesting or typical of a place or thing:\nAn interesting feature of the city is the old market. * Teamwork is a key feature of the training programme. * Which features do you look for when choosing a car? * The software has no particular distinguishing features. * geographical features\n  2  [usually pl.] a part of sb’s face such as their nose, mouth and eyes:\nhis strong handsome features * Her eyes are her most striking feature.\n  3  ~ (on sb/sth) (in newspapers, on television, etc.) a special article or programme about sb/sth:\na special feature on education\n  4  (old-fashioned) the main film/movie in a cinema programme\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to include a particular person or thing as a special feature:\nThe film features Anthony Hopkins as Picasso. * The latest model features alloy wheels and an electronic alarm. * Many of the hotels featured in the brochure offer special deals for weekend breaks.\n  2  [V] ~ (in sth) to have an important part in sth:\nOlive oil and garlic feature prominently in his recipes.


Words: featureless
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout any qualities or noticeable characteristics:\nThe countryside is flat and featureless.


Words: febrile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) nervous, excited and very active:\na product of her febrile imagination\n  2  (medical) (of an illness) caused by fever


Words: February
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (abbreviation Feb.) the 2nd month of the year, between January and March\n HELP NOTE  To see how February is used, look at the examples at April.


Words: feckless
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a weak character; not behaving in a responsible way:\nHer husband was a charming, but lazy and feckless man.\n    fecklessness noun [U]:\nShe had lost the fecklessness of youth and settled down.


Words: fecund
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  able to produce a lot of children, crops, etc.\nSYN FERTILE\n  2  producing new and useful things, especially ideas:\na fecund imagination\n    fecundity  noun [U]:\nFecundity declines rapidly after the age of 40. * The fecundity of her imagination remained undiminished even at 80.


Words: fed up
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) (especially spoken) bored or unhappy, especially with a situation that has continued for too long:\nYou look fed up. What’s the matter? * I’m fed up with waiting for her. * People are fed up with all these traffic jams. * In the end, I just got fed up with his constant complaining. * I wish he’d get a job. I’m fed up with it (= with the situation). * I’m fed up to the back teeth (= very fed up) with hearing about your problems.\n HELP NOTE  Some people say ’fed up of sth’ in BrE, but this is not considered correct in standard English.


Words: federal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having a system of government in which the individual states of a country have control over their own affairs, but are controlled by a central government for national decisions, etc:\na federal republic\n  2  (within a federal system, especially the US) connected with national government rather than the local government of an individual state:\na federal law * state and federal income taxes\n    federally adverb:\nfederally funded health care


Words: federalist
Meaning:
noun\na supporter of a FEDERAL system of government\n    federalist adjective:\na federalist future in Europe\n    federalism  noun [U]:\nEuropean federalism


Words: federate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (technical) (of states, organizations, etc.) to unite under a central government or organization while keeping some local control


Words: federation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a country consisting of a group of individual states that have control over their own affairs but are controlled by a central government for national decisions, etc:\nthe Russian Federation\n  2  [C] a group of clubs, trade unions, etc. that have joined together to form an organization:\nthe International Tennis Federation\n  3  [U] the act of forming a federation:\nMany MPs are against federation in Europe.


Words: fee
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an amount of money that you pay for professional advice or services:\nlegal fees * Does the bank charge a fee for setting up the account? * fee-paying schools (= that you have to pay to go to)\n  2  an amount of money that you pay to join an organization, or to do sth:\nmembership fees * There is no entrance fee to the gallery.


Words: feeble
Meaning:
1  very weak:\na feeble old man * The heartbeat was feeble and irregular.\n  2  not effective; not showing determination or energy:\na feeble argument / excuse / joke * a feeble attempt to explain * Don’t be so feeble! Tell her you don’t want to go.\n    feebleness noun [U]\n    feebly  adverb:\nHe shook his head feebly.


Words: feeble-minded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (old use, offensive) having less than usual intelligence\n  2  weak and unable to make decisions


Words: feed
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (fed, fed )\n  give / eat food\n  1  ~ sb/sth (on) sth | ~ sth to sb/sth to give food to a person or an animal:\n[VN] Have you fed the cat yet? * The baby can’t feed itself yet (= can’t put food into its own mouth). * The cattle are fed on barley. * [VNN, VN] The cattle are fed barley. * The barley is fed to the cattle.\n  2  [V] (of a baby or an animal) to eat food:\nSlugs and snails feed at night.\nsee also FEED ON / OFF STH\n  3  [VN] to provide food for a family or group of people:\nThey have a large family to feed. * There’s enough here to feed an army.\n  plant\n  4  [VN] to give a plant a special substance to make it grow:\nFeed the plants once a week.\n  give advice / information\n  5  ~ sb sth | ~ sth to sb to give advice, information, etc. to sb/sth: [VNN, VN] We are constantly fed gossip and speculation by the media. * Gossip and speculation are constantly fed to us by the media.\n  supply\n  6  [VN] ~ A (with B) | ~ B into A to supply sth to sb/sth:\nThe electricity line is fed with power through an underground cable. * Power is fed into the electricity line through an underground cable. * The lake is fed by a river.\n  put into machine\n  7  [VN] ~ A (with B) | ~ B into A | ~ sth (into / through sth) to put or push sth into or through a machine:\nHe fed coins into the meter. * He fed the meter with coins. * The information was fed into the data store. * The fabric is fed through the machine.\n  satisfy need\n  8  [VN] to satisfy a need, desire, etc. and keep it strong:\nFor drug addicts, the need to feed the addiction takes priority over everything else.\n IDIOMS \n  feed your face (informal, usually disapproving) to eat a lot of food or too much food\n  a feeding frenzy (especially AmE) a period of time during which sb/sth eats, spends, etc. a lot in a way that does not seem to be controlled\nmore at BITE v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  feed on / off sth\n1 (of an animal) to eat sth:\nButterflies feed on the flowers of garden plants.\n2 (often disapproving) to become stronger because of sth else:\nRacism feeds on fear. * He feeds off the work and reputation of others.\n  feed through (to sb/sth) to reach sb/sth after going through a process or system:\nIt will take time for the higher rates to feed through to investors.\n  feed sb<->up (BrE) to give a lot of food to sb to make them fatter or stronger\n    noun\n  meal for baby / animal\n  1  [C] a meal of milk for a young baby; a meal for an animal:\nher morning feed\n  for animals / plants\n  2  [U, C] food for animals or plants:\nwinter feed for the horses * liquid tomato feed * a sack of feed\n  for machine\n  3  [U] material supplied to a machine\n  4  [C] a pipe, device, etc. which supplies a machine with sth:\nthe cold feed to the water cylinder * The printer has an automatic paper feed.\n  large meal\n  5  [C] (informal) a large meal:\nThey needed a bath and a good feed.\n  television programmes\n  6  [U] (AmE) television programmes that are sent from a central station to other stations in a NETWORK; the system of sending out these programmes:\nnetwork feed


Words: feedback
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  advice, criticism or information about how good or useful sth or sb’s work is:\nI’d appreciate some feedback on my work. * The teacher will give you feedback on the test. * We need both positive and negative feedback from our customers.\n  2  the unpleasant noise produced by electrical equipment such as an AMPLIFIER when some of the power returns to the system


Words: feeder
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (used with an adjective or a noun) an animal or plant that eats a particular thing or eats in a particular way:\nplankton feeders * opportunistic feeders, like gulls and gannets\n  2  a mechanism that supplies sth to a machine:\nAn optional 1 500 sheet feeder can be attached to the photocopier.\n  3  a container filled with food for birds or animals\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of roads, rivers, etc.) leading to a bigger road, etc:\na feeder road to the motorway / freeway\n  2  supplying goods, services, etc. to a large organization\n  3  (AmE) (of animals on a farm) kept to be killed and used for meat


Words: feeder school
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a school from which most of the children go to a particular SECONDARY SCHOOL or college in the same area:\nthe Sixth Form College and its four feeder schools


Words: feel
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (felt, felt )\n  well / sick / happy / sad, etc.\n  1  linking verb to experience a particular feeling or emotion:\n[V-ADJ] The heat made him feel faint. * She sounded more confident than she felt. * I was feeling guilty. * You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep. * She felt betrayed. * I feel sorry for him. * [V +adv./prep.] How are you feeling today? * I know exactly how you feel (= I feel sympathy for you). * Luckily I was feeling in a good mood. * [VN] He seemed to feel no remorse at all. * [V-N] Standing there on stage I felt a complete idiot. * [V] I felt like a complete idiot.\n  be / become aware\n  2  (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to notice or be aware of sth because it is touching you or having a physical effect on you\nSYN SENSE:\n[VN] I could feel the warm sun on my back. * She could not feel her legs. * I can’t feel his pulse. * He felt a hand on his shoulder. * [VN -ing] He felt a hand touching his shoulder. * She could feel herself blushing. * He felt the sweat running down his face. * [VN inf] I felt something crawl up my arm. * We felt the ground give way under our feet.\n  3  [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to become aware of sth even though you cannot see it, hear it, etc.\nSYN SENSE:\nCan you feel the tension in this room?\n  have impression\n  4  linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to give you a particular feeling or impression:\n[V-ADJ] It felt strange to be back in my old school. * My mouth felt completely dry. * [V] The interview only took ten minutes, but it felt like hours. * It feels like rain (= seems likely to rain). * Her head felt as if it would burst. * It felt as though he had run a marathon. * How does it feel to be alone all day?\n HELP NOTE  In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though in this meaning, especially in AmE: He felt like he’d run a marathon. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.\n  touch\n  5  linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular physical quality which you become aware of by touching:\n[V-ADJ] The water feels warm. * Its skin feels really smooth. * [V] This wallet feels like leather.\n  6  to deliberately move your fingers over sth in order to find out what it is like:\n[VN] Can you feel the bump on my head? * Try to tell what this is just by feeling it. * [V wh-] Feel how rough this is.\n  think / believe\n  7  (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to think or believe that sth is the case; to have a particular opinion or attitude\nSYN THINK:\n[V (that)] We all felt (that) we were unlucky to lose. * I felt (that) I had to apologize. * I feel I could continue playing until I am 35. * [VN to inf] She felt it to be her duty to tell the police. * [VN-N] She felt it her duty to tell the police. * [VN-ADJ] I felt it advisable to do nothing. * [V] This decision is, I feel, a huge mistake. * This is something I feel strongly about.\n  be strongly affected\n  8  [VN] to experience the effects or results of sth, often strongly:\nHe feels the cold a lot. * Cathy was really feeling the heat. * She felt her mother’s death very deeply. * The effects of the recession are being felt everywhere. * We all felt the force of her arguments.\n  search with hands\n  9  [V] ~ (about / around) (for sth) to search for sth with your hands, feet, etc:\nHe felt in his pockets for some money. * I had to feel about in the dark for the light switch.\n IDIOMS \n  feel your age to realize that you are getting old, especially compared with people you are with who are younger than you\n  feel your ears burning to think or imagine that other people are talking about you\n  feel free (to do sth) (informal) used to tell sb that they are allowed to do sth:\nFeel free to ask questions if you don’t understand. * ’Can I use your phone?’ ’Feel free.’\n  feel good to feel happy, confident, etc:\nIt makes me feel good to know my work is appreciated.\n  feel (it) in your bones (that ...) to be certain about sth even though you do not have any direct proof and cannot explain why you are certain:\nI know I’m going to fail this exam-I can feel it in my bones.\n  feel like sth / like doing sth to want to have or do sth:\nI feel like a drink. * We all felt like celebrating. * He felt like bursting into tears. * We’ll go for a walk if you feel like it.\n  feel the pinch (informal) to not have enough money:\nLots of people who have lost their jobs are starting to feel the pinch.\n  feel sick (especially BrE) (AmE usually feel sick to your stomach) to feel as though you will VOMIT soon:\nMum! I feel sick.\n  feel your way\n1 to move along carefully, for example when it is dark, by touching walls, objects, etc.\n2 to be careful about how you do things, usually because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with:\nShe was new in the job, still feeling her way.\n  not feel yourself to not feel healthy and well:\nI’m not quite feeling myself today.\nmore at DEATH, FLATTER, HARD adv., HONOUR n., HONOUR v., JELLY, MARK n., MILLION, PRESENCE, SMALL adj.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  feel for sb to have sympathy for sb:\nI really felt for her when her husband died. * I do feel for you, honestly.\n  feel sb<->up (informal) to touch sb sexually, especially when they do not want you to\n  feel up to sth to have the strength and energy to do or deal with sth:\nDo we have to go to the party? I really don’t feel up to it. * [+ -ing] After the accident she didn’t feel up to driving.\n    noun [sing.]\n  touch\n  1  (the feel) the feeling you get when you touch sth or are touched:\nYou can tell it’s silk by the feel. * She loved the feel of the sun on her skin.\n  2  an act of feeling or touching:\nI had a feel of the material. * rough / smooth to the feel\n  impression\n  3  the impression that is created by a place, situation, etc.; atmosphere:\nIt’s a big city but it has the feel of a small town. * The room has a comfortable feel to it. * There is an international feel to the restaurant.\n IDIOMS \n  get the feel of sth / of doing sth to become familiar with sth or with doing sth:\nI haven’t got the feel of the brakes in this car yet.\n  have a feel for sth to have an understanding of sth or be naturally good at doing it:\nShe has a real feel for languages.


