# dict

Words: power steering
Meaning:
(BrE also power-assisted steering) noun\n[U] (in a vehicle) a system that uses power from the engine to help the driver change direction


Words: power-sharing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a policy or system in which different groups or political parties share responsibility for making decisions, taking political action, etc.


Words: powered
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually in compounds) operated by a form of energy such as electricity or by the type of energy mentioned:\na powered wheelchair * a solar-powered calculator * battery-powered tools\nsee also HIGH-POWERED


Words: powerful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people) being able to control and influence people and events\nSYN INFLUENTIAL:\nan immensely powerful nation / group / organization * one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood * a rich and powerful man * Only the intervention of powerful friends obtained her release.\n  2  having great power or force; very effective:\npowerful weapons / tools * a powerful engine / car * a powerful voice / smell * a powerful telescope * I traded my computer in for a more powerful model.\n  3  having a strong effect on your mind or body:\na powerful image / drug / speech * Television may have a powerful influence on children. * Fear is a powerful emotion. * There is a powerful argument for changing the law.\n  4  (of a person or an animal) physically strong:\na powerful body * a powerful athlete\n    powerfully  adverb:\na powerfully emotive song * He is powerfully built (= he has a large strong body). * She argued powerfully for reform.


Words: powerhouse
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a group or an organization that has a lot of power:\nChina has been described as an ’emerging economic powerhouse’.\n  2  a person who is very strong and full of energy


Words: powerless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  without power to control or to influence sb/sth\nSYN HELPLESS:\npowerless minorities * When the enemy attacked, we were completely powerless against them. * As children we all feel powerless.\n  2  ~ to do sth completely unable to do sth:\nI saw what was happening, but I was powerless to help. * The Embassy seemed powerless to intervene.\n    powerlessness noun [U]:\na feeling / sense of powerlessness


Words: pox
Meaning:
noun (the pox) [sing.] (old use)\n  1  an infectious disease spread by sexual contact\nSYN SYPHILIS\n  2  = SMALLPOX


Words: poxy
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (BrE) if sb describes sth as poxy, they think it has little value or importance


Words: pp abbreviation
Meaning:
1  (pp.) pages:\nSee pp. 100117.\n  2  (also p.p.) (especially BrE) used in front of a person’s name when sb signs a business letter on his/her behalf:\npp Chris Baker (= from Chris Baker, but signed by sb else because Chris Baker is away)\n  3  (music) very quietly (from Italian ’pianissimo’)


Words: PPS
Meaning:
noun\nthe abbreviation for ’Parliamentary Private Secretary’ (a Member of Parliament in Britain who is given the job of helping a minister)


Words: PR
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the abbreviation for PUBLIC RELATIONS:\na PR department / agency / campaign * The article is very good PR for the theatre.\n  2  the abbreviation for PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION


Words: practicable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of an idea, a plan or a suggestion) able to be done; likely to be successful\nSYN FEASIBLE, WORKABLE:\nat the earliest practicable date / opportunity * as soon as (is) practicable * The only practicable alternative is to postpone the meeting. * Employers should provide a safe working environment, as far as is reasonably practicable. * Working at night wasn’t a practicable proposition.\ncompare IMPRACTICABLE\n    practicability  noun [U]:\nWe were doubtful about the practicability of the plan.\n    practicably  adverb:\nPlease reply as soon as is practicably possible.


Words: practical
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  connected with real things\n  1  connected with real situations rather than with ideas or theories:\nto have gained practical experience of the work * practical advice / help / support * practical problems / difficulties * There are some obvious practical applications of the research. * In practical terms, it means spending less. * From a practical point of view, it isn’t a good place to live.\ncompare THEORETICAL\n  likely to work\n  2  (of an idea, a method or a course of action) right or sensible; likely to be successful\nSYN WORKABLE:\nIt wouldn’t be practical for us to go all that way just for the weekend. * It was difficult to find a practical solution to the problem.\nOPP IMPRACTICAL\n  useful\n  3  (of things) useful or suitable:\na practical little car, ideal for the city * Cool, loose-fitting clothes are practical in a hot climate.\nOPP IMPRACTICAL\n  sensible\n  4  (of a person) sensible and realistic:\nLet’s be practical and work out the cost first.\nOPP IMPRACTICAL\n  good at making things\n  5  (of a person) good at making or repairing things:\nBob’s very practical. He does all the odd jobs around the house.\n  almost total\n  6  [only before noun] almost complete or total\nSYN VIRTUAL:\nShe married a practical stranger. * They’re a practical certainty to win the game.\n IDIOMS \n  for (all) practical purposes used when you are stating what the reality of a situation is:\nThere’s still another ten minutes of the game to go, but for practical purposes it’s already over.\n    noun (BrE, informal) a lesson or an exam in science or technology in which students have to do or make things, not just read or write about them:\na biology practical * The second part of the exam is a three-hour practical.


Words: practical joke
Meaning:
noun\na trick that is played on sb to make them look stupid and to make other people laugh\n    practical joker noun:\nHe’s a real practical joker.


Words: practicality
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the quality of being suitable, or likely to be successful:\nI have doubts about the practicality of their proposal. * Victorian engineers combined practicality with beauty.\n  2  [U] the quality of being sensible and realistic:\nI was impressed by her practicality.\n  3  (practicalities) [pl.] the real facts and circumstances rather than ideas or theories:\nIt sounds like a good idea; let’s look at the practicalities and work out the costs.


Words: practically
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (especially spoken) almost; very nearly\nSYN VIRTUALLY:\npractically empty / impossible * I meet famous people practically every day. * My essay is practically finished now. * With that crack in it, the vase is worth practically nothing. * There’s practically no difference between the two options. -> ALMOST\n  2  in a realistic or sensible way; in real situations:\nPractically speaking, we can’t afford it. * It sounds like a good idea, but I don’t think it will work practically.\ncompare THEORETICALLY


Words: practice
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  action not ideas\n  1  [U] action rather than ideas:\nthe theory and practice of teaching * She’s determined to put her new ideas into practice.\n  way of doing sth\n  2  [U, C] a way of doing sth that is the usual or expected way in a particular organization or situation:\ncommon / current / standard practice * guidelines for good / best practice * a review of pay and working practices * occult / religious practices * child care policy and practice\nsee also CODE OF PRACTICE, RESTRICTIVE PRACTICES, SHARP PRACTICE\n  habit / custom\n  3  [C] a thing that is done regularly; a habit or a custom:\nthe German practice of giving workers a say in how their company is run * It is his practice to read several books a week.\n  for improving skill\n  4  [U, C] doing an activity or training regularly so that you can improve your skill; the time you spend doing this:\nconversation practice * piano / football practice * It takes a lot of practice to play the violin well. * There’s a basketball practice every Friday evening. * She does an hour’s piano practice every day.\n  of doctor / lawyer\n  5  [U, C] the work or the business of some professional people such as doctors, dentists and lawyers; the place where they work:\nthe practice of law / medicine * Students should have prior experience of veterinary practice. * My solicitor is no longer in practice. * a successful medical / dental / law practice\nsee also GENERAL PRACTICE, GROUP PRACTICE, PRIVATE PRACTICE\n IDIOMS \n  in practice in reality:\nPrisoners have legal rights, but in practice these rights are not always respected.\n  be / get / out of practice to be/become less good at doing sth than you were because you have not spent time doing it recently:\nDon’t ask me to speak French! I’m out of practice.\n  practice makes perfect (saying) a way of encouraging people by telling them that if you do an activity regularly and try to improve your skill, you will become very good at it\n    verb (AmE) = PRACTISE


Words: practise
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE practice)  verb\n  1  ~ (for sth) | ~ (sth) (on sb/sth) to do an activity or train regularly so that you can improve your skill:\n[V] You need to practise every day. * She’s practising for her piano exam. * [VN] I’ve been practising my serve for weeks. * He usually wants to practise his English on me. * [V -ing] Practise reversing the car into the garage.\n  2  [VN] to do sth regularly as part of your normal behaviour:\nto practise self-restraint / safe sex * Do you still practise your religion?\n  3  ~ (as sth) to work as a doctor, lawyer, etc:\n[V] There are over 50 000 solicitors practising in England and Wales. * She practised as a barrister for many years. * [VN] He was banned from practising medicine.\n IDIOMS \n  practise what you preach to do the things yourself that you tell other people to do


Words: practised
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE practiced)  adjective\n~ (in sth) good at doing sth because you have been doing it regularly:\nShe’s only 18 but she’s already a practised composer. * It took a practised eye to spot the difference. * He has good ideas but he isn’t practised in the art of marketing.


Words: practising
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE practicing)  adjective\n[only before noun] taking an active part in a particular religion, profession, etc:\na practising Christian / teacher


Words: practitioner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (technical) a person who works in a profession, especially medicine or law:\ndental / legal practitioners * a qualified practitioner\nsee also GENERAL PRACTITIONER\n  2  (formal) a person who regularly does a particular activity, especially one that requires skill:\none of the greatest practitioners of science fiction


Words: pragmatic
Meaning:
adjective\nsolving problems in a practical and sensible way rather than by having fixed ideas or theories\nSYN REALISTIC:\na pragmatic approach to management problems\n    pragmatically  adverb:\nThe company responded pragmatically to local conditions.


Words: pragmatics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (linguistics) the study of the way in which language is used to express what sb really means in particular situations, especially when the actual words used may appear to mean sth different


Words: pragmatism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) thinking about solving problems in a practical and sensible way rather than by having fixed ideas and theories:\nThe claims were based on reason, pragmatism and common sense.\n    pragmatist  noun:\nThe successful teacher is invariably a pragmatist and a realist.


Words: prairie
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a flat wide area of land in N. America and Canada, without many trees and originally covered with grass


Words: praise
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  (also less frequent praises [pl.]) words that show approval of or admiration for sb/sth:\nHis teachers are full of praise for the progress he’s making. * She wrote poems in praise of freedom. * His latest movie has won high praise from the critics. * We have nothing but praise for the way they handled the investigation. * The team coach singled out two players for special praise. * She left with their praises ringing in her ears. * They always sing his praises (= praise him very highly).\n  2  the expression of worship to God:\nhymns / songs of praise * Praise be (to God)! (= expressing belief or joy)\n IDIOMS  see DAMN v.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (for sth) | ~ sb/sth (as sth) to express your approval or admiration for sb/sth\nSYN COMPLIMENT:\nShe praised his cooking. * He praised his team for their performance. * They were praised by police for reporting the theft. * Critics praised the work as highly original.\n  2  to express your thanks to or your respect for God:\nPraise the Lord. * Allah be praised.\n IDIOMS \n  praise sb/sth to the skies to praise sb/sth a lot


Words: pram
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE baby carriage) noun\na small vehicle on four wheels for a baby to go out in, pushed by a person on foot


Words: prance
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  [+adv./prep.] to move quickly with exaggerated steps so that people will look at you:\nThe lead singer was prancing around with the microphone. * She pranced out of the room.\n  2  (of a horse) to move with high steps


Words: prank
Meaning:
noun\na trick that is played on sb as a joke:\na childish / silly prank * The incident was a prank that went wrong.\n    prankster  noun:\nStudent pranksters have done considerable damage to the school buildings.


Words: prate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (on) (about sth) (old-fashioned, disapproving) to talk too much in a stupid or boring way


Words: prattle
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (on / away) (about sb/sth) (old-fashioned, often disapproving) to talk a lot about unimportant things:\nShe prattled on about her children all evening.\n    prattle noun [U]


Words: prawn
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) (AmE usually shrimp) a shellfish with ten legs and a long tail, that can be eaten. Prawns turn pink when cooked.


Words: pray
Meaning:
verb, adverb \n    verb\n  1  ~ (to sb) (for sb/sth) to speak to God, especially to give thanks or ask for help:\n[V] They knelt down and prayed. * I’ll pray for you. * to pray for peace / rain * She prayed to God for an end to her sufferings. * [V (that)] We prayed (that) she would recover from her illness. * [V to inf] He prayed to be forgiven. [also V speech]\n  2  ~ (for sth) to hope very much that sth will happen:\n[V] We’re praying for good weather on Saturday. * [V that] I prayed that nobody would notice my mistake.\n    adverb (old use or ironic) used to mean ’please’ when you are asking a question or telling sb to do sth:\nWhat, pray, is the meaning of this? * Pray continue.


Words: prayer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (for sb/sth) words which you say to God giving thanks or asking for help:\nto say your prayers * prayers for the sick * He arrived at that very moment, as if in answer to her prayer. * Their prayers were answered and the child was found safe and well.\n  2  [C] a fixed form of words that you can say when you speak to God:\nIt was a prayer she had learnt as a child.\nsee also THE LORD’S PRAYER\n  3  [U] the act or habit of praying:\nThey knelt in prayer. * We believe in the power of prayer.\n  4  (prayers) [pl.] a religious meeting that takes place regularly, in which people say prayers\n  5  [usually sing.] a thing that you hope for very much:\nMy prayer is that one day he will walk again.\n IDIOMS  see WING n.


Words: praying mantis
Meaning:
(also mantis) noun\na large green insect that eats other insects. The female praying mantis often eats the male.


Words: pre-
Meaning:
prefix\n(in verbs, nouns and adjectives) before:\npreheat * precaution * pre-war * preseason training (= before a sports season starts)\ncompare ANTE-, POST-


Words: pre-cooked
Meaning:
adjective\n(of food) prepared and partly cooked in advance so that it can be quickly heated and eaten later


Words: pre-date
Meaning:
(also antedate) verb\n[VN] to be built or formed, or to happen, at an earlier date than sth else in the past:\nFew of the town’s fine buildings pre-date the earthquake of 1755.\nOPP POST-DATE


Words: pre-eminent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) more important, more successful or of a higher standard than others:\na pre-eminent example of the artist’s work * Charles Dickens was pre-eminent among English writers of his day.\n    pre-eminence noun [U]:\nto achieve pre-eminence in public life


Words: pre-eminently
Meaning:
adverb\nto a very great degree; especially:\na subject that she was pre-eminently qualified to talk about


Words: pre-empt
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to prevent sth from happening by taking action to stop it:\nHer departure pre-empted any further questions. * A good training course will pre-empt many problems. * The government announced it had pre-empted a coup attempt.\n  2  to do or say sth before sb else does:\nShe was just about to apologize when he pre-empted her. * I do not want to pre-empt anything that the treasurer is going to say.\n  3  (AmE) to replace a planned programme on the television:\n’Roseanne’ will be pre-empted by a special news bulletin.


Words: pre-emption
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (business) the opportunity given to one person or group to buy goods, shares, etc:\nExisting shareholders will have pre-emption rights.


Words: pre-emptive
Meaning:
adjective\ndone to stop sb taking action, especially action that will be harmful to yourself:\na pre-emptive attack / strike on the military base


Words: pre-exist
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to exist from an earlier time:\na pre-existing medical condition\n    pre-existent adjective


Words: pre-packed
Meaning:
(also pre-packaged) adjective\n(of goods, especially food) put into packages before being sent to shops/stores to be sold:\npre-packed sandwiches


Words: Pre-Raphaelite
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun a member of a group of British 19th century artists who painted in a style similar to Italian artists of the 14th and 15th centuries, before the time of Raphael:\nthe Pre-Raphaelites\n    adjective\n  1  connected with or in the style of the Pre-Raphaelites:\nPre-Raphaelite paintings\n  2  (especially of a woman) looking like a person in a painting by one of the Pre-Raphaelites, for example with pale skin and long thick dark red hair


Words: pre-record
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to record music, a television programme, etc. in advance, so that it can be broadcast or used later


Words: pre-recorded
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] a pre-recorded piece of music, film, or radio or television programme has been recorded in advance so that it can be played later:\na pre-recorded interview * a pre-recorded tape / video\ncompare LIVE adj. (2,3)


Words: pre-school
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with the age when a child is too young to go to school:\nchildren of pre-school age * pre-school children / education


Words: pre-tax
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] before the tax has been taken away:\npre-tax profits / losses / income


Words: pre-war
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] happening or existing before a war, especially before the Second World War:\nthe pre-war years * pre-war Britain


Words: preach
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to give a religious talk in a public place, especially in a church during a service:\n[V] She preached to the congregation about forgiveness. * [VN] The minister preached a sermon on the parable of the lost sheep.\n  2  to tell people about a particular religion, way of life, system, etc. in order to persuade them to accept it:\n[VN] to preach the word of God * He preached the virtues of capitalism to us. * [V] She preached about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.\n  3  [V] (disapproving) to give sb advice on morals, behaviour, etc., especially in a way that they find annoying or boring:\nI’m sorry, I didn’t mean to preach. * You’re preaching at me again!\n IDIOMS \n  preach to the converted to speak to people in support of views that they already hold\nmore at PRACTISE


Words: preacher
Meaning:
noun\na Christian, often a member of the CLERGY, who preaches at a church service or a religious meeting:\na preacher famous for her inspiring sermons * a lay preacher (= who is not a priest, etc. but who has been trained to give religious talks)


Words: preachy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) trying to give advice or to persuade people to accept an opinion on what is right and wrong


Words: preamble
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) an introduction to a book or a written document; an introduction to sth you say:\nThe aims of the treaty are stated in its preamble. * She gave him the bad news without preamble.


Words: precarious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a situation) not safe or certain; dangerous:\nHe earned a precarious living as an artist. * The museum is in a financially precarious position. * The world is a precarious and unstable place.\n  2  likely to fall or cause sb to fall:\nThat ladder looks very precarious. * The path down to the beach is very precarious in wet weather.\n    precariously adverb:\nThe economy is precariously close to recession. * He balanced the glass precariously on the arm of his chair.\n    precariousness noun [U]


Words: precaution
Meaning:
noun [often pl.]\n  1  ~ (against sth) something that is done in advance in order to prevent problems or to avoid danger:\nsafety precautions * precautions against fire * You must take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your family. * I’ll keep the letter as a precaution.\n  2  (precautions) [pl.] a way of referring to CONTRACEPTION:\nWe didn’t take any precautions and I got pregnant.\n    precautionary  adjective:\nHe was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.


Words: precede
Meaning:
verb (written)\n  1  to happen before sth or come before sth/sb in order:\n[VN] the years preceding the war * His resignation was preceded by weeks of speculation. * She preceded me in the job. * [V] See the preceding chapter. * It had happened during the preceding year.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to go in front of sb:\nShe preceded him out of the room.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  precede sth with sth to do or say sth to introduce sth else:\nShe preceded her speech with a vote of thanks to the committee.


Words: precedence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (over sb/sth) the condition of being more important than sb else and therefore coming or being dealt with first\nSYN PRIORITY:\nShe had to learn that her wishes did not take precedence over other people’s needs. * The speakers came on to the platform in order of precedence (= the most important one first). * Environmental concerns must be given precedence over commercial interest.


Words: precedent
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] an official action or decision that has happened in the past and that is seen as an example or a rule to be followed in a similar situation later:\nThe ruling set a precedent for future libel cases.\n  2  [C, U] a similar action or event that happened earlier:\nhistorical precedents * There is no precedent for a disaster of this scale. * Such protests are without precedent in recent history.\n  3  [U] the way that things have always been done\nSYN TRADITION:\nto break with precedent (= to do sth in a different way)\nsee also UNPRECEDENTED


Words: precept
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) a rule about how to behave or what to think\nSYN PRINCIPLE:\nmoral / ideological precepts * I believe in the precept of ’Person first, disability second’.


Words: precinct
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a commercial area in a town where cars cannot go:\na pedestrian / shopping precinct\n  2  (AmE) one of the parts into which a town or city is divided in order to organize elections:\nvoters in key precincts\n  3  (AmE) a part of a city that has its own police station; the police station in this area:\nDetective Hennessy of the 44th precinct * The murder occurred just a block from the precinct.\n  4  [usually pl.] the area around a place or a building, sometimes enclosed by a wall:\nthe cathedral / college precincts * within the precincts of the castle


Words: precious
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  rare and worth a lot of money:\na precious vase * The crown was set with precious jewels-diamonds, rubies and emeralds.\nsee also PRECIOUS METAL, PRECIOUS STONE\n  2  valuable or important and not to be wasted:\nClean water is a precious commodity in that part of the world. * You’re wasting precious time!\n  3  loved or valued very much:\nprecious memories / possessions\n  4  [only before noun] (spoken) used to show you are angry that another person thinks sth is very important:\nI didn’t touch your precious car!\n  5  (disapproving) (especially of people and their behaviour) very formal, exaggerated and not natural in what you say and do\n    preciousness noun [U]:\nthe preciousness of an old friendship * His writings reveal an unattractive preciousness of style.\n    adverb (informal) ~ little / few used to emphasize the fact that there is very little of sth or that there are very few of sth:\nThere’s precious little to do in this town. * Precious few people can afford those prices.


Words: precious metal
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a very valuable metal such as gold or silver:\na craftsman in precious metals * coins made of precious metal


Words: precious stone
Meaning:
(also stone) noun\na rare valuable stone, such as a diamond, that is used in jewellery:\na ring set with a precious stone\nsee also SEMI-PRECIOUS


Words: precipice
Meaning:
noun\na very steep side of a high cliff, mountain or rock: (figurative) The country was now on the edge of a precipice (= very close to disaster).\nsee also PRECIPITOUS


Words: precipitate
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb  [VN] (formal)\n  1  to make sth, especially sth bad, happen suddenly or sooner than it should:\nHis resignation precipitated a leadership crisis.\n  2  ~ sb/sth into sth to suddenly force sb/sth into a particular state or condition:\nThe assassination of the president precipitated the country into war.\n    adjective  (formal) (of an action or a decision) happening very quickly or suddenly and usually without enough care and thought:\nthe precipitate resignation of the director * To force a decision now would be precipitate.\n    precipitately adverb:\nto act precipitately\n    noun  (chemistry) a solid substance that has been separated from a liquid in a chemical process:\nA yellow precipitate should form immediately.


Words: precipitation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (technical) rain, snow, etc. that falls; the amount of this that falls:\nThere is heavy precipitation in some parts of the country. * Acid precipitation may cause a reduction in forest productivity. * an increase in annual precipitation\n  2  [U, C] (chemistry) a chemical process in which solid material is separated from a liquid:\ncalcium phosphate precipitation


Words: precipitous
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  very steep, high and often dangerous:\nprecipitous cliffs / slopes * a precipitous drop at the side of the road\n  2  sudden and great:\na precipitous decline in exports\n  3  done very quickly, without enough thought or care:\na precipitous action\n    precipitously adverb:\nThe land dropped precipitously down to the rocky shore. * The dollar plunged precipitously. * We don’t want to act precipitously.\nsee also PRECIPICE


Words: precis
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural precis ) a short version of a speech or a piece of writing that gives the main points or ideas\nSYN SUMMARY:\nto write / give / make a precis of a report\n    precis verb (precises ):\n[VN] to precis a scientific report


Words: precise
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  clear and accurate:\nprecise details / instructions / measurements * Can you give a more precise definition of the word? * I can be reasonably precise about the time of the incident.\n  2  [only before noun] used to emphasize that sth happens at a particular time or in a particular way:\nWe were just talking about her when, at that precise moment, she walked in. * Doctors found it hard to establish the precise nature of her illness.\n  3  taking care to be exact and accurate, especially about small details:\na skilled and precise worker * small, precise movements * (disapproving) She’s rather prim and precise.\n IDIOMS \n  to be (more) precise used to show that you are giving more detailed and accurate information about sth you have just mentioned:\nThe shelf is about a metre long-well, 98cm, to be precise.


Words: precisely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  exactly:\nThey look precisely the same to me. * That’s precisely what I meant. * It’s not clear precisely how the accident happened. * The meeting starts at 2 o’clock precisely.\n  2  accurately; carefully:\nto describe / define / time sth precisely * She pronounced the word very slowly and precisely.\n  3  used to emphasize that sth is very true or obvious:\nIt’s precisely because I care about you that I don’t like you staying out late. * The children are precisely the ones who will suffer if they get divorced.\n  4  (spoken) used to emphasize that you agree with a statement, especially because you think it is obvious or is similar to what you have just said:\n’It’s not that easy, is it?’ ’No, precisely.’\n IDIOMS \n  more precisely used to show that you are giving more detailed and accurate information about sth you have just mentioned:\nThe problem is due to discipline, or, more precisely, the lack of discipline, in schools.


Words: precision
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being exact, accurate and careful:\ndone with mathematical precision * Her writing is imaginative but lacks precision. * Historians can’t estimate the date with any (degree of) precision. * He chose his words with precision. * precision instruments / tools * precision engineering


Words: preclude
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth | ~ sb from doing sth (formal) to prevent sth from happening or sb from doing sth; to make sth impossible:\n[VN] Lack of time precludes any further discussion. * Your failure to become a member this year does not preclude the possibility of you / your applying next year. * [VN -ing] His religious beliefs precluded him / his serving in the army. [also V -ing]


Words: precocious
Meaning:
adjective\n(sometimes disapproving) (of a child) having developed particular abilities and ways of behaving at a much younger age than usual:\na precocious child who started her acting career at the age of 5 * sexually precocious * From an early age she displayed a precocious talent for music.\n    precociously adverb:\na precociously talented child\n    precocity, precociousness noun [U]:\nhis unusual precocity


Words: precognition
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the knowledge that sth will happen in the future, that sb has because of a dream or a sudden feeling


Words: preconceived
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of ideas, opinions, etc.) formed before you have enough information or experience of sth:\nBefore I started the job, I had no preconceived notions of what it would be like.


Words: preconception
Meaning:
noun\n[C, often pl., U] an idea or opinion that is formed before you have enough information or experience:\na book that will challenge your preconceptions about rural life\ncompare MISCONCEPTION


Words: precondition
Meaning:
noun\n~ (for / of sth) (written) something that must happen or exist before sth else can exist or be done\nSYN PREREQUISITE:\nA ceasefire is an essential precondition for negotiation. * The talks will be held without preconditions.


Words: precursor
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of / to sth) (formal) a person or a thing that comes before sb/sth similar and that leads to or influences its development\nSYN FORERUNNER:\na stringed instrument that was the precursor of the guitar * events that were precursors to revolution


Words: predation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the act of an animal killing and eating other animals:\nGoldfish are particularly prone to predation by cats and birds such as herons.


Words: predator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an animal that kills and eats other animals:\nthe relationship between predator and prey * Some animals have no natural predators.\n  2  (disapproving) a person or an organization that uses weaker people for their own advantage:\nto protect domestic industry from foreign predators


Words: predatory
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) (of animals) living by killing and eating other animals:\npredatory birds / insects\n  2  (written) (of people) using weaker people for their own financial or sexual advantage:\na predatory insurance salesman * a predatory look / smile * predatory young women


Words: predecessor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who did a job before sb else:\nThe new president reversed many of the policies of his predecessor.\n  2  a thing, such as a machine, that has been followed or replaced by sth else:\nThis computer has a larger memory that its predecessor.\ncompare SUCCESSOR


Words: predestination
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the theory or the belief that everything that happens has been decided or planned in advance by God or by fate and that humans cannot change it


Words: predestined
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to do sth) (formal) already decided or planned by God or by fate:\nIt seems she was predestined to be famous.


Words: predetermine
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to decide sth in advance so that it does not happen by chance:\nThe sex of the embryo is predetermined at fertilization. * The way in which surveys are carried out often predetermines the results that are obtained.\n    predetermined adjective:\nAn alarm sounds when the temperature reaches a predetermined level.


Words: predeterminer
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word that can be used before a DETERMINER, such as all in all the students or twice in twice the price


Words: predicament
Meaning:
noun\na difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one where it is difficult to know what to do:\nthe club’s financial predicament * I’m in a terrible predicament.


Words: predicate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  (grammar) a part of a sentence containing a verb that makes a statement about the subject of the verb, such as went home in John went home.\ncompare OBJECT n. (5)\n    verb  (formal)\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth on / upon sth to base sth on a particular belief, idea or principle:\nDemocracy is predicated upon the rule of law.\n  2  to state that sth is true:\n[V that] The article predicates that the market collapse was caused by weakness of the dollar. [also VN]


Words: predicative
Meaning:
adjective\n(grammar) (of an adjective) coming after a verb such as be, become, get, seem, look. Many adjectives, for example old can be either predicative as in The man is very old, or ATTRIBUTIVE as in an old man. Some, like asleep, can only be predicative.\n    predicatively adverb


Words: predict
Meaning:
verb\nto say that sth will happen in the future\nSYN FORECAST:\n[VN] a reliable method of predicting earthquakes * Nobody could predict the outcome. * The party is predicting a majority of 20 seats. * [V wh-] It is impossible to predict what will happen. * [V (that)] She predicted (that) the election result would be close. * He predicted (that) it would be a smash hit. * [VN that] It was predicted that inflation would continue to fall. * [VN to inf] The trial is predicted to last for months. * This figure is predicted to rise to one billion by the year 2005.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is only used in the passive.


Words: predictable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  if sth is predictable, you know in advance that it will happen or what it will be like:\npredictable responses / results * The ending of the book was entirely predictable. * The disease follows a highly predictable pattern. * In March and April, the weather is much less predictable.\n  2  (often disapproving) behaving or happening in a way that you would expect and therefore boring:\nHe’s very nice, but I find him rather dull and predictable. * Rock music is getting so predictable these days.\n    predictability  noun [U]:\nMany young offenders commit further crimes with alarming predictability.\n    predictably adverb:\nPrices were predictably high. * Predictably, the new regulations proved unpopular.


Words: prediction
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a statement that says what you think will happen; the act of making such a statement:\nNot many people agree with the government’s prediction that the economy will improve. * The results of the experiment confirmed our predictions. * Skilled readers make use of context and prediction. * It’s difficult to make accurate predictions about the effects on the environment.


Words: predictive
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) connected with the ability to show what will happen in the future:\nthe predictive power of science * More research is needed to improve the predictive value of the tests.


Words: predictor
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) something that can show what will happen in the future:\nCholesterol level is not a strong predictor of heart disease in women.


Words: predilection
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (for sth) (formal) if you have a predilection for sth, you like it very much:\nan artist with a predilection for bright colours


Words: predispose
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  ~ sb to sth / to do sth to influence sb so that they are likely to think or behave in a particular way:\n[VN] He believes that some people are predisposed to criminal behaviour. * [VN to inf] Her good mood predisposed her to enjoy the play.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb to sth to make it likely that you will suffer from a particular illness:\nStress can predispose people to heart attacks.


Words: predisposition
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (to / towards sth) | ~ (to do sth) (formal) a condition that makes sb/sth likely to behave in a particular way or to suffer from a particular disease:\na genetic predisposition to liver disease


Words: predominance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing.] the situation of being greater in number or amount than other things or people\nSYN PREPONDERANCE:\na predominance of female teachers in elementary schools\n  2  [U] the state of having more power or influence than others\nSYN DOMINANCE:\nthe ongoing struggle for global predominance


Words: predominant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  most obvious or noticeable:\na predominant feature / factor * Yellow is the predominant colour this spring in the fashion world.\n  2  having more power or influence than others\nSYN DOMINANT:\na predominant culture * a way of thinking that is predominant in modern social life


Words: predominantly
Meaning:
(also less frequent predominately) adverb\nmostly; mainly:\nShe works in a predominantly male environment.


Words: predominate
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to be greater in amount or number than sth/sb else in a place, group, etc:\na colour scheme in which red predominates * Women predominated in the audience. * Young men tend to predominate in the crime statistics.\n  2  ~ (over sb/sth) to have the most influence or importance:\nPrivate interest was not allowed to predominate over the public good.


Words: preen
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (yourself) (usually disapproving) to spend a lot of time making yourself look attractive and then admiring your appearance:\n[VN] Will you stop preening yourself in front of the mirror? [also V]\n  2  [VN] ~ yourself (on sth) (usually disapproving) to feel very pleased with yourself about sth and show other people how pleased you are\n  3  [V, VN] ~ (itself) (of a bird) to clean itself or make its feathers smooth with its beak


Words: prefabricated
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a building) made in sections that can be put together later:\nPrefabricated houses were quickly put up after the war.\n    prefabrication  noun [U]:\nPrefabrication was the solution for widespread overcrowding.


Words: preface
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun an introduction to a book, especially one that explains the author’s aims\ncompare FOREWORD\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) to provide a book or other piece of writing with a preface:\nHe prefaced the diaries with a short account of how they were discovered. * Each chapter is prefaced by a quotation from Shakespeare.\n  2  ~ sth by / with sth | ~ sth by doing sth (formal) to say sth before you start making a speech, answering a question, etc:\nI must preface my remarks with an apology.


Words: prefatory
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) acting as a PREFACE or an introduction to sth:\na prefatory note


Words: prefect
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in some British schools) an older student with some authority over younger students and some other responsibilities and privileges\n  2  (also Prefect) an officer responsible for an area of local government in some countries, for example France, Italy and Japan


Words: prefer
Meaning:
verb\n(-rr-) (not used in the progressive tenses) to choose one thing rather than sth else because you like it better:\n[VN] ’Coffee or tea?’ ’I’d prefer tea, thanks.’ * I prefer jazz to rock music. * I would prefer it if you didn’t tell anyone. * A local firm is to be preferred. * [VN-ADJ] I prefer my coffee black. * [V to inf] The donor prefers to remain anonymous. * I prefer not to think about it. * [VN to inf] Would you prefer me to stay? * [V -ing] I prefer playing in defence. * [V that] (formal) I would prefer that you did not mention my name.\n IDIOMS  see CHARGE n.


Words: preferable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth / to doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) more attractive or more suitable; to be preferred to sth:\nAnything was preferable to the tense atmosphere at home. * He finds country life infinitely preferable to living in the city. * It would be preferable to employ two people, not one.\n    preferably  adverb:\nWe’re looking for a new house, preferably one near the school.


Words: preference
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a greater interest in or desire for sb/sth than sb/sth else:\nIt’s a matter of personal preference. * Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan. * I can’t say that I have any particular preference. * Let’s make a list of possible speakers, in order of preference.\n  2  [C] a thing that is liked better or best:\na study of consumer preferences\n IDIOMS \n  give (a) preference to sb/sth to treat sb/sth in a way that gives them an advantage over other people or things:\nPreference will be given to graduates of this university.\n  in preference to sb/sth rather than sb/sth:\nShe was chosen in preference to her sister.


Words: preferential
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] giving an advantage to a particular person or group:\nDon’t expect to get preferential treatment. * Bank employees usually get preferential rates of interest.\n    preferentially  adverb


Words: prefigure
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to suggest or show sth that will happen in the future:\nThese early paintings clearly prefigure his later work.


Words: prefix
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (grammar) a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning, such as un- in unhappy and pre- in preheat\ncompare AFFIX, SUFFIX\n  2  a word, letter or number that is put before another:\nCar insurance policies have the prefix MC (for motor car).\n  3  (old-fashioned) a title such as Dr or Mrs used before a person’s name\n    verb [VN] ~ A to B | ~ B with A to add letters or numbers to the beginning of a word or number:\nAmerican members have the letters US prefixed to their code numbers. * Their code numbers are prefixed with US.


Words: pregnancy
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural pregnancies) the state of being pregnant:\nMany women experience sickness during pregnancy. * a pregnancy test * unplanned / unwanted pregnancies * the increase in teenage pregnancies


Words: pregnant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a woman or female animal) having a baby or young animal developing inside her/its body:\nMy wife is pregnant. * I was pregnant with our third child at the time. * a heavily pregnant woman (= one whose baby is nearly ready to be born) * to get / become pregnant * Tom got his girlfriend pregnant and they’re getting married. * She’s six months pregnant.\n  2  ~ with sth (formal) full of a quality or feeling:\nHer silences were pregnant with criticism.\n IDIOMS \n  a pregnant pause / silence an occasion when nobody speaks, although people are aware that there are feelings or thoughts to express:\nThere was a pregnant pause before she replied.


Words: prehensile
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) (of a part of an animal’s body) able to hold things:\nthe monkey’s prehensile tail


Words: prehistoric
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with the time in history before information was written down:\nin prehistoric times * prehistoric man / remains / animals / burial sites


Words: prehistory
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the period of time in history before information was written down:\nThese climate changes continued throughout prehistory.\n  2  [sing.] the earliest stages of the development of sth:\nthe prehistory of capitalism


Words: prejudge
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make a judgement about a situation before you have all the necessary information:\nThey took care not to prejudge the issue.


Words: prejudice
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] ~ (against sb/sth) an unreasonable dislike of or PREFERENCE for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc:\na victim of racial prejudice * Their decision was based on ignorance and prejudice. * There is little prejudice against workers from other EU states. * I must admit to a prejudice in favour of British universities.\n IDIOMS \n  without prejudice (to sth) (law) without affecting any other legal matter:\nThey agreed to pay compensation without prejudice (= without admitting guilt).\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (against sb/sth) to influence sb so that they have an unfair or unreasonable opinion about sb/sth:\nThe prosecution lawyers have been trying to prejudice the jury against her.\n  2  (formal) to have a harmful effect on sth:\nAny delay will prejudice the child’s welfare.


Words: prejudiced
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (against sb/sth) having an unreasonable dislike of or PREFERENCE for sb/sth, especially based on their race, religion, sex, etc:\nFew people will admit to being racially prejudiced. * They are prejudiced against older applicants. * (humorous) I think it’s an excellent article, but then I’m prejudiced-I wrote it.


Words: prejudicial
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (formal) harming or likely to harm sb/sth:\ndevelopments prejudicial to the company’s future


Words: preliminary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective ~ (to sth) happening before a more important action or event\nSYN INITIAL:\nAfter a few preliminary remarks he announced the winners. * preliminary results / findings / enquiries * the preliminary rounds of the contest * pilot studies preliminary to a full-scale study\n    noun (plural preliminaries) ~ (to sth) a preliminary is an action or event that is done in preparation for sth:\nResearch will be needed as a preliminary to taking a decision. * I’ll skip the usual preliminaries and come straight to the point. * England was lucky to get through the preliminaries (= the preliminary stages in a sports competition).


Words: prelude
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a short piece of music, especially an introduction to a longer piece:\nthe prelude to Act II * J S Bach’s preludes and fugues\n  2  ~ (to sth) (written) an action or event that happens before another more important one and forms an introduction to it


Words: premature
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  happening before the normal or expected time:\nhis premature death at the age of 37 * Because of injury, her playing career came to a premature end in 1998.\n  2  (of a birth or a baby) happening or being born before the normal length of pregnancy has been completed:\nThe baby was four weeks premature. * a premature birth after only thirty weeks\n  3  happening or made too soon:\na premature conclusion / decision / judgement * It is premature to talk about success at this stage.\n    prematurely adverb:\nThe child was born prematurely. * Her hair became prematurely white.


Words: premeditated
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a crime or bad action) planned in advance:\na premeditated attack * The killing had not been premeditated.\nOPP UNPREMEDITATED\n    premeditation  noun [U]


Words: premenstrual
Meaning:
adjective\nhappening or experienced before MENSTRUATION:\nMany women suffer from premenstrual tension / syndrome, causing headaches and depression.\nsee also PMS


Words: premier
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] most important, famous or successful:\none of Britain’s premier chefs * (BrE, sport) the Premier League / Division (= in football)\n    noun used especially in newspapers, etc. to mean ’prime minister’


Words: premiere
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun the first public performance of a film/movie or play:\nthe world premiere of his new play * The movie will have its premiere in July.\n    verb to perform a play or piece of music or show a film/movie to an audience for the first time; to be performed or shown to an audience for the first time: [VN] The play was premiered at the Birmingham Rep in 1999. * [V] His new movie premieres in New York this week.


Words: premiership
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  the period or position of being PRIME MINISTER:\nduring Blair’s premiership\n  2  (often the Premiership) the football LEAGUE in England and Wales which has the best teams in it


Words: premise
Meaning:
(BrE also less frequent premiss)  noun\n(formal) a statement or an idea that forms the basis for a reasonable line of argument:\nthe basic premise of her argument * a false premise * His reasoning is based on the premise that all people are equally capable of good and evil.


Words: premised
Meaning:
adjective\n~ on / upon sth (formal) based on a particular idea or belief that is considered to be true:\nTraditional economic analysis is premised on the assumption that more is better.


Words: premises
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the building and land near to it that a business owns or uses:\nbusiness / commercial / industrial premises * The company is looking for larger premises. * No alcohol may be consumed on the premises. * Police were called to escort her off the premises. * These premises are regularly checked by security guards.


Words: premium
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  an amount of money that you pay once or regularly for an insurance policy:\na monthly premium of ｣6.25\n  2  an extra payment added to the basic rate:\nYou have to pay a high premium for express delivery. * A premium of 10% is paid out after 20 years. * He was willing to pay a premium for a house near the sea.\n IDIOMS \n  at a premium\n1 if sth is at a premium, there is little of it available and it is difficult to get:\nSpace is at a premium in a one-bedroomed apartment.\n2 at a higher than normal price:\nShares are selling at a premium.\n  put / place / set a premium on sb/sth to think that sb/sth is particularly important or valuable:\nThe company places a high premium on initiative.\n    adjective [only before noun] very high (and higher than usual); of high quality:\npremium prices / products


Words: premonition
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth / that ...) a feeling that sth is going to happen, especially sth unpleasant:\na premonition of disaster * He had a premonition that he would never see her again.\n    premonitory  adjective (rare, formal):\na premonitory dream


Words: preoccupation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (with sth) a state of thinking about sth continuously; sth that you think about frequently or for a long time:\nShe found his preoccupation with money irritating. * His current preoccupation is the appointment of the new manager.\n  2  [U] a mood created by thinking or worrying about sth and ignoring everything else:\nShe spoke slowly, in a state of preoccupation.


Words: preoccupied
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sth) thinking and/or worrying continuously about sth so that you do not pay attention to other things:\nHe was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to notice anything wrong. * She seemed preoccupied all the time I was talking to her.


Words: preoccupy
Meaning:
verb\n(preoccupies, preoccupying, preoccupied, preoccupied) [VN] if sth is preoccupying you, you think or worry about it very often or all the time:\nThoughts of failure preoccupied him.


Words: preordained
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to do sth (formal) already decided or planned by God or by fate\nSYN PREDESTINED:\nIs everything we do preordained? * They seemed preordained to meet.


Words: prep
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (BrE) (in some private schools) school work that is done at the end of the day after lessons\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (AmE, informal) to prepare sb/sth\n  2  (technical) to prepare sb for a medical operation


Words: prepaid
Meaning:
adjective\npaid for in advance:\na prepaid envelope is enclosed (= so you do not pay to have the cost of sending a letter)


Words: preparation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (for sth) the act or process of getting ready for sth or making sth ready:\nPreparation for the party started early. * food preparation * Careful preparation for the exam is essential. * The third book in the series is currently in preparation. * The team has been training hard in preparation for the big game. * No athlete would dream of entering a big race without adequate preparation.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) things that you do to get ready for sth or make sth ready:\nThe country is making preparations for war. * We made preparations to move to new offices. * Christmas / wedding preparations * Was going to college a good preparation for your career?\n  3  [C] a substance that has been specially prepared for use as a medicine, COSMETIC, etc:\na pharmaceutical preparation * preparations for the hair and skin


Words: preparatory
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) done in order to prepare for sth:\npreparatory meetings / studies / work * After a few preparatory drawings, she completed the portrait in one session. * Security checks had been carried out preparatory to (= to prepare for) the President’s visit.


Words: preparatory school
Meaning:
(also prep school) noun\n  1  (in Britain) a private school for children between the ages of 7 and 13\ncompare PUBLIC SCHOOL\n  2  (in the US) a school, usually a private one, that prepares students for college


Words: prepare
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth/sb (for sb/sth) to make sth or sb ready to be used or to do sth:\nto prepare a report / the accounts * A hotel room is being prepared for them. * The college prepares students for a career in business.\n  2  ~ (yourself) (for sth) to make yourself ready to do sth or for sth that you expect to happen:\n[V] I had no time to prepare. * The whole class is working hard preparing for the exams. * [VN] The police are preparing themselves for trouble at the demonstration. * I had been preparing myself for this moment. * Her condition is not improving as we hoped. You must prepare yourselves for the worst. * [V to inf] I was preparing to leave. * [VN to inf] The troops prepared themselves to go into battle.\n  3  [VN] to make food ready to be eaten:\nHe was in the kitchen preparing lunch.\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (from sth) to make a medicine or chemical substance, for example by mixing other substances together:\nremedies prepared from herbal extracts\n IDIOMS \n  prepare the ground (for sth) to make it possible or easier for sth to be achieved:\nThe committee will prepare the ground for next month’s meeting. * Early experiments with rockets prepared the ground for space travel.


Words: prepared
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (for sth) ready and able to deal with sth:\nI was not prepared for all the problems it caused. * We’ll be better prepared next time. * When they set out they were well prepared.\nOPP UNPREPARED\nsee also ILL-PREPARED\n  2  ~ to do sth willing to do sth:\nWe are not prepared to accept these conditions. * How much are you prepared to pay?\nOPP UNPREPARED\n  3  done, made, written, etc. in advance:\nThe police officer read out a prepared statement. * I usually buy packs of prepared vegetables to save time.


Words: preparedness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ to do sth (formal) the state of being ready or willing to do sth:\nI was surprised by his preparedness to break the law. * The troops are in a state of preparedness.


Words: preponderance
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] if there is a preponderance of one type of people or things in a group, there are more of them than others\nSYN PREDOMINANCE:\nThere is still a preponderance of male managers in the profession.


Words: preponderant
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) larger in number or more important than other people or things in a group\n    preponderantly adverb


Words: preposition
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word or group of words, such as in, from, to, out of and on behalf of, used before a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time or method\n    prepositional  adjective:\na prepositional phrase (= a preposition and the noun following it, for example at night or after breakfast)


Words: prepossessing
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially after a negative) (formal) attractive in appearance\nSYN APPEALING:\nHe was not a prepossessing sight.\ncompare UNPREPOSSESSING


Words: preposterous
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  completely unreasonable, especially in a way that is shocking or annoying\nSYN OUTRAGEOUS:\nThese claims are absolutely preposterous! * It’s preposterous to suggest that everything was her fault!\n  2  unusual in a silly or shocking way\nSYN OUTRAGEOUS:\nThe band were famous for their preposterous clothes and haircuts.\n    preposterously adverb:\na preposterously expensive bottle of wine


Words: preppy
Meaning:
(also preppie)  noun\n(plural preppies) (AmE, informal) a young person who goes or went to an expensive private school and who dresses and acts in a way that is thought to be typical of such a school\n    preppy (also preppie) adjective:\na preppy image * preppy clothes


Words: preprandial
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal or humorous) happening immediately before a meal:\na preprandial drink


Words: prequel
Meaning:
noun\na book or a film/movie about events that happened before those in a popular book or film/movie:\nFans have been waiting for years for the first Star Wars prequel.\ncompare SEQUEL


Words: preregister
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (especially AmE) to REGISTER for sth before the usual time or before sth starts:\nI went back to college a week early to preregister for classes.\n    preregistration  noun [U]


Words: prerequisite
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (for / of / to sth) (formal) something that must exist or happen before sth else can happen or be done\nSYN PRECONDITION:\nA degree is an essential prerequisite for employment at this level. * Flexibility of approach is an important prerequisite to successful learning.\ncompare REQUISITE\n    prerequisite adjective [only before noun]:\nprerequisite knowledge / skills


Words: prerogative
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group because of their importance or social position:\nIt’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind! * In many countries education is still the prerogative of the rich. * the royal prerogative (= the special rights of a king or queen) * The Prime Minister exercised his prerogative to decide when to call an election.


Words: presage
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (literary) to be a warning or sign that sth will happen, usually sth unpleasant:\nNothing had presaged the dreadful fate about to befall him. * Heavy clouds were forming, presaging rain.\n    presage  noun:\nthe first presages of winter


Words: Presbyterian
Meaning:
noun\na member of a branch of the Christian Protestant Church that is the national Church of Scotland and one of the largest Churches in the US. It is governed by ELDERS who are all equal in rank\n    Presbyterian adjective:\na Presbyterian church / minister\n    Presbyterianism  noun [U]


Words: presbytery
Meaning:
noun (plural presbyteries)\n  1  a local council of the Presbyterian Church\n  2  a house where a Roman Catholic priest lives\n  3  part of a church, near the east end, beyond the CHOIR


Words: preschool
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a school for children between the ages of about two and five\nSYN NURSERY SCHOOL\n    pre-schooler noun:\na class of pre-schoolers


Words: prescient
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) knowing or appearing to know about things before they happen:\nprescient remarks / warnings\n    prescience  noun [U]:\nShe showed great prescience in selling her shares just before the market crashed.


Words: prescribe
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb) sth (for sth) (of a doctor) to tell sb to take a particular medicine or have a particular treatment; to write a PRESCRIPTION for a particular medicine, etc:\n[VN] Valium is usually prescribed to treat anxiety. * [VNN] He may be able to prescribe you something for that cough.\n  2  (used about a person or an organization with authority) to say what should be done or how sth should be done:\n[VN] The prescribed form must be completed and returned to this office. * [V that] Police regulations prescribe that an officer’s number must be clearly visible. * [V wh-] The syllabus prescribes precisely which books should be studied.


Words: prescription
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] (abbreviation Rx) ~ (for sth) an official piece of paper on which a doctor writes the type of medicine you should have, and which enables you to get it from a CHEMIST/PHARMACIST (= a person who has been trained to prepare medicines):\nThe doctor gave me a prescription for antibiotics. * Antibiotics are only available on prescription. * They are not available without a prescription. * prescription drugs / medication(s)\n \n  2  [C] medicine that your doctor has ordered for you:\nThe pharmacist will make up your prescription. * prescription charges (= in Britain, the money you must pay for a medicine your doctor has ordered for you)\n \n  3  [U] the act of prescribing medicine:\nThe prescription of drugs is a doctor’s responsibility.\n \n  4  [C] ~ (for sth) (formal) a plan or a suggestion for making sth happen or for improving it:\na prescription for happiness * Both parties will be outlining their prescription for economic recovery.


Words: prescriptive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) telling people what should be done:\nprescriptive methods of teaching\n  2  (linguistics) telling people how a language should be used, rather than describing how it is used:\na prescriptive grammar of English\nOPP DESCRIPTIVE\n  3  (technical) (of rights and institutions) made legal or acceptable because they have existed for a long time:\nprescriptive powers


Words: preselect
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to choose sth in advance so it is ready to be used:\nYou can preselect programmes you want to watch, and program your VCR to record them.


Words: presence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (of a person) the fact of being in a particular place:\nHe hardly seemed to notice my presence. * Her presence during the crisis had a calming effect. * (formal) Your presence is requested at the meeting.\nOPP ABSENCE\n  2  [U] (of a thing or a substance) the fact of being in a particular place or thing:\nThe test can identify the presence of abnormalities in the unborn child.\nOPP ABSENCE\n  3  [sing.] a group of people, especially soldiers, who have been sent to a place to deal with a particular situation:\nThe government is maintaining a heavy police presence in the area. * a military presence\n  4  [C, usually sing.] (literary) a person or spirit that you cannot see but that you feel is near:\nShe felt a presence behind her.\n  5  [U] (approving) the quality of making a strong impression on other people by the way you talk or behave:\na man of great presence * She has a strong voice but absolutely no stage presence.\n IDIOMS \n  in the presence of sb | in sb’s presence with sb in the same place:\nThe document was signed in the presence of two witnesses. * She asked them not to discuss the matter in her presence.\n  in the presence of sth when sth exists in a particular place:\nLitmus paper turns red in the presence of an acid.\n  make your presence felt to do sth to make people very aware of the fact that you are there; to have a strong influence on a group of people or a situation:\nShe’s only been here a couple of weeks but she is already making her presence felt.


Words: presence of mind
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to react quickly and stay calm in a difficult or dangerous situation:\nThe boy had the presence of mind to turn off the gas.


Words: present
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective \n  1  [only before noun] existing or happening now\nSYN CURRENT:\nin the present situation / case * the present owner of the house * a list of all club members, past and present * We do not have any more information at the present time. * (written) A few brief comments are sufficient for present purposes. * You can’t use it in its present condition. -> ACTUAL\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (at sth) (of a person) being in a particular place:\nMost fathers wish to be present at the birth of their child. * There were 200 people present at the meeting. * The mistake was obvious to all those present. * I wasn’t present when the doctor examined him.\nOPP ABSENT -> HELP\n  3  [not before noun] ~ (in sth) (of a thing or a substance) existing in a particular place or thing:\nLevels of pollution present in the atmosphere are increasing. * Analysis showed that traces of arsenic were present in the body.\nOPP ABSENT\n IDIOMS \n  all present and correct (BrE) (AmE all present and accounted for) (spoken) used to say that all the things or people who should be there are now there\n  present company excepted (spoken) used after being rude or critical about sb to say that the people you are talking to are not included in the criticism:\nThe people in this office are so narrow-minded, present company excepted, of course.\n    noun\n \n \n  1  a thing that you give to sb as a gift:\nChristmas / wedding presents * What can I get him for a birthday present?\n \n  2  (usually the present) [sing.] the time now:\nYou’ve got to forget the past and start living in the present. * I’m sorry he’s out at present (= now).\n \n  3  (the present) [sing.] (grammar) = THE PRESENT TENSE\n \n IDIOMS  see MOMENT, TIME n.\n    verb  [VN]\n  give\n  1  ~ sb with sth | ~ sth (to sb) to give sth to sb, especially formally at a ceremony:\nThe local MP will start the race and present the prizes. * On his retirement, colleagues presented him with a set of golf clubs. * The sword was presented by the family to the museum.\n  sth to be considered\n  2  ~ sth (for sth) | ~ sth (to sb) to show or offer sth for other people to look at or consider:\nThe committee will present its final report to Parliament in June. * Eight options were presented for consideration. * Are you presenting a paper at the conference? * He presents a convincing case. * The banks will begin to present their arguments today.\n  sth in particular way\n  3  ~ sth | ~ sth/sb / yourself as sth to show or describe sth/sb from a particular point of view or in a particular way:\nThe company has decided it must present a more modern image. * It is essential that we present a united front (= show that we all agree). * You need to present yourself better. * He likes to present himself as a radical politician. * The press presents this as a kind of victory. * The article presents these proposals as misguided.\n  sb with problem\n  4  ~ sb with sth | ~ sth to cause sth to happen or be experienced:\nYour request shouldn’t present us with any problems. * Use of these chemicals may present a fire risk. * Irradiation presents environmental dangers.\n  itself\n  5  ~ itself (to sb) (of an opportunity, a solution, etc.) to suddenly happen or become available:\nOne major problem did present itself, though. * As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she would get another job. * Thankfully, a solution presented itself to him surprisingly soon.\n  radio / tv programme\n  6  to appear in a radio or television programme and introduce the different items in it:\nShe used to present a gardening programme on TV.\n  play / broadcast\n  7  to produce a show, play, broadcast, etc. for the public:\nCompass Theatre Company presents a new production of ’King Lear’. * The string orchestra of the Music School of Lemgo will present a concert in the Guildhall.\n  introduce sb\n  8  ~ sb (to sb) (formal) to introduce sb formally, especially to sb of higher rank or status:\nMay I present my fiance to you?\n  yourself\n  9  ~ yourself at, for, in, etc. (formal) to officially appear somewhere:\nYou will be asked to present yourself for interview. * She was ordered to present herself in court on 20 May.\n  express sth\n  10  ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to offer or express sth in speech or writing:\nPlease allow me to present my apologies.\n  cheque / bill\n  11  to give sb a cheque or bill that they should pay:\nA cheque presented by Mr Jackson was returned by the bank. * The builders presented a bill for several hundred pounds.\n IDIOMS \n  present arms (of soldiers) to hold a RIFLE upright in front of the body as a mark of respect


Words: present participle
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) the form of the verb that in English ends in -ing and is used with the verb to be to form PROGRESSIVE tenses such as I was running or sometimes as an adjective as in running water\ncompare PAST PARTICIPLE


Words: present tense
Meaning:
(also the present) noun\n[usually sing.] (grammar) the form of a verb that expresses an action that is happening now or at the time of speaking


Words: presentable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  looking clean and attractive and suitable to be seen in public:\nI must go and make myself presentable before the guests arrive. * I’ve got nothing presentable to wear.\n  2  acceptable:\nYou’re going to have to do a lot more work on this essay before it’s presentable.


Words: presentation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of showing sth or of giving sth to sb:\nThe trial was adjourned following the presentation of new evidence to the court. * The presentation of prizes began after the speeches. * The Mayor will make the presentation (= hand over the gift) herself. * Members will be admitted on presentation of a membership card. * a presentation copy (= a free book given by the author or PUBLISHER)\n  2  [U] the way in which sth is offered, shown, explained, etc. to others:\nImproving the product’s presentation (= the way it is wrapped, advertised, etc.) should increase sales. * I admire the clear, logical presentation of her arguments.\n  3  [C] a meeting at which sth, especially a new product or idea, or piece of work, is shown to a group of people:\nThe sales manager will give a presentation on the new products.\n  4  [C] a ceremony or formal occasion during which a gift or prize is given\n  5  [C] a performance of a play, etc. in a theatre\n  6  [C, U] (medical) the position in which a baby is lying in the mother’s body just before birth


Words: presentational
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with the act of showing, explaining or offering sth to other people, especially a new product, a policy or a performance:\na course on developing presentational skills


Words: presenter
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE announcer) noun\na person who introduces the different sections of a radio or television programme:\na radio / sports / TV presenter


Words: presentiment
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a feeling that sth is going to happen, especially sth unpleasant:\nI was filled with a presentiment of disaster.


Words: presently
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (especially AmE) at the time you are speaking or writing; now\nSYN CURRENTLY:\nThe crime is presently being investigated by the police. * These are the courses presently available.\n HELP NOTE  In this meaning presently usually comes before the verb, adjective or noun that it refers to.\n  2  (written) used to show that sth happened after a short time:\nPresently, the door opened again and three men stepped out.\n HELP NOTE  In this meaning presently usually comes at the beginning of a sentence.\n  3  used to show that sth will happen soon\nSYN SHORTLY:\nShe’ll be here presently.\n HELP NOTE  In this meaning presently usually comes at the end of a sentence.\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \npresently\nIn both BrE and AmE, presently can mean ’soon’ or ’after a short time’: I’ll be with you presently. * Presently, I heard her leave the house. This use is slightly old-fashioned. In AmE the usual meaning of presently is ’at the present time’ or ’now’: She is presently living in Milan. * There is presently no cure for the disease. This use is becoming more accepted in BrE, but at present or currently are usually used.\n______________________________


Words: preservation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the act of keeping sth in its original state or in good condition:\nbuilding / environmental / food preservation * a preservation group / society\n  2  the act of making sure that sth is kept:\nThe central issue in the strike was the preservation of jobs.\n  3  the degree to which sth has not been changed or damaged by age, weather, etc:\nThe paintings were in an excellent state of preservation.\nsee also SELF-PRESERVATION


Words: preservation order
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a document that makes it illegal to change or destroy a building, a tree or part of the countryside, because of its beauty or historical interest


Words: preservationist
Meaning:
noun\na person who works to keep old buildings or areas of the countryside in their original condition and to prevent them from being destroyed


Words: preservative
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a substance used to prevent food or wood from decaying:\nThe juice contains no artificial preservatives. * (a) wood preservative\n    preservative adjective [only before noun]:\nthe preservative effects of freezing


Words: preserve
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to keep a particular quality, feature, etc.; to make sure that sth is kept:\nHe was anxious to preserve his reputation. * Efforts to preserve the peace have failed. * She managed to preserve her sense of humour under very trying circumstances.\n  2  [often passive] to keep sth in its original state in good condition:\n[VN] a perfectly preserved 14th-century house * (humorous) Is he really 60? He’s remarkably well preserved. * [VN-ADJ] This vase has been preserved intact.\n  3  [VN] to prevent sth, especially food, from decaying by treating it in a particular way:\nolives preserved in brine * Wax polish preserves wood and leather.\n  4  [VN] ~ sb/sth (from sth) to keep sb/sth alive, or safe from harm or danger:\nThe society was set up to preserve endangered species from extinction.\ncompare CONSERVE\n    noun\n  1  [sing.] ~ (of sb) an activity, a job, an interest, etc. that is thought to be suitable for one particular person or group of people:\nFootball is no longer the preserve of men. * in the days when nursing was a female preserve\n  2  [C, usually pl., U] a type of jam made by boiling fruit with a large amount of sugar\n  3  [C, usually pl., U] (especially BrE) a type of PICKLE made by cooking vegetables with salt or VINEGAR\n  4  [C] (AmE) = RESERVE (2)\n  5  [C] an area of private land or water where animals and fish are kept for people to hunt


Words: preserver
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a person who makes sure that a particular situation does not change:\nThe police are the preservers of law and order.\n  2  [C, U] a substance used to prevent wood from decaying\nsee also LIFE PRESERVER


Words: preset
Meaning:
verb (presetting, preset, preset)\n  1  to set the controls of a piece of electrical equipment so that it will start to work at a particular time:\n[VN to inf] You can preset the radiators to come on when you need them to. * [VN] to preset TV channels / radio stations (= to set the controls so that particular channels are selected when you press particular buttons)\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to decide sth in advance:\nThey kept to the preset route.


Words: preside
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (at / over sth) to lead or be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, etc:\nthe presiding officer / judge * They asked if I would preside at the committee meeting. * (figurative) The party presided over one of the worst economic declines in the country’s history (= it was in power when the decline happened).


Words: presidency
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural presidencies) the job of being president of a country or an organization; the period of time sb holds this job:\nthe current holder of the EU presidency * She hopes to be the first woman elected to the presidency of the United States. * He was a White House official during the Bush presidency.


Words: president
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also President) the leader of a republic, especially the US:\nSeveral presidents attended the funeral. * the President of the United States * President Clinton is due to visit the country next month. * Do you have any comment, Mr President?\n  2  (also President) the person in charge of some organizations, clubs, colleges, etc:\nto be made president of the students’ union * She travels extensively in her role as President fo the Save the Children Fund.\n  3  (especially AmE) the person in charge of a bank or a commercial organization:\nthe bank president * the president of Columbia Pictures\n    presidential  adjective:\na presidential campaign / candidate / election * a presidential system of government * a presidential year (= one in which the people vote for the next president of the country)


Words: president-elect
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (plural presidents-elect) a person who has been elected to be president but who has not yet begun the job


Words: Presidents’ Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (in the US) a legal holiday on the third Monday in February, in memory of the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln


Words: presidium
Meaning:
(also praesidium especially in BrE)  noun\na permanent committee that makes important decisions as part of a government or large political organization, especially in COMMUNIST countries


Words: press
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  newspapers\n  1  (often the Press) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] newspapers and magazines:\nthe local / national / foreign press * the popular / tabloid press (= smaller newspapers with a lot of pictures and stories of famous people) * The story was reported in the press and on television. * the music / sporting press (= newspapers and magazines about music / sport) * Unlike the American, the British press operates on a national scale. * the freedom of the Press / press freedom (= the freedom to report any events and express opinions) * The event is bound to attract wide press coverage (= it will be written about in many newspapers). * According to French press reports, three people have been killed.\nsee also GUTTER PRESS\n  2  (the press, the Press) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the journalists and photographers who work for newspapers and magazines:\nThe Press was / were not allowed to attend the trial. * She has been harassed by the press, who desperately need a story.\n  3  [sing., U] the type or amount of reports that newspapers write about sb/sth:\nThe airline has had a bad press recently (= journalists have written unpleasant things about it). * The demonstration got very little press.\n  publishing / printing\n  4  [C, U] a machine for printing books, newspapers, etc.; the process of printing them:\nWe were able to watch the books rolling off the presses. * These prices are correct at the time of going to press. * a story that is hot off the press (= has just appeared in the newspapers)\nsee also PRINTING PRESS, STOP PRESS\n  5  [C] a business that prints and publishes books:\nOxford University Press\n  equipment for pressing\n  6  [C] (especially in compounds) a piece of equipment that is used for creating pressure on things, to make them flat or to get liquid from them:\na trouser press * a garlic press\n  act of pushing\n  7  [C, usually sing.] an act of pushing sth with your hand or with a tool that you are holding:\nHe gave the bell another press. * Those shirts need a press (= with an iron).\n  crowd\n  8  [sing.] a large number of people or things competing for space or movement:\nthe press of bodies all moving the same way * Among the press of cars he glimpsed a taxi.\n  cupboard\n  9  [C] (IrishE, ScotE) a large cupboard, usually with shelves, for holding clothes, books, etc.\n    verb\n  push / squeeze\n  1  ~ (sth/sb / yourself) against sth | ~ sth to sth | ~ sth together to push sth closely and firmly against sth; to be pushed in this way:\n[VN] She pressed her face against the window. * He pressed a handkerchief to his nose. * She pressed her lips together. * [V] His body was pressing against hers.\n  2  to push or squeeze part of a device, etc. in order to make it work:\n[VN] to press a button / switch / key * [VN-ADJ] He pressed the lid firmly shut. * [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] Press here to open. * She pressed down hard on the gas pedal.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth into / onto sth to put sth in a place by pushing it firmly:\nHe pressed a coin into her hand and moved on.\n  4  [VN] to squeeze sb’s hand or arm, especially as a sign of affection\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] (of people in a crowd) to move in the direction mentioned by pushing:\nThe photographers pressed around the royal visitors. * (figurative) A host of unwelcome thoughts were pressing in on him.\n  try to persuade\n  6  ~ sb (for sth) | ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to make strong efforts to persuade or force sb to do sth:\n[VN] If pressed, he will admit that he knew about the affair. * The bank is pressing us for repayment of the loan. * [VN to inf] They are pressing us to make a quick decision.\n  point / claim / case\n  7  [VN] to express or repeat sth in a forceful way:\nI don’t want to press the point, but you do owe me $200. * She is still pressing her claim for compensation. * They were determined to press their case at the highest level.\n  make flat / smooth\n  8  to make sth flat or smooth by using force or putting sth heavy on top:\n[VN] pressed flowers (= pressed between the pages of a book) * [VN-ADJ] Press the soil flat with the back of a spade.\n  9  [VN] to make clothes smooth using a hot iron\nSYN IRON:\nMy suit needs pressing.\n  fruit / vegetables\n  10  [VN] to squeeze the juice out of fruit or vegetables by using force or weight\n  metal\n  11  [VN] to make sth from a material, using pressure:\nto press a CD * The car bodies are pressed out of sheets of metal.\n IDIOMS \n  press (the) flesh (informal) (of a famous person or politician) to greet people by shaking hands\n  press sth home to get as much advantage as possible from a situation by attacking or arguing in a determined way:\nto press home an attack / an argument / a point * Simon saw she was hesitating and pressed home his advantage.\n  press sb/sth into service to use sb/sth for a purpose that they were not trained or intended for because there is nobody or nothing else available:\nEvery type of boat was pressed into service to rescue passengers from the sinking ferry.\nmore at CHARGE n., PANIC BUTTON\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  press ahead / on (with sth) to continue doing sth in a determined way; to hurry forward:\nThe company is pressing ahead with its plans for a new warehouse. * ’Shall we stay here for the night?’ ’No, let’s press on.’\n  press for sth to keep asking for sth:\nThey continued to press for a change in the law.\n  press sth on sb to try to make sb accept sth, especially food or drink, although they may not want it:\nShe kept pressing cake on us.


Words: press agent
Meaning:
(also AmE informal flack) noun\na person whose job is to supply information and advertising material about a particular actor, musician, theatre, etc. to newspapers, radio or television


Words: press conference
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually news conference) noun\na meeting at which sb talks to a group of journalists in order to answer their questions or to make an official statement:\nto hold / give a press conference * The police called a press conference to appeal for witnesses.


Words: press corps
Meaning:
noun\n(plural press corps) a group of journalists who work in or go to a particular place to report on an event


Words: press office
Meaning:
noun\nthe office of a large organization, political party or government department that answers questions from journalists and provides them with information:\nThe Buckingham Palace press office has denied rumours of another royal divorce.


Words: press release
Meaning:
noun\nan official statement made to journalists by a large organization, a political party or a government department:\nThe company issued a press release to end speculation about its future.


Words: press secretary
Meaning:
noun\na person who works for a politician or a political organization and gives information about them to journalists, the newspapers, etc.


Words: press stud
Meaning:
(also popper) (both BrE) (AmE snap) noun\na type of button used for fastening clothes, consisting of two metal or plastic sections that can be pressed together


Words: press-gang
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (informal) to force sb to do sth that they do not want to do


Words: press-up
Meaning:
(BrE) (also push-up AmE, BrE) noun\n[usually pl.] an exercise in which you lie on your stomach and raise your body off the ground by pressing down on your hands until your arms are straight


Words: pressed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (for sth) not having enough of sth, especially time or money:\nI’m really pressed for cash at the moment.\nsee also HARD-PRESSED\n  2  made flat using force or a heavy object:\npictures made with pressed flowers * neatly pressed trousers


Words: pressing
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  needing to be dealt with immediately\nSYN URGENT:\nI’m afraid I have some pressing business to attend to. * There is a pressing need for more specialist nurses. * The government seems to think that international problems are more pressing than domestic ones.\n  2  difficult to refuse or to ignore:\na pressing invitation\n    noun an object, especially a record, made by using pressure or weight to shape a piece of metal, plastic, etc.; a number of such objects that are made at one time:\nThe initial pressing of the group’s album has already sold out.


Words: pressure
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  when sth presses\n  1  [U] the force or weight with which sth presses against sth else:\nThe nurse applied pressure to his arm to stop the bleeding. * The barriers gave way under the pressure of the crowd.\n  of gas / liquid\n  2  [U, C] the force produced by a particular amount of gas or liquid in an enclosed space or container; the amount of this:\nair / water pressure * Check the tyre pressure (= the amount of air in a tyre) regularly. * a pressure gauge (= an instrument used for measuring the pressure of a liquid or a gas)\nsee also BLOOD PRESSURE\n  of atmosphere\n  3  [U] the force of the atmosphere on the earth’s surface:\nA band of high pressure is moving across the country.\nsee also ATMOSPHERIC\n  persuasion / force\n  4  [U] ~ (for sth) | ~ (on sb) (to do sth) the act of trying to persuade or to force sb to do sth:\nThe pressure for change continued to mount. * There is a great deal of pressure on young people to conform. * The government eventually bowed to popular pressure (= they agreed to do what people were trying to get them to do). * Teenagers may find it difficult to resist peer pressure.\n  stress\n  5  [U] (also pressures [pl.]) difficulties and feelings of anxiety that are caused by the need to achieve or to behave in a particular way:\nShe was unable to attend because of the pressure of work. * You need to be able to handle pressure in this job. * How can anyone enjoy the pressures of city life?\n IDIOMS \n  put pressure on sb (to do sth) to force or to try to persuade sb to do sth:\nAdvertisements put pressure on girls to be thin.\n  under pressure\n1 if a liquid or a gas is kept under pressure, it is forced into a container so that when the container is opened, the liquid or gas escapes quickly:\nDraught beer is pumped out of the barrel under pressure.\n2 being forced to do sth:\nThe director is under increasing pressure to resign. * The pound came under pressure from foreign currencies today, increasing the chances of a rise in interest rates.\n3 made to feel anxious about sth you have to do:\nThe team performs well under pressure.\n    verb [often passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (especially AmE) = PRESSURIZE [VN] Don’t let yourself be pressured into making a hasty decision. [also VN to inf]


Words: pressure group
Meaning:
noun\na group of people who try to influence the government and ordinary people’s opinion in order to achieve the action they want, for example a change in a law:\nthe environmental pressure group ’Greenpeace’


Words: pressure point
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a place on the surface of the body that is sensitive to pressure, for example where an artery can be pressed against a bone to stop bleeding\n  2  a place or situation where there is likely to be trouble:\na new political pressure point


Words: pressurize
Meaning:
(BrE also pressurise)  verb\n  1  (BrE) (also pressure AmE, BrE) [often passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to persuade sb to do sth, especially by making them feel that they have to or should do it:\n[VN] Stop trying to pressurize me! * She was pressurized into accepting the job. * [VN to inf] He felt that he was being pressurized to resign.\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to keep the air pressure in a SUBMARINE, an aircraft, etc. the same as it is on earth:\na pressurized cabin\n    pressurization, pressurisation  noun [U]


Words: prestige
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] the respect and admiration that sb/sth has because of their social position, or what they have done\nSYN STATUS:\nsocial / personal / international prestige * There is a lot of prestige attached to owning a car like this. * jobs with low prestige\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  that brings respect and admiration; important:\na prestige job / accent\n  2  admired and respected because it looks important and expensive\nSYN LUXURY:\na prestige car * prestige items such as jewellery and silver


Words: prestigious
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] respected and admired as very important or of very high quality:\na prestigious award / event * a prestigious university * the city’s most prestigious and exclusive hotel


Words: presumably
Meaning:
adverb\nused to say that you think that sth is probably true:\nPresumably this is where the accident happened. * You’ll be taking the car, presumably? * I couldn’t concentrate, presumably because I was so tired.


Words: presume
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to suppose that sth is true, although you do not have actual proof\nSYN ASSUME:\n[V] They are very expensive, I presume? * ’Is he still abroad?’ ’I presume so.’ * [V (that)] I presumed (that) he understood the rules. * [VN that] Little is known of the youngest son; it is presumed that he died young. * [VN to inf] I presumed him to be her husband.\n  2  to accept that sth is true until it is shown not to be true, especially in a court of law:\n[VN-ADJ] Twelve passengers are missing, presumed dead. * In English law, a person is presumed innocent until proved guilty. * [VN] We must presume innocence until we have proof of guilt. [also VN to inf]\n  3  [VN] (formal) to accept sth as true or existing and to act on that basis\nSYN PRESUPPOSE:\nThe course seems to presume some previous knowledge of the subject.\n  4  [V to inf] (formal) to behave in a way that shows a lack of respect by doing sth that you have no right to do:\nI wouldn’t presume to tell you how to run your own business.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  presume on / upon sb/sth (formal) to make use of sb’s friendship by asking them for more than you should:\n[+ to inf] I felt it would be presuming on our personal relationship to keep asking her for help.


Words: presumption
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] something that is thought to be true or probable:\nThere is a general presumption that the doctor knows best.\n  2  [U] (formal) behaviour that is too confident and shows a lack of respect for other people:\nShe was infuriated by his presumption in not consulting her first.\n  3  [U, C] (law) the act of supposing that sth is true, although it has not yet been proved or is not certain:\nEveryone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until they are proved to be guilty.


Words: presumptive
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or technical) likely to be true, based on the facts that are available:\na presumptive diagnosis of bowel cancer\nsee also HEIR PRESUMPTIVE


Words: presumptuous
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] too confident, in a way that shows a lack of respect for other people:\nWould it be presumptuous of me to ask to borrow your car?


Words: presuppose
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  [VN] to accept sth as true or existing and act on that basis, before it has been proved to be true\nSYN PRESUME:\nTeachers sometimes presuppose a fairly high level of knowledge by the students.\n  2  to depend on sth in order to exist or be true:\n[V that] His argument presupposes that it does not matter who is in power. [also VN]


Words: presupposition
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) something that you believe to be true and use as the beginning of an argument even though it has not been proved; the act of believing it is true\nSYN ASSUMPTION:\ntheories based on presupposition and coincidence


Words: preteen
Meaning:
noun\na young person of about 11 or 12 years of age\n    pre-teen adjective [usually before noun]:\nthe pre-teen years * pre-teen girls


Words: pretence
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE pretense)  noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) | ~ (that ...) the act of behaving in a particular way, in order to make other people believe sth that is not true:\nTheir friendliness was only pretence. * By the end of the evening she had abandoned all pretence of being interested. * He made no pretence of great musical knowledge. * She was unable to keep up the pretence that she loved him.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth / to doing sth) (formal or literary) a claim that you have a particular quality or skill:\na woman with some pretence to beauty * I make no pretence to being an expert on the subject.\n IDIOMS  see FALSE


Words: pretend
Meaning:
verb, adjective \n    verb\n  1  ~ (to sb) (that ...) to behave in a particular way, in order to make other people believe sth that is not true:\n[V] I’m tired of having to pretend all the time. * Of course I was wrong; it would be hypocritical to pretend otherwise. * [V (that)] He pretended to his family that everything was fine. * We pretended (that) nothing had happened. * She pretended (that) she was his niece. * [V to inf] I pretended to be asleep. * He pretended not to notice. * She didn’t love him, though she pretended to. * [VN] (formal) She pretended an interest she did not feel.\n  2  (especially of children) to imagine that sth is true as part of a game:\n[V (that)] Let’s pretend (that) we’re astronauts. * [V] They didn’t have any real money so they had to pretend.\n  3  ~ (to sth) (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to claim to be, do or have sth, especially when this is not true:\n[V] I can’t pretend to any great musical talent. * [V (that)] I don’t pretend (that) I know much about the subject, but ... * [V to inf] The book doesn’t pretend to be a great work of literature.\n    adjective [usually before noun] (informal) (often used by children) not real, imaginary:\npretend cakes / toys


Words: pretender
Meaning:
noun\n~ (to sth) a person who claims they have a right to a particular title even though other people disagree with them:\nthe pretender to the French throne


Words: pretension
Meaning:
noun [C, usually pl., U]\n  1  the act of trying to appear more important, intelligent, etc. than you are in order to impress other people:\nartistic / intellectual / social pretensions * The play mocks the pretensions of the new middle class. * He spoke without pretension.\n  2  ~ (to sth / to doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) a claim to be or to do sth:\na building with no pretensions to architectural merit * The movie makes no pretension to reproduce life.


Words: pretentious
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) trying to appear important, intelligent, etc. in order to impress other people; trying to be sth that you are not, in order to impress:\nThat’s a pretentious name for a dog! * It was just an ordinary house-nothing pretentious. * He’s so pretentious!\ncompare UNPRETENTIOUS\n    pretentiously adverb\n    pretentiousness noun [U]:\nThere was no hint of pretentiousness in her manner.


Words: preternatural
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) that does not seem natural; that cannot be explained by natural laws:\npreternatural power / skill\n    preternaturally adverb:\nThe city was preternaturally quiet.


Words: pretext
Meaning:
noun\n~ (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) a false reason that you give for doing sth, usually sth bad, in order to hide the real reason; an excuse:\nThe incident was used as a pretext for intervention in the area. * He left the party early on the pretext of having work to do. * Be careful not to give him a pretext to report you. * People were being arrested on the flimsiest of pretexts. -> REASON


Words: prettify
Meaning:
verb\n(prettifies, prettifying, prettified, prettified) [VN] (usually disapproving) to try to make sth pretty, often with the result that it looks worse or false:\nman’s attempts to prettify nature


Words: pretty
Meaning:
adverb, adjective \n    adverb (especially spoken) (with adjectives and adverbs)\n  1  to some extent; fairly:\nI’m pretty sure I’ll be going. * The game was pretty good. * It’s pretty hard to explain. * I’m going to have to find a new apartment pretty soon. -> QUITE\n  2  very:\nThat performance was pretty impressive. * Things are looking pretty good!\n IDIOMS \n  pretty much / well (BrE also pretty nearly) (AmE also pretty near) (spoken) almost; almost completely:\nOne dog looks pretty much like another to me. * He goes out pretty well every night. * The first stage is pretty near finished.\nmore at SIT\n    adjective (prettier, prettiest)\n  1  (especially of a woman, or a girl) attractive without being very beautiful:\na pretty face * a pretty little girl * You look so pretty in that dress!\n  2  (of places or things) attractive and pleasant to look at or to listen to without being large, beautiful or impressive:\npretty clothes / flowers * a pretty garden / village / room * a pretty voice / name\n    prettily  adverb (especially BrE):\nShe laughed prettily. * The rooms are simply but prettily furnished.\n    prettiness noun [U]:\nthe prettiness of youth\n IDIOMS \n  as pretty as a picture (old-fashioned) very pretty:\nShe’s as pretty as a picture.\n  not just a pretty face (humorous) used to emphasize that you have particular skills or qualities:\n’I didn’t know you could play the piano.’ ’I’m not just a pretty face, you know!’\n  not a pretty sight (humorous) not pleasant to look at:\nYou should have seen him in his swimming trunks-not a pretty sight!\n  a pretty penny (old-fashioned) a lot of money:\nI bet that cost you a pretty penny.\nmore at PASS n.


Words: prevail
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  ~ (in / among sth) (written) to exist or be very common at a particular time or in a particular place:\nWe were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons. * Those beliefs still prevail among certain social groups.\n  2  ~ (against / over sth) (formal) (of ideas, opinions, etc.) to be accepted, especially after a struggle or an argument:\nJustice will prevail over tyranny. * Fortunately, common sense prevailed.\n  3  [V] ~ (against / over sb) (formal) to defeat an opponent, especially after a long struggle\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  prevail on / upon sb to do sth (formal) to persuade sb to do sth:\nI’m sure he could be prevailed upon to give a talk.


Words: prevailing
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (written) existing or most common at a particular time\nSYN CURRENT, PREDOMINANT:\nthe prevailing economic conditions * the attitude towards science prevailing at the time * The prevailing view seems to be that they will find her guilty.\n  2  the prevailing wind in an area is the one that blows over it most frequently:\nThe prevailing wind here is from the east.


Words: prevalent
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (among sb) | ~ (in sb/sth) that exists or is very common at a particular time or in a particular place\nSYN COMMON, WIDESPREAD:\na prevalent belief / view * These prejudices are particularly prevalent among people living in the North. * The disease is even more prevalent in Latin America.\n    prevalence  noun [U]:\nan increase in the prevalence of smoking among young people


Words: prevaricate
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to avoid giving a direct answer to a question in order to hide the truth:\n[V] Stop prevaricating and come to the point. [also V speech]\n    prevarication  noun [U, C]:\nShe accused him of prevarication. * The report was full of lies and prevarications.


Words: prevent
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb/sth (from doing sth) to stop sb from doing sth; to stop sth from happening:\n[VN] The accident could have been prevented. * He is prevented by law from holding a licence. * Nothing would prevent him from speaking out against injustice. * The government took steps to prevent a scandal. * [VN -ing] (BrE) Nothing would prevent him / his speaking out against further injustices. [also V -ing]\n    preventable adjective:\npreventable diseases / accidents


Words: prevention
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of stopping sth bad from happening:\naccident / crime prevention * the prevention of disease * a fire prevention officer\n IDIOMS \n  prevention is better than cure (BrE) (AmE an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure) (saying) it is better to stop sth bad from happening rather than try to deal with the problems after it has happened


Words: preventive
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] intended to try to stop sth that causes problems or difficulties from happening:\npreventive medicine * The police were able to take preventive action and avoid a possible riot.\ncompare CURATIVE


Words: preverbal
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) connected with the time before a child learns to speak:\na preverbal communication


Words: preview
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  an occasion at which you can see a film/movie, a show, etc. before it is shown to the general public:\na press preview (= for journalists only) * a special preview of our winter fashion collection\nsee also SNEAK PREVIEW\n  2  a description in a newspaper or a magazine that tells you about a film/movie, a television programme, etc. before it is shown to the general public:\nTurn to page 12 for a preview of next week’s programmes.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to see a film/movie, a television programme, etc. before it is shown to the general public and write an account of it for a newspaper or magazine:\nThe exhibition was previewed in last week’s issue.\n  2  (especially AmE) to give sb a short account of sth that is going to happen, be studied, etc:\nThe professor previewed the course for us.


Words: previous
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  happening or existing before the event or object that you are talking about:\nNo previous experience is necessary for this job. * The car has only had one previous owner. * She is his daughter from a previous marriage. * I was unable to attend because of a previous engagement. * The judge will take into consideration any previous convictions. * We dealt with this in a previous chapter. * We had met on two previous occasions.\n  2  immediately before the time you are talking about\nSYN PRECEDING:\nI couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. I’d only seen him the previous day.\n    previously adverb:\nThe building had previously been used as a hotel. * The book contains a number of photographs not previously published. * I had visited them three days previously.\n    previous to preposition (spoken):\nPrevious to this, she’d always been well.


Words: prey
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U, sing.]\n \n  1  an animal, a bird, etc. that is hunted, killed and eaten by another:\nThe lion will often stalk its prey for hours. * birds of prey (= birds that kill for food)\n \n  2  a person who is harmed or deceived by sb, especially for dishonest purposes:\nElderly people are easy prey for dishonest salesmen.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be / fall prey to sth (formal)\n1 (of an animal) to be killed and eaten by another animal or bird:\nMany small birds and rodents fall prey to the domestic cat.\n2 (of a person) to be harmed or affected by sth bad:\nSince the attack, she had fallen prey to irrational fears.\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  prey on sb’s mind (of a thought, problem, etc.) to make sb think and worry about it all the time:\nThe thought that he could have helped more preyed on his mind.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  prey on / upon sb/sth\n1 (of an animal or a bird) to hunt and kill another animal for food:\nHawks prey on rodents and small birds.\n2 to harm sb who is weaker than you, or make use of them in a dishonest way to get what you want:\nBogus social workers have been preying on old people living alone.


Words: price
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the amount of money that you have to pay for sth:\nRover 200 for sale, price ｣2 000 * house / retail / oil / share prices * to charge a high / reasonable / low price for sth * The price of cigarettes is set to rise again. * He managed to get a good price for the car. * rising / falling prices * Can you give me a price for the work (= tell me how much you will charge)? * I’m only buying it if it’s the right price (= a price that I think is reasonable). * Children over five must pay (the) full price for the ticket. * How much are these? They don’t have a price on them. * It’s amazing how much computers have come down in price over the past few years. * price rises / increases / cuts * a price list\nsee also ASKING PRICE, COST PRICE, CUT-PRICE, HALF-PRICE, MARKET PRICE, LIST PRICE, PURCHASE PRICE, SELLING PRICE\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) the unpleasant things that you must do or experience in order to achieve sth or as a result of achieving sth:\nCriticism is part of the price of leadership. * Loneliness is a high price to pay for independence in your old age. * Giving up his job was a small price to pay for his children’s happiness. * Being recognized wherever you go is the price you pay for being famous.\n  3  [C] (in horse racing) the numbers that tell you how much money you will receive if the horse that you bet on wins the race\nSYN ODDS:\nSix to one is a good price for that horse.\nsee also STARTING PRICE\n IDIOMS \n  at any price whatever the cost or the difficulties may be:\nWe want peace at any price.\n  at a price\n1 costing a lot of money:\nYou can buy strawberries all year round, but at a price.\n2 involving sth unpleasant:\nHe’ll help you-at a price!\n  beyond price (formal or literary) extremely valuable or important\n  everyone has their price (saying) you can persuade anyone to do sth by giving them more money or sth that they want\n  not at any price used to say that no amount of money would persuade you to do or to sell sth:\nI wouldn’t work for her again-not at any price!\n  a price on sb’s head an amount of money that is offered for capturing or killing sb:\nEver since he killed the gang’s leader, there has been a price on his head.\n  put a price on sth to say how much money sth valuable is worth:\nThey haven’t yet put a price on the business. * You can’t put a price on that sort of loyalty.\n  what price ...? (BrE, spoken)\n1 used to say that you think that sth you have achieved may not be worth all the problems and difficulties it causes:\nWhat price fame and fortune?\n2 used to say that sth seems unlikely:\nWhat price England winning the World Cup?\nmore at CHEAP adj., PAY v.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sth (at sth) to fix the price of sth at a particular level:\na reasonably priced house * The tickets are priced at $100 each. * These goods are priced too high.\n  2  ~ sth (up) to write or stick tickets on goods to show how much they cost\n  3  to compare the prices of different types of the same thing:\nWe priced various models before buying this one.\n IDIOMS \n  price yourself / sth out of the market to charge such a high price for your goods, services, etc. that nobody wants to buy them\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nprice / cost / charge\nThe nouns price and cost both mean the amount of money you need to buy something. Price is generally used of objects which you can buy and sell: the price of eggs/cars * oil prices. Cost usually relates to services or processes and can also be used when you are talking about prices in general without mentioning an actual sum of money: the cost of getting married * production costs * the cost of living.\nCharge is the amount of money you are asked to pay for using something or for a service: electricity charges * bank/interest charges * There’s no charge for parking here.\nPrice, cost and charge are also verbs: The tickets were priced at ｣325. * Our trip didn’t cost very much. * How much do they charge for a pizza?\n______________________________


Words: price controls
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (economics) restrictions that a government puts on the price of goods at particular times, such as when there is not enough of sth, when there is a war, etc:\nto abolish / introduce price controls on oil


Words: price tag
Meaning:
noun\na label on sth that shows how much you must pay: (figurative) There is a ｣2 million price tag on the team’s star player.


Words: price war
Meaning:
noun\na situation in which companies or shops/stores keep reducing the prices of their products and services in order to attract customers away from their competitors:\nAll the large supermarket chains are currently locked in a price war.


Words: priceless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely valuable or important:\na priceless collection of antiques * priceless information * Our family photos are priceless.\ncompare VALUABLE\n  2  (informal) extremely amusing:\nYou should have seen his face-it was priceless!


Words: pricing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of deciding how much to charge for sth:\ncompetitive pricing * pricing strategy / policy


Words: prick
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to make a very small hole in sth with a sharp point:\nPrick holes in the paper with a pin. * He pricked the balloon and burst it.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (on sth) to make a small hole in the skin so that it hurts or bleeds:\nShe pricked her finger on a needle.\n  3  to make sb feel a slight pain as if they were being pricked:\n[V] He felt a pricking sensation in his throat. * [VN] Tears pricked her eyes.\n IDIOMS \n  prick your conscience | your conscience pricks you to make you feel guilty about sth; to feel guilty about sth:\nHer conscience pricked her as she lied to her sister.\n  prick (up) your ears\n1 (of an animal, especially a horse or dog) to raise the ears\n2 (also your ears prick up) (of a person) to listen carefully, especially because you have just heard sth interesting:\nHer ears pricked up at the sound of his name. * I walked along, ears pricked for the slightest noise.\n    noun\n  1  (!!!, slang) a PENIS\n  2  (!!!, slang) an offensive word for a stupid or unpleasant man:\nDon’t be such a prick!\n  3  an act of making a very small hole in sth with a sharp point:\nI’m going to give your finger a little prick with this needle.\n  4  a slight pain caused by a sharp point or sth that feels like a sharp point:\nYou will feel a tiny prick in your arm. * (figurative) He could feel the hot prick of tears in his eyes. * She felt the prick of conscience.


Words: prickle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to give sb an unpleasant feeling on their skin, as if they were being pricked by sth sharp:\n[VN] The rough cloth prickled my skin. * [V] His moustache prickled when he kissed me.\n  2  [V] (of skin, eyes, etc.) to sting or feel strange and unpleasant because you are frightened, angry, excited, etc:\nHer eyes prickled with tears. * The thought made her prickle with excitement. * The hairs on the back of my neck prickled when I heard the door open. * (figurative) He prickled (= became angry) at the suggestion that it had been his fault.\n    noun\n  1  a small sharp part on the stem or leaf of a plant or on the skin of some animals:\na cactus covered in prickles\n  2  a slight stinging feeling on the skin:\na prickle of fear / excitement


Words: prickly
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered with prickles:\na prickly bush / branch / leaf * The hedgehog curled up in a prickly ball.\n  2  causing you to feel as if your skin is touching sth that is covered with prickles:\na prickly feeling / sensation * The sweat made my skin feel all prickly.\n  3  (informal) (of a person) easily annoyed or offended\nSYN TOUCHY:\nHe can be very prickly. * She’s still a bit prickly about the whole incident.\n  4  (of a decision, an issue, etc.) difficult to deal with because people have very different ideas about it\nSYN THORNY:\nLet’s move on to the prickly subject of taxation reform.


Words: prickly pear
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a type of CACTUS with PRICKLES (= sharp parts like needles), and yellow flowers\n  2  the reddish fruit of the prickly pear that is shaped like a PEAR and can be eaten


Words: pride
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  pleasure / satisfaction\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that you get when you or people who are connected with you have done sth well or own sth that other people admire:\nThe sight of her son graduating filled her with pride. * He felt a glow of pride as people stopped to admire his garden. * I take (a) pride in my work. * We take great pride in offering the best service in town. * I looked with pride at what I had achieved. * Success in sport is a source of national pride.\n  2  [sing.] the ~ of sth a person or a thing that gives people a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction:\nThe new sports stadium is the pride of the town.\n  respect for yourself\n  3  [U] the feeling of respect that you have for yourself:\nPride would not allow him to accept the money. * Her pride was hurt. * Losing his job was a real blow to his pride. * It’s time to swallow your pride (= hide your feelings of pride) and ask for your job back.\n  4  [U] (disapproving) the feeling that you are better or more important than other people:\nMale pride forced him to suffer in silence.\nsee also PROUD\n  lions\n  5  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of lions\n IDIOMS \n  sb’s pride and joy a person or a thing that causes sb to feel great pleasure or satisfaction:\nThe car is her pride and joy.\n  pride comes / goes before a fall (saying) if you have too high an opinion of yourself or your abilities, sth will happen to make you look stupid\n  pride of place the position in which sth is most easily seen, that is given to the most important thing in a particular group:\nThe photo was given pride of place on the mantelpiece.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  pride yourself on sth / on doing sth [no passive] to be proud of sth:\nShe had always prided herself on her appearance.


Words: priest
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is qualified to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches:\na parish priest * the ordination of women priests\ncompare CHAPLAIN, CLERGYMAN, MINISTER, VICAR\n  2  (feminine priestess ) a person who performs religious ceremonies in some religions that are not Christian


Words: priesthood
Meaning:
(the priesthood) noun\n  1  [sing.] the job or position of being a priest:\nto enter the priesthood (= to become a priest)\n  2  all the priests of a particular religion or country


Words: priestly
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with a priest; like a priest:\npriestly duties * priestly wisdom


Words: prig
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who behaves in a morally correct way and who shows that they disapprove of what other people do\n    priggish adjective:\nHe was in danger of becoming priggish and opinionated.\n    priggishness noun [U]


Words: prim
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  (of a person) always behaving in a careful and formal way, and easily shocked by anything that is rude:\nYou can’t tell her that joke-she’s much too prim and proper.\n  2  formal and neat:\na prim suit with a high-necked collar\n    primly adverb:\n’You’re not supposed to say that,’ she said primly.


Words: prima donna
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the main woman singer in an opera performance or an opera company\n  2  (disapproving) a person who thinks they are very important because they are good at sth, and who behaves badly when they do not get what they want


Words: prima facie
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (from Latin, especially law) based on what at first seems to be true, although it may be proved false later:\nprima facie evidence\n    prima facie adverb:\nPrima facie, there is a strong case against him.


Words: primacy
Meaning:
noun (plural primacies) (formal)\n  1  [U] the fact of being the most important person or thing:\na belief in the primacy of the family * This college emphasizes the primacy of teaching over research. * This approach gives primacy to facts.\n  2  [C] the position of an ARCHBISHOP


Words: primal
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) connected with the earliest origins of life; very basic\nSYN PRIMEVAL:\nthe primal hunter-gatherer * a primal urge / fear


Words: primarily
Meaning:
adverb\nmainly:\na course designed primarily for specialists * The problem is not primarily a financial one. * The report is primarily concerned with aircraft safety. * The person primarily responsible is the project manager.


Words: primary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] main; most important; basic:\nThe primary aim of this course is to improve your spoken English. * Our primary concern must be the children. * Good health care is of primary importance.\n  2  [usually before noun] developing or happening first; earliest:\nprimary causes * The disease is still in its primary stage.\n  3  [only before noun] (especially BrE) connected with the education of children between the ages of about five and eleven:\nprimary teachers\ncompare ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, TERTIARY\n    noun (plural primaries) (also primary election) (in the US) an election in which people in a particular area vote to choose a candidate for a future important election:\nthe Illinois primary * the presidential primaries


Words: primary colour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE primary color) noun\none of the three colours, red, yellow and blue, that can be mixed together to make all other colours


Words: primary health care
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the medical treatment that you receive first when you are ill/sick, for example from your family doctor


Words: primary school
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a school for children between the ages of 5 and 11\n  2  (old-fashioned, AmE) = ELEMENTARY SCHOOL\ncompare SECONDARY SCHOOL


Words: primary source
Meaning:
noun\na document, etc. that contains information obtained by experience, research or OBSERVATION, not taken from other books, etc.\ncompare SECONDARY SOURCE


Words: primary stress
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (phonetics) the strongest stress that is put on a syllable in a word or a phrase when it is spoken\ncompare SECONDARY STRESS


Words: primate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  any animal that belongs to the group of MAMMALS that includes human beings, APES and monkeys\n  2  an ARCHBISHOP (= a priest of very high rank in the Christian Church):\nthe Primate of all England (= the Archbishop of Canterbury)


Words: prime
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  main; most important; basic\nSYN PRIMARY:\nMy prime concern is to protect my property. * Winning is not the prime objective in this sport. * The care of the environment is of prime importance. * He’s the police’s prime suspect in this case.\n  2  of the best quality; excellent:\nprime (cuts of) beef * The store has a prime position in the mall.\n  3  a prime example of sth is one that is typical of it:\nThe building is a prime example of 1960s architecture.\n  4  most likely to be chosen for sth; most suitable:\nThe house is isolated and a prime target for burglars. * He’s a prime candidate to captain the team this season.\n    noun [sing.] the time in your life when you are strongest or most successful:\na young woman in her prime * He was barely 30 and in the prime of (his) life. * These flowers are long past their prime.\n    verb\n  1  ~ sb (for / with sth) to prepare sb for a situation so that they know what to do, especially by giving them special information\nSYN BRIEF:\n[VN] They had been primed with good advice. * She was ready and primed for action. * [VN to inf] He had primed his friends to give the journalists as little information as possible.\n  2  [VN] to make sth ready for use or action:\nThe bomb was primed, ready to explode.\n  3  [VN] to prepare wood, metal, etc. for painting by covering it with a special paint that helps the next layer of paint to stay on\n IDIOMS \n  prime the pump to encourage the growth of a new or weak business or industry by putting money into it


Words: prime minister
Meaning:
(also Prime Minister) noun\n(abbreviation PM) the main minister and leader of the government in some countries


Words: prime mover
Meaning:
noun\na person or a thing that starts sth and has an important influence on its development:\nWith Germany, France has been the prime mover in closer European integration.


Words: prime number
Meaning:
noun\n(mathematics) a number that can be divided exactly only by itself and 1, for example 7, 17 and 41


Words: prime rate
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) the lowest rate of interest at which business customers can borrow money from banks\ncompare BASE RATE


Words: prime time
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the time when the greatest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio:\nprime-time television / viewing


Words: primer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] a type of paint that is put on wood, metal, etc. before it is painted to help the paint to stay on the surface\n  2   (AmE) a book that contains basic instructions:\nThe President doesn’t need a primer on national security.\n  3   (AmE, old-fashioned) a book for teaching children how to read, or containing basic facts about a school subject


Words: primeval
Meaning:
(also primaeval)  adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  from the earliest period of the history of the world, very ancient:\nprimeval rocks / forests * primeval soup (= the mixture of gases and substances that is thought to have existed when the earth was formed and from which life started)\n  2  (formal) (of a feeling, or a desire) very strong and not based on reason, as if from the earliest period of human life:\nprimeval instincts / urges


Words: primitive
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] belonging to a very simple society with no industry, etc:\nprimitive tribes * primitive rituals / beliefs\n  2  [usually before noun] belonging to an early stage in the development of humans or animals:\nprimitive man\n  3  very simple and old-fashioned, especially when sth is also not convenient and comfortable:\nThe methods of communication used during the war were primitive by today’s standards. * The facilities on the campsite were very primitive.\n  4  [usually before noun] (of a feeling or a desire) very strong and not based on reason, as if from the earliest period of human life:\na primitive instinct / desire\n    primitiveness noun [U] \n    noun\n  1  an artist of the period before the Renaissance; an example of work from this period\n  2  an artist who paints in a very simple style like a child; an example of the work of such an artist


Words: primogeniture
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal) the fact of being the first child born in a family\n  2  (law) the system in which the oldest son in a family receives all the property when his father dies


Words: primordial
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun] (formal)\n  1  existing at or from the beginning of the world\nSYN PRIMEVAL:\nprimordial gases / seas\n  2  (formal) (of a feeling or a desire) very basic\nSYN PRIMEVAL:\nprimordial impulses / fears


Words: primp
Meaning:
verb\n(often disapproving) to make yourself look attractive by arranging your hair, putting on MAKE-UP, etc:\n[V] She was busy primping in the bedroom. [also VN]


Words: primrose
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small wild plant that produces pale yellow flowers in spring\n  2  (also primrose yellow) [U] a pale yellow colour\n    primrose (also primrose yellow) adjective:\nprimrose paintwork\n IDIOMS \n  the primrose path (literary) an easy life that is full of pleasure but that causes you harm in the end


Words: Primus
Meaning:
(also Primus stove) noun\na small cooker/stove that you can move around that burns oil. It is used especially by people who are camping.


Words: prince
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a male member of a royal family who is not king, especially the son or grandson of the king or queen:\nthe royal princes * the Prince of Wales\n  2  the male ruler of a small country or state that has a royal family; a male member of this family, especially the son or grandson of the ruler:\nPrince Rainier of Monaco\n  3  (in some European countries) a NOBLEMAN\n  4  ~ of / among sth (literary) a man who is thought to be one of the best in a particular field:\nthe prince of comedy * a prince among men


Words: Prince Charming
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (usually humorous) a man who seems to be a perfect boyfriend or husband because he is very attractive, kind, etc:\nI’m still waiting for my Prince Charming!


Words: prince consort
Meaning:
noun\na title sometimes given to the husband of a queen who is himself a prince:\nPrince Albert, the Prince Consort


Words: princely
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (usually ironic) if you say that an amount of money is princely, you are usually saying the opposite and that it is not very large:\nI bought a bike for the princely sum of ｣20!\n  2  (old-fashioned, formal) very grand; generous:\nprincely buildings * a princely gift\n  3  connected with a prince; like a prince:\na man of princely appearance


Words: princess
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a female member of a royal family who is not queen, especially the daughter or granddaughter of the king or queen:\nthe royal princesses * Princess Anne\n  2  the wife of a prince:\nthe Princess of Wales * Princess Michael of Kent


Words: principal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] most important; main:\nThe principal reason for this omission is lack of time. * New roads will link the principal cities of the area. * Tourist revenue is now our principal source of wealth. * My principal concern is to get the job done fast. * The violins have the principal tune.\n    noun\n  1  (BrE) the person who is in charge of a college or a university:\nPeter Brown, principal of St John’s college\nsee also DEAN\n  2  (AmE) = HEAD TEACHER:\nPrincipal Ray Smith\n  3  [usually sing.] (finance) an amount of money that you lend to sb or invest to earn interest\n  4  the person who has the most important part in a play, an opera, etc:\nThe performance of the two principals is disappointing.\n  5  (technical) a person that you are representing, especially in business or law:\nThe shareholders are principals and the managers are agents.


Words: principal parts
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (grammar) the forms of a verb from which all the other forms can be made. In English these are the INFINITIVE (for example swim), the past tense (swam) and the past participle (swum).


Words: principality
Meaning:
noun (plural principalities)\n  1  [C] a country that is ruled by a prince:\nthe principality of Monaco\n  2  (the Principality) [sing.] (BrE) Wales


Words: principally
Meaning:
adverb\nmainly:\nThe book is aimed principally at beginners. * No new power stations have been built, principally because of the cost.


Words: principle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl., U] a moral rule or a strong belief that influences your actions:\nHe has high moral principles. * I refuse to lie about it; it’s against my principles. * Stick to your principles and tell him you won’t do it. * She refuses to allow her family to help her as a matter of principle. * He doesn’t invest in the arms industry on principle.\n  2  [C] a law, a rule or a theory that sth is based on:\nthe principles and practice of writing reports * The principle behind it is very simple. * There are three fundamental principles of teamwork. * Discussing all these details will get us nowhere; we must get back to first principles (= the most basic rules).\n  3  [C] a belief that is accepted as a reason for acting or thinking in a particular way:\nthe principle that free education should be available for all children\n  4  [sing.] a general or scientific law that explains how sth works or why sth happens:\nthe principle that heat rises * A tidal current turbine is similar in principle to a windmill.\n IDIOMS \n  in principle\n1 if something can be done in principle, there is no good reason why it should not be done although it has not yet been done and there may be some difficulties:\nIn principle there is nothing that a human can do that a machine might not be able to do one day.\n2 in general but not in detail:\nThey have agreed to the proposal in principle but we still have to negotiate the terms.


Words: principled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having strong beliefs about what is right and wrong; based on strong beliefs:\na principled woman * to take a principled stand against abortion\nOPP UNPRINCIPLED\n  2  based on rules or truths:\na principled approach to language teaching


Words: print
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  letters / pictures\n  1  to produce letters, pictures, etc. on paper using a machine that puts ink on the surface:\n[VN] Do you want your address printed at the top of the letter? * I’m printing a copy of the document for you. * Each card is printed with a different message. * [V] (computing) Click on the icon when you want to print.\n  books / newspapers\n  2  [VN] to produce books, newspapers, etc. by printing them in large quantities:\nThey printed 30 000 copies of the book. * The firm specializes in printing calendars.\n  publish\n  3  [VN] to publish sth in printed form:\nThe photo was printed in all the national newspapers. * The magazine was sued for printing a libelous article about her family.\n  photograph\n  4  [VN] to produce a photograph from photographic film:\nI’m having the pictures developed and printed.\n  write\n  5  to write without joining the letters together:\n[V] In some countries children learn to print when they first go to school. * [VN] Print your name and address clearly in the space provided. * He had printed his name in capitals at the bottom of the picture.\n  make mark\n  6  [VN] ~ sth (in / on sth) to make a mark on a soft surface by pressing:\nThe tracks of the large animal were clearly printed in the sand. * (figurative) The memory of that day was indelibly printed on his brain.\n  make design\n  7  [VN] to make a design on a surface or fabric by pressing a surface against it which has been coloured with ink or DYE:\nThey had printed their own design on the T-shirt.\n IDIOMS \n  the printed word / page what is published in books, newspapers, etc:\nthe power of the printed word\nmore at LICENCE n., WORTH adj.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  print sth<->off / out to produce a document or information from a computer in printed form:\nHow many copies shall I print out?\nrelated noun PRINTOUT\n    noun\n  letters / numbers\n \n  1  [U] letters, words, numbers, etc. that have been printed onto paper:\nin large / small / bold print * The print quality of the new laser printer is superb.\nsee also THE SMALL PRINT\n \n  newspapers / books\n \n  2  [U] used to refer to the business of producing newspapers, magazines and books:\nthe print media * print unions * a print run (= the number of copies of a book, etc. printed at one time)\n \n  mark\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a mark left by your finger, foot, etc. on the surface of sth:\nHis prints were found on the gun.\nsee also FINGERPRINT, FOOTPRINT\n  picture\n  4  [C] a picture that is carved into metal or wood then covered with ink and printed onto paper; a picture that is copied from a painting using photography:\na framed set of prints\n  photograph\n  5  [C] a photograph produced from film:\nHow many sets of prints would you like? * a colour print\n  fabric\n  6  [U, C] cotton fabric that has a pattern printed on it; this pattern:\na cotton print dress * a floral print\nsee also BLUEPRINT\n IDIOMS \n  get into print to be published:\nBy the time this gets into print, they’ll already have left the country.\n  in print\n1 (of a book) still available from the company that publishes it:\nIs this edition still in print?\n2 (of a person’s work) printed in a book, newspaper, etc:\nIt was the first time he had seen his name in print.\n  out of print (of a book) no longer available from the company that publishes it:\nHer first novel is now out of print.


Words: printable
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually used with a negative) suitable to be repeated in writing and read by people:\nHis comment when he heard the news was not printable (= was very rude).\nOPP UNPRINTABLE


Words: printed circuit
Meaning:
noun\na CIRCUIT for electricity that uses thin strips of metal instead of wires to carry the current


Words: printer
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a machine for printing text on paper, especially one connected to a computer:\na colour / laser printer\n \n  2  a person or a company whose job is printing books, etc.\n \n  3  (printer’s) (plural printers) a place where books, etc. are printed


Words: printing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of producing letters, pictures, patterns, etc. on sth by pressing a surface covered with ink against it:\nthe invention of printing * the printing trade * fabric / colour printing * production and printing costs\n  2  [C] the act of printing a number of copies of a book at one time:\nThe book is in its sixth printing.\n  3  [U] a type of writing when you write all the letters separately and do not join them together


Words: printing press
Meaning:
noun\na machine that produces books, newspapers, etc. by pressing a surface covered in ink onto paper


Words: printout
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a page or set of pages containing information in printed form from a computer:\na printout of text downloaded from the Internet\ncompare READ-OUT


Words: prion
Meaning:
noun\n(biology) a very small unit of PROTEIN that is believed to be the cause of brain diseases such as BSE, CJD and SCRAPIE


Words: prior
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  happening or existing before sth else or before a particular time\nSYN PREVIOUS:\nAlthough not essential, some prior knowledge of statistics is desirable. * This information must not be disclosed without prior written consent. * Visits are by prior arrangement. * Please give us prior notice if you need an evening meal. * She will be unable to attend because of a prior engagement.\n  2  already existing and therefore more important:\nThey have a prior claim to the property.\n  3  (prior to) (formal) before sth:\nduring the week prior to the meeting\n    noun (feminine prioress )\n  1  a person who is in charge of a group of MONKS or NUNS living in a PRIORY\n  2  (in an ABBEY) a person next in rank below an ABBOT or ABBESS


Words: prioritize
Meaning:
(BrE also prioritise)  verb\n  1  to put tasks, problems, etc. in order of importance, so that you can deal with the most important first:\n[VN] You should make a list of all the jobs you have to do and prioritize them. [also V]\n  2  [VN] (formal) to treat sth as being more important than other things:\nThe organization was formed to prioritize the needs of older people.\n    prioritization, prioritisation  noun [U]


Words: priority
Meaning:
noun (plural priorities)\n  1  [C] something that you think is more important than other things and should be dealt with first:\na high / low priority * Education is a top priority. * Our first priority is to improve standards. * Financial security was high on his list of priorities. * You need to get your priorities right (= decide what is important to you). * (AmE) You need to get your priorities straight.\n  2  [U] ~ (over sth) the most important place among various things that have to be done or among a group of people\nSYN PRECEDENCE:\nClub members will be given priority. * The search for a new vaccine will take priority over all other medical research. * Priority cases, such as homeless families, get dealt with first.\n  3  [U] (BrE) the right of a vehicle to go before other traffic at a particular place on a road:\nBuses have priority at this junction.


Words: priory
Meaning:
noun\n(plural priories) a building where a community of MONKS or NUNS lives, which is smaller and less important than an ABBEY


Words: prise
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE prize)  especially in AmE) verb\nto use force to separate sth from sth else: [VN, +adv./prep.] He prised her fingers from the bag and took it from her. * [VN-ADJ] She used a knife to prise open the lid.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  prise sth<->out (of sb) | prise sth from sb to force sb to give you information about sb/sth


Words: prism
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (geometry) a solid figure with ends that are parallel and of the same size and shape, and with sides whose opposite edges are equal and parallel\n \n  2  a transparent glass or plastic object, often with ends in the shape of a triangle, which separates light that passes through it into the colours of the RAINBOW


Words: prismatic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) using or containing a prism; in the shape of a prism\n  2  (literary) (of colours) formed by a prism; very bright and clear


Words: prison
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime they have committed, or while they are waiting for trial:\nHe was sent to prison for five years. * She is in prison, awaiting trial. * to be released from prison * a maximum-security prison * the prison population (= the total number of prisoners in a country) * the problem of overcrowding in prisons * Ten prison officers and three inmates needed hospital treatment following the riot. -> SCHOOL\n  2  [U] the system of keeping people in prisons:\nthe prison service / system * The government insists that ’prison works’ and plans to introduce a tougher sentencing policy for people convicted of violent crime.\n  3  [C] a place or situation from which sb cannot escape:\nHis hospital room had become a prison.


Words: prison visitor
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a person who visits people in prison in order to help them, and who does not get paid for doing so


Words: prisoner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is kept in prison as a punishment, or while they are waiting for trial:\nThe number of prisoners serving life sentences has fallen. * They are demanding the release of all political prisoners.\n  2  a person who has been captured, for example by an enemy, and is being kept somewhere:\nHe was taken prisoner by rebel soldiers. * They are holding her prisoner and demanding a large ransom. * (figurative) She is afraid to go out and has become a virtual prisoner in her own home. * (figurative) He was a prisoner of his own ignorance.


Words: prisoner of conscience
Meaning:
noun\n(plural prisoners of conscience) a person who is kept in prison because of his or her political or religious beliefs


Words: prisoner of war
Meaning:
noun\n(plural prisoners of war) (abbreviation POW) a person, usually a member of the armed forces, who is captured by the enemy during a war and kept in a prison camp until the war has finished


Words: prissy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) too careful to always behave correctly and appearing easily shocked by rude behaviour, etc:\nShe was a prissy little girl. * Children’s clothes that are attractive without being prissy.


Words: pristine
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  fresh and clean, as if new:\nThe car is in pristine condition. * a pristine white tablecloth\n  2  not developed or changed in any way; left in its original condition:\npristine, pollution-free beaches


Words: privacy
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of being alone and not watched or disturbed by other people:\nShe was longing for some peace and privacy. * I value my privacy. * He read the letter later in the privacy of his own room.\n  2  the state of being free from the attention of the public:\nfreedom of speech and the right to privacy * She complained that the photographs were an invasion of her privacy.


Words: private
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  not public\n  1  [usually before noun] belonging to or for the use of a particular person or group; not for public use:\nThe sign said, ’Private property. Keep out.’ * Those are my father’s private papers. * The hotel has 110 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. * The villa has its own private beach.\nOPP PUBLIC\n  conversation / meeting\n  2  intended for or involving a particular person or group of people, not for people in general or for others to know about:\na private conversation / letter * They were sharing a private joke. * Senior defence officials held private talks.\n  feelings / information\n  3  that you do not want other people to know about; \nSYN SECRET:\nher private thoughts and feelings\n  not owned / run by state\n  4  [usually before noun] owned or managed by an individual person or an independent company rather than by the state:\nprivate banks / companies / schools * a programme to return many of the state companies to private ownership\nOPP PUBLIC\n  5  [only before noun] working or acting for yourself rather than for the state or for a group or company, especially in health or education:\nprivate doctors * to offer advice to private investors * (BrE) If I can afford it, I think I’ll go private (= pay for medical care rather than use the government service).\n  not work\n  6  [usually before noun] not connected with your work or official position:\na politician’s private life\n  quiet\n  7  where you are not likely to be disturbed; quiet:\nLet’s go somewhere a bit more private.\nOPP PUBLIC\n  person\n  8  [usually before noun] not wanting to share thoughts and feelings with other people:\nHe’s a very private person.\n  lessons\n  9  [usually before noun] given by a teacher, etc. to one person or a small group of people for payment:\nShe gives private English lessons at weekends. * private students\n  money\n  10  that you receive from property or other sources but do not have to earn:\nHe has a private income.\n    privately adverb:\nCan we speak privately? * In public he supported the official policy, but privately he was sure it would fail. * a privately owned company * Their children were educated privately. * She smiled, but privately she was furious.\n    noun\n  1  [C] (abbreviation Pte) (BrE) a soldier of the lowest rank in the army:\nPrivate (John) Smith\n  2  (privates) [pl.] (informal) = PRIVATE PARTS\n IDIOMS \n  in private with nobody else present:\nIs there somewhere we can discuss this in private?\ncompare IN PUBLIC


Words: private company
Meaning:
(also private limited company) noun\n(business) a business that may not offer its shares for sale to the public\ncompare PUBLIC COMPANY, PLC


Words: private detective
Meaning:
(also private investigator) (also informal private eye) noun\na DETECTIVE who is not in the police, but who can be employed to find out information, find a missing person, follow sb, etc.


Words: private enterprise
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the economic system in which industry or business is owned by independent companies or private people and is not controlled by the government\ncompare FREE ENTERPRISE


Words: private member’s bill
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a law that is suggested by a member of the House of Commons who is not a minister in the government and that is not part of the government’s plans


Words: private parts
Meaning:
(also informal privates) noun\n[pl.] a polite way of referring to the sexual organs without saying their names


Words: private patient
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a person who is treated by a doctor outside the National Health Service and who pays for their treatment


Words: private practice
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (of a profession) the fact of working on your own or in a small independent company rather than as an employee of the government or a large company:\nMost solicitors in England and Wales are in private practice.\n  2  [U, C] (in Britain) the fact of providing medical care outside the National Health Service, which people must pay for; a place providing this care:\nA large number of dentists have left the National Health Service to go into private practice. * They set up a private practice.


Words: private school
Meaning:
(also independent school) noun\na school that receives no money from the government and where the education of the students is paid for by their parents\ncompare PUBLIC SCHOOL, STATE SCHOOL


Words: private secretary
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a secretary whose job is to deal with the more important and personal affairs of a business person\n  2  a CIVIL SERVANT who acts as an assistant to a senior government official


Words: private view
Meaning:
(also private viewing) noun\nan occasion when a few people are invited to look at an EXHIBITION of paintings before it is open to the public


Words: privation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually pl., U] (formal) a lack of the basic things that people need for living:\nthe privations of poverty * They endured years of suffering and privation.


Words: privatize
Meaning:
(BrE also privatise)  verb\n[VN] to sell a business or an industry so that it is no longer owned by the government\nSYN DENATIONALIZE:\nAir traffic control has been privatized.\nOPP NATIONALIZE\n    privatization, privatisation  noun [U]:\nThere were fears that privatization would lead to job losses.


Words: privet
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a bush with small dark green leaves that remain on the bush and stay green all year, often used for garden HEDGES:\na privet hedge


Words: privilege
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has:\nEducation should be a universal right and not a privilege. * You can enjoy all the benefits and privileges of club membership. * Try not to abuse the privilege of being allowed more freedom.\n  2  [U] (disapproving) the rights and advantages that rich and powerful people in a society have:\nAs a member of the nobility, his life had been one of wealth and privilege.\n  3  [sing.] something that you are proud and lucky to have the opportunity to do\nSYN HONOUR:\nI hope to have the privilege of working with them again. * It was a great privilege to hear her sing.\n  4  [C, U] (technical) a special right to do or say things without being punished:\nparliamentary privilege (= the special right of members of parliament to say particular things without risking legal action) * breach of privilege (= the breaking of rules about what a member of parliament can say and do)\n    verb [VN] (formal) to give sb/sth special rights or advantages that others do not have:\neducation policies that privilege the children of wealthy parents


Words: privileged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (sometimes disapproving) having special rights or advantages that most people do not have:\nThose in authority were in a privileged position. * She comes from a privileged background. * In those days, only a privileged few had the vote.\n  2  [not before noun] having an opportunity to do sth that makes you feel proud\nSYN HONOURED:\nWe are privileged to welcome you as our speaker this evening.\n  3  (law) (of information) known only to a few people and legally protected so that it does not have to be made public\nSYN CONFIDENTIAL:\nI’m sorry, that’s privileged information.


Words: privy
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (formal) ~ to sth allowed to know about sth secret:\nShe was not privy to any information contained in the letters.\n    noun (plural privies) (old-fashioned) a toilet, especially an outdoor one


Words: prize
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n  1  an award that is given to a person who wins a competition, race, etc. or who does very good work:\nShe was awarded the Nobel Peace prize. * He won first prize in the woodwind section. * There are no prizes for guessing (= it is very easy to guess) who she was with. * I won ｣500 in prize money. * Win a car in our grand prize draw!\nsee also CONSOLATION PRIZE\n  2  something very important or valuable that is difficult to achieve or obtain:\nWorld peace is the greatest prize of all.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (especially of an animal, a flower or a vegetable) good enough to win a prize in a competition:\nprize cattle / blooms\n  2  being a very good example of its kind:\na prize pupil / student * a prize example * He’s a prize specimen of the human race! * (informal) She’s a prize idiot (= very silly).\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sth (for sth) to value sth highly\nSYN TREASURE:\nan era when honesty was prized above all other virtues * Oil of cedarwood is highly prized for its use in medicine and perfumery.\n  2  (AmE) = PRISE


Words: prized
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] very valuable to sb:\nI lost some of my most prized possessions in the fire.


Words: prizefight
Meaning:
noun\na boxing competition that is fought for money\n    prizefighter noun\n    prizefighting noun [U]


Words: prizewinner
Meaning:
noun\na person who has won a prize\n    prizewinning adjective [only before noun]:\na prizewinning story


Words: pro
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural pros) (informal) a person who works as a PROFESSIONAL, especially in a sport:\na golf pro * a young boxer who’s just turned pro * He handled the situation like an old pro (= sb who has a lot of experience). * She’s a real pro.\n IDIOMS \n  the pros and cons the advantages and disadvantages of sth:\nWe weighed up the pros and cons.\n    adjective [only before noun] (especially AmE) (in sport) professional:\na pro athlete / wrestler * pro football


Words: pro bono
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (from Latin) (especially of legal work) done free of charge:\npro bono work / activities


Words: pro forma
Meaning:
adjective (from Latin) [usually before noun]\n  1  (especially of a document) prepared in order to show the usual way of doing sth or to provide a standard method:\na pro forma letter * pro forma instructions\n  2  (of a document) sent in advance:\na pro forma invoice (= a document that gives details of the goods being sent to a customer)\n  3  done because it is part of the usual way of doing sth, although it has no real meaning:\na pro forma debate\n    pro forma noun:\nI enclose a pro forma for you to complete, sign and return.


Words: pro rata
Meaning:
adjective\n(from Latin, formal) (of a payment or share of sth) calculated according to how much of sth has been used, the amount of work done, etc.\nSYN PROPORTIONATE:\nIf costs go up, there will be a pro rata increase in prices. * Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro rata basis, according to length of service.\n    pro rata adverb:\nPrices will increase pro rata.


Words: pro tem
Meaning:
adverb\n(from Latin) for now, but not for a long time\nSYN TEMPORARILY:\na new manager will be appointed pro tem\n    pro tem adjective:\nA pro tem committee was formed from existing members.


Words: pro-am
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (in sport) involving both professional and AMATEUR players:\na pro-am golf tournament\n    pro-am noun:\nto play in a pro-am


Words: pro-choice
Meaning:
adjective\nbelieving that a pregnant woman should be able to choose to have an ABORTION if she wants:\npro-choice activists * a pro-choice stand on abortion\ncompare ANTI-CHOICE, PRO-LIFE


Words: pro-life
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] opposed to ABORTION:\nthe pro-life movement * a pro-life campaigner\ncompare PRO-CHOICE


Words: proactive
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person or policy) controlling a situation by making things happen rather than waiting for things to happen and then reacting to them:\na proactive approach / role * Managers must be proactive in identifying and preventing potential problems.\ncompare REACTIVE\n    proactively adverb


Words: probabilistic
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) (of methods, arguments, etc.) based on the idea that, as we cannot be certain about things, we can base our beliefs or actions on what is probable


Words: probability
Meaning:
noun (plural probabilities)\n  1  [U, C] how likely sth is to happen:\nThe probability is that prices will rise rapidly. * There seemed to be a high probability of success.\n  2  [C] a thing that is likely to happen:\nA fall in interest rates is a strong probability in the present economic climate. * It now seems a probability rather than just a possibility.\n  3  [C] (mathematics) a RATIO showing the chances that a particular thing will happen:\nThere is a 60% probability that the population will be infected with the disease.\n IDIOMS \n  in all probability ... (written) it is very likely that:\nIn all probability he failed to understand the consequences of his actions.\nmore at BALANCE n.


Words: probable
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective likely to happen, to exist or to be true:\nthe probable cause / explanation / outcome * highly / quite / most probable * It is probable that the disease has a genetic element.\ncompare IMPROBABLE\n    noun ~ (for sth) (especially BrE) a person or an animal that is likely to win a race or to be chosen for a team:\nAll four players are probables for the national team.


Words: probably
Meaning:
adverb\nused to say that sth is likely to happen or to be true:\nYou’re probably right. * It’ll probably be OK. * It was the best known and probably the most popular of her songs. * ’Is he going to be there?’ ’Probably.’ * ’Do we need the car?’ ’Probably not.’ * As you probably know, I’m going to be changing jobs soon. * (written) The two cases are most probably connected.


Words: probate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (law) the official process of proving that a WILL (= a legal document that says what is to happen to a person’s property when they die) is valid:\nto grant probate * to get / obtain probate\n    verb [VN] (AmE, law) to prove that a WILL is valid


Words: probation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (law) a system that allows a person who has committed a crime not to go to prison if they behave well and if they see an official (called a PROBATION OFFICER) regularly for a fixed period of time:\nThe prisoner was put on probation. * He was given two years’ probation.\n  2  a time of training and testing when you start a new job to see if you are suitable for the work:\na period of probation\n  3  (AmE) a fixed period of time during which a student who has behaved badly or not worked hard must improve their work or their behaviour\n    probationary  adjective:\na probationary period * young probationary teachers\n    probationer noun:\nprisoners and probationers * a young probationer nurse


Words: probe
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (into sth) to ask questions in order to find out secret or hidden information about sb/sth:\n[V] He didn’t like the media probing into his past. * [VN] a TV programme that probed government scandals in the 1990s [also V speech]\n  2  [VN] to touch, examine or look for sth, especially with a long thin instrument:\nThe doctor probed the wound for signs of infection. * Searchlights probed the night sky.\n    noun\n  1  ~ (into sth) (used especially in newspapers) a thorough and careful investigation of sth:\na police probe into the financial affairs of the company * Arson probe after three die at home.\n  2  (also space probe) a spacecraft without people on board which obtains information and sends it back to earth\n  3  (technical) a long thin metal tool used by doctors for examining inside the body\n  4  (technical) a small device put inside sth and used by scientists to test sth or record information


Words: probing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  intended to discover the truth:\nThey asked a lot of probing questions.\n  2  examining sb/sth closely:\nShe looked away from his dark probing eyes.\n    probing noun:\nthe journalist’s unwanted probings


Words: problem
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a thing that is difficult to deal with or to understand:\nbig / major / serious problems * health / unemployment / family problems * financial / practical / technical problems * to address / tackle / solve a problem * (especially AmE) to fix a problem * the problem of drug abuse * If he chooses Mary it’s bound to cause problems. * Let me know if you have any problems. * Most students face the problem of funding themselves while they are studying. * The problem first arose in 1993. * Unemployment is a very real problem for graduates now. * It’s a nice table! The only problem is (that) it’s a bit too big for our room. * Stop worrying about their marriage-it isn’t your problem. * There’s no history of heart problems (= disease connected with the heart) in our family. * the magazine’s problem page (= containing letters about readers’ problems and advice about how to solve them)\n  2  a question that can be answered by using logical thought or mathematics:\nmathematical / philosophical problems * to find the answer to the problem * The teacher set us 50 problems to do.\n IDIOMS \n  Do you have a problem with that? (spoken) used to show that you are impatient with sb who disagrees with you\n  no problem (spoken, informal)\n1 (also not a problem) used to show that you are happy to help sb or that sth will be easy to do:\n’Can I pay by credit card?’ ’Yes, no problem.’\n2 used after sb has thanked you or said they are sorry for sth:\n’Thanks for the ride.’ ’No problem.’\n  it’s / that’s not my problem (spoken, informal) used to show that you do not care about sb else’s difficulties:\nIf they can’t afford to go, that’s not my problem.\n  that’s her / his / their / your problem (spoken, informal) used to show that you think a person should deal with their own difficulties:\n’My parents will be furious!’ ’That’s your problem.’\n  What’s your problem? (spoken, informal) used to show that you think sb is being unreasonable:\nWhat’s your problem?-I only asked if you could help me for ten minutes.\n    adjective [only before noun] causing problems for other people:\nShe was a problem child, always in trouble with the police.


Words: problem-solving
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of finding ways of dealing with problems:\nto develop problem-solving skills and strategies


Words: problematic
Meaning:
adjective\ndifficult to deal with or to understand; full of problems; not certain to be successful:\nProviding the necessary care for elderly people can be problematic. * The situation is more problematic than we first thought.\nOPP UNPROBLEMATIC


Words: proboscis
Meaning:
proboscises) (technical)\n  1  the long FLEXIBLE nose of some animals, such as an elephant\n  2  the long thin mouth, like a tube, of some insects\n  3  (humorous) the human nose


Words: probs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  no probs (spoken) used to mean ’there is no problem’:\nI can let you have it by next week. No probs.


Words: procedure
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (for sth) a way of doing sth, especially the usual or correct way:\nmaintenance procedures * emergency / safety / disciplinary procedures * to follow normal / standard / accepted procedure * Making a complaint is quite a simple procedure. * The procedure for logging on to the network usually involves a password.\n  2  [U] the official or formal order or way of doing sth, especially in business, law or politics:\ncourt / legal / parliamentary procedure\n  3  [C] (medical) a medical operation:\nto perform a routine surgical procedure\n    procedural  adjective (formal):\nprocedural matters / rules


Words: proceed
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (with sth) to continue doing sth that has already been started; to continue being done:\nWe’re not sure whether we still want to proceed with the sale. * Work is proceeding slowly. * He left detailed instructions about the best way to proceed.\n  2  [V to inf] to do sth next, after having done sth else first:\nHe outlined his plans and then proceeded to explain them in more detail. * (humorous) Having said she wasn’t hungry, she then proceeded to order a three-course meal.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (formal) to move or travel in a particular direction:\nThe marchers proceeded slowly along the street. * Passengers for Rome should proceed to Gate 32 for boarding.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  proceed against sb (law) to start a court case against sb:\nThere was not enough evidence to proceed against him.\n  proceed from sth (formal) to be caused by or be the result of sth


Words: proceeding
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C, usually pl.] ~ (against sb) (for sth) the process of using a court of law to settle a dispute or to deal with a complaint:\nbankruptcy / divorce / extradition proceedings * to bring legal proceedings against sb\n  2  (proceedings) [pl.] an event or a series of actions:\nThe Mayor will open the proceedings at the City Hall tomorrow. * We watched the proceedings from the balcony.\n  3  (proceedings) [pl.] the official written report of a meeting, etc:\nHis paper is published in the new issue of the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.


Words: proceeds
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] ~ (of / from sth) the money that you receive when you sell sth or organize a performance, etc.; profits:\nShe sold her car and bought a piano with the proceeds. * The proceeds of the concert will go to charity.


Words: process
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also PROCESS\n    noun\n  1  a series of things that are done in order to achieve a particular result:\nthe Middle East peace process * a consultation process * to begin the difficult process of reforming the education system * I’m afraid getting things changed will be a slow process. * cognitive / mental processes * Coming off the drug was a long and painful (= difficult) process for him. * Find which food you are allergic to by a process of elimination. * We’re in the process of selling our house. * I was moving some furniture and I twisted my ankle in the process (= while I was doing it).\n  2  a series of things that happen, especially ones that result in natural changes:\nthe digestive / ageing process * It’s a normal part of the learning process.\n  3  a method of doing or making sth, especially one that is used in industry:\nmanufacturing processes * a new process for rustproofing car bodies\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to treat raw material, food, etc. in order to change it, preserve it, etc:\nMost of the food we buy is processed in some way. * processed cheese * I sent three rolls of film away to be processed. * a sewage processing plant\n  2  to deal officially with a document, request, etc:\nIt will take a week for your application to be processed.\n  3  (computing) to perform a series of operations on data in a computer\n    processing noun [U]:\na course on colour photography and processing * the food processing industry\nsee also DATA PROCESSING, WORD PROCESSING\n\n verb\n[V +adv./prep.] (formal) to walk or move along slowly in, or as if in, a procession:\nThe bishop, priests and deacons processed slowly through the cathedral.\nsee also PROCESS


Words: procession
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a line of people or vehicles that move along slowly, especially as part of a ceremony; the act of moving in this way:\na funeral procession * a torchlight procession * The procession made its way down the hill. * Groups of unemployed people from all over the country marched in procession to the capital.\n  2  [C] a number of people who come one after the other:\nA procession of waiters appeared bearing trays of food.


Words: processional
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used in a procession, especially a religious one; connected with a procession:\nprocessional songs * a processional route


Words: processor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a machine or person that processes things\n  2  (computing) a part of a computer that controls all the other parts of the system\nSYN CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT\nsee also FOOD PROCESSOR, MICROPROCESSOR, WORD PROCESSOR


Words: proclaim
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to publicly and officially tell people about sth important\nSYN DECLARE:\n[VN] The president proclaimed a state of emergency. * The day was proclaimed a public holiday. * [V that] The charter proclaimed that all states would have their own government. * [VN-N] He proclaimed himself emperor. [also VN to inf, also V wh-, V speech]\n  2  (formal) to show sth clearly; to be a sign of sth:\n[VN] This building, more than any other, proclaims the character of the town. * [VN-N, VN to inf] His accent proclaimed him a Scot. * His accent proclaimed him to be a Scot. [also V that]


Words: proclamation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an official statement about sth important that is made to the public; the act of making an official statement:\nThe King issued a proclamation dissolving Parliament. * Restrictions governing building in London were first issued by royal proclamation.


Words: proclivity
Meaning:
noun\n(plural proclivities) ~ (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) a natural tendency to do sth or to feel sth, often sth bad:\nhis sexual / criminal proclivities * the government’s proclivity for spending money


Words: procrastinate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal, disapproving) to delay doing sth that you should do, usually because you do not want to do it:\nPeople were dying of starvation while governments procrastinated.\n    procrastination  noun [U]


Words: procreate
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to produce children or baby animals\nSYN REPRODUCE:\n[V] the urge to procreate [also VN]\n    procreation  noun [U]:\nThey believe that sex is primarily for procreation.


Words: procurator fiscal
Meaning:
noun\n(plural procurators fiscal) (in Scotland) a public official whose job is to decide whether people who are suspected of a crime should be brought to trial


Words: procure
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (for sth) (formal) to obtain sth, especially with difficulty:\n[VN] She managed to procure a ticket for the concert. * [VNN, VN] They procured us a copy of the report. * They procured a copy of the report for us.\n  2  to provide a prostitute for sb:\n[VN] He was accused of procuring under-age girls. [also V]


Words: procurement
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the process of obtaining supplies of sth, especially for a government or an organization:\narms procurement * She has responsibility for the procurement of equipment in the company.


Words: prod
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-dd-)\n  1  ~ (at) sb/sth to push sb/sth with your finger or with a pointed object\nSYN POKE:\n[VN] She prodded him in the ribs to wake him up. * [V] He prodded at his breakfast with a fork.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to try to make sb do sth, especially when they are unwilling:\nShe finally prodded him into action.\n    noun\n  1  the act of pushing sb with your finger or with a pointed object:\nShe gave him a sharp prod with her umbrella.\n  2  (informal) an act of encouraging sb or of reminding sb to do sth:\nIf they haven’t replied by next week, you’ll have to call them and give them a prod.\n  3  an instrument like a stick that is used for prodding animals


Words: prodigal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) too willing to spend money or waste time, energy or materials\nSYN EXTRAVAGANT:\na prodigal administration\n    prodigality  noun [U]:\nThey criticized the prodigality of the administration.\n IDIOMS \n  the / a prodigal (son) a person who leaves home and wastes their money and time on a life of pleasure, but who later is sorry about this and returns home


Words: prodigious
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) very large or powerful and causing surprise or admiration\nSYN COLOSSAL, ENORMOUS:\na prodigious achievement / memory / talent * Laser discs can store prodigious amounts of information.\n    prodigiously adverb:\na prodigiously talented musician


Words: prodigy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural prodigies) a young person who is unusually intelligent or skilful for their age:\na child / an infant prodigy * a musical / tennis prodigy


Words: produce
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  goods\n  1  to make things to be sold, especially in large quantities\nSYN MANUFACTURE:\na factory that produces microchips\nsee also MASS-PRODUCE\n  make naturally\n  2  to grow or make sth as part of a natural process; to have a baby or young animal:\nThe region produces over 50% of the country’s wheat. * These shrubs produce bright red berries. * Our cat produced kittens last week. * Her duty was to produce an heir to the throne.\n  create with skill\n  3  to create sth, especially when skill is needed:\nShe produced a delicious meal out of a few leftovers.\n  result / effect\n  4  to cause a particular result or effect:\nA phone call to the manager produced the result she wanted. * The drug produces a feeling of great happiness and excitement.\n  show / bring out\n  5  ~ sth (from / out of sth) to show sth or make sth appear from somewhere:\nHe produced a letter from his pocket. * At the meeting the finance director produced the figures for the previous year.\n  person\n  6  if a town, country, etc. produces sb with a particular skill or quality, the person comes from that town, country, etc:\nHe is the greatest athlete this country has ever produced.\n  movie / play\n  7  to be in charge of preparing a film/movie, play, etc. for the public to see:\nShe produced a TV series about adopted children.\n    noun  [U] things that have been made or grown, especially things connected with farming:\nfarm produce * The shop sells only fresh local produce. * It says on the label ’Produce of France’.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nproduce v.\nproduce n.\nproducer n.\nproduction n.\nproductive adj. (=/= unproductive)\n______________________________


Words: producer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person, a company or a country that grows or makes food, goods or materials:\nFrench wine producers * Libya is a major oil producer.\ncompare CONSUMER\n  2  a person who is in charge of the practical and financial aspects of making a film/movie or a play:\nHollywood screenwriters, actors and producers\ncompare DIRECTOR (2)\n  3  a person or company that arranges for sb to make a programme for radio or television, or a record:\nan independent television producer


Words: product
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a thing that is grown or produced, usually for sale:\ndairy / meat / pharmaceutical products * investment in product development * to launch a new product on to the market * (business) We need new product to sell (= a new range of products).\nsee also END PRODUCT, GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT\n  2  [C] a thing produced during a natural, chemical or industrial process:\nthe products of the reaction\nsee also BY-PRODUCT, WASTE PRODUCT\n  3  ~ of sth a person or thing that is the result of sth:\nThe child is the product of a broken home.\n  4  (mathematics) a quantity obtained by multiplying one number by another:\nThe product of 21 and 16 is 336.


Words: production
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the process of growing or making food, goods or materials, especially large quantities:\nwheat / oil / car production * land available for food production * The new model will be in production by the end of the year. * Production of the new aircraft will start next year. * The car went out of production in 1990. * production costs / difficulties * a production manager / process\nsee also MASS PRODUCTION\n  2  [U] the quantity of goods that is produced:\na decline / fall in production * an increase in production * It is important not to let production levels fall.\n  3  [U] the act or process of making sth naturally:\ndrugs to stimulate the body’s production of hormones\n  4  [C, U] a film/movie, a play or a broadcast that is prepared for the public; the act of preparing a film or a play, etc:\na new production of ’King Lear’ * Every year the school puts on a musical production. * He wants a career in film production.\n IDIOMS \n  on production of sth (formal) when you show sth:\nDiscounts only on production of your student ID card.


Words: production line
Meaning:
(also assembly line) noun\na line of workers and machines in a factory, along which a product passes, having parts made, put together or checked at each stage until the product is finished:\nCars are checked as they come off the production line. * Education is not a production line.


Words: productive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  making goods or growing crops, especially in large quantities:\nhighly productive farming land / manufacturing methods * productive farmers / workers * The aim was to maximize the machine’s productive capacity.\nOPP UNPRODUCTIVE\n  2  doing or achieving a lot:\na productive meeting * My time spent in the library was very productive.\ncompare COUNTERPRODUCTIVE\n  3  ~ of sth (formal) resulting in sth or causing sth:\na play productive of the strongest emotions\nOPP UNPRODUCTIVE\n    productively adverb:\nto use land more productively * It’s important to spend your time productively.


Words: productivity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the rate at which a worker, a company or a country produces goods, and the amount produced, compared with how much time, work and money is needed to produce them:\nhigh / improved / increased productivity * Wage rates depend on levels of productivity. * the low agricultural productivity of the country


Words: profane
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n  1  (formal) having or showing a lack of respect for God or holy things:\nprofane language\n  2  (technical) not connected with religion or holy things\nSYN SECULAR:\nsongs of sacred and profane love\n    verb [VN] (rare, formal) to treat sth holy with a lack of respect


Words: profanity
Meaning:
noun (plural profanities) (formal)\n  1  [U] behaviour that shows a lack of respect for God or holy things\n  2  [C, usually pl.] swear words, or religious words used in a way that shows a lack of respect for God or holy things:\nHe uttered a stream of profanities.


Words: profess
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  to claim that sth is true or correct, especially when it is not:\n[VN] She still professes her innocence. * [V to inf] I don’t profess to be an expert in this subject.\n  2  to state openly that you have a particular belief, feeling, etc:\n[VN] He professed his admiration for their work. * [VN-ADJ] She professed herself satisfied with the progress so far.\n  3  [VN] to belong to a particular religion:\nto profess Christianity / Islam / Judaism


Words: professed
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (formal)\n  1  used to describe a belief or a position that sb has publicly made known:\na professed Christian / anarchist\n  2  used to describe a feeling or an attitude that sb says they have but which may not be sincere:\nThese, at least, were their professed reasons for pulling out of the deal.


Words: profession
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a type of job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high level of education:\nthe medical / legal / teaching profession * to enter / go into / join the nursing profession * (BrE) the caring professions (= that involve looking after people) * He was an electrician by profession. * She was at the very top of her profession.\n  2  (the profession) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] all the people who work in a particular type of profession:\nThe legal profession has / have always resisted change.\n  3  (the professions) [pl.] the traditional jobs that need a high level of education and training, such as being a doctor or a lawyer:\nemployment in industry and the professions\n  4  [C] ~ of sth a statement about what you believe, feel or think about sth, that is sometimes made publicly:\na profession of faith * His professions of love did not seem sincere.


Words: professional
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with a job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high level of education:\nprofessional qualifications / skills * professional standards / practice * an opportunity for professional development * If it’s a legal matter you need to seek professional advice. * You must not let your personal reactions interfere with your professional judgement.\n  2  (of people) having a job which needs special training and a high level of education:\nMost of the people on the course were professional women.\n  3  showing that sb is well trained and extremely skilled:\nHe dealt with the problem in a highly professional way. * Many of the performers were very professional.\nOPP AMATEUR\n  4  suitable or appropriate for sb working in a particular profession:\nprofessional conduct / misconduct\nOPP UNPROFESSIONAL\n  5  doing sth as a paid job rather than as a hobby:\na professional golfer * After he won the amateur championship he turned professional.\nOPP AMATEUR\n  6  (of sport) done as a paid job rather than as a hobby:\nthe world of professional football\nOPP AMATEUR\ncompare NON-PROFESSIONAL\n    noun\n  1  a person who does a job that needs special training and a high level of education:\nthe terms that doctors and other health professionals use * You need a professional to sort out your finances.\n  2  (also informal pro) a person who does a sport or other activity as a paid job rather than as a hobby:\na top golf professional\nOPP AMATEUR\n  3  (also informal pro) a person who has a lot of skill and experience:\nThis was clearly a job for a real professional.\nOPP AMATEUR


Words: professional foul
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (in sport, especially football) a rule that sb breaks deliberately so that their team can gain an advantage, especially to prevent a player from the other team from scoring a goal


Words: professionalism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the high standard that you expect from a person who is well trained in a particular job:\nWe were impressed by the professionalism of the staff. * Their duties were carried out with commitment and professionalism.\n  2  great skill and ability:\nthe power and professionalism of her performance\n  3  the practice of using professional players in sport:\nIncreased professionalism has changed the game radically.


Words: professionalize
Meaning:
(BrE also professionalise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to make an activity more professional, for example by paying people who take part in it\n    professionalization, professionalisation  noun [U]:\nthe increasing professionalization of sports


Words: professionally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is connected with a person’s job or training:\nYou need a complete change, both professionally and personally. * Professionally qualified staff will give you the advice you need.\n  2  in a way that shows skill and experience:\nThe product has been marketed very professionally.\n  3  by a person who has the right skills and qualifications:\nThe burglar alarm should be professionally installed.\n  4  as a paid job, not as a hobby:\nAfter the injury, he never played professionally again.


Words: professor
Meaning:
(also informal prof) noun (abbreviation Prof.)\n  1  (especially BrE) (AmE full professor) a university teacher of the highest rank:\nProfessor (Ann) Williams * a chemistry professor * to be appointed Professor of French at Cambridge * He was made (a) professor at the age of 40.\n HELP NOTE  Full professor is used to describe a rank of university teacher, and not as a title.\n  2  (AmE) a teacher at a university or college\ncompare ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR


Words: professorial
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with a professor; like a professor:\nprofessorial duties / posts * His tone was almost professorial.


Words: professorship
Meaning:
noun\nthe rank or position of a university PROFESSOR:\na visiting professorship * She was appointed to a professorship in Economics at Princeton.


Words: proffer
Meaning:
verb ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb sth (formal)\n  1  to offer sth to sb, by holding it out to them:\n[VN] ’Try this,’ she said, proffering a plate. [also VNN]\n  2  to offer sth such as advice or an explanation: [VN, VNN] What advice would you proffer to someone starting up in business? * What advice would you proffer her? * [VN] A solution proffered itself.


Words: proficient
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in / at sth) | ~ (in / at doing sth) (written) able to do sth well because of training and practice:\nShe’s proficient in several languages. * He’s proficient at his job. * I’m a reasonably proficient driver. * With practice, you should become proficient within six months.\n    proficiency  in doing sth):\nto develop proficiency * a high level of oral proficiency in English * a certificate of language proficiency


Words: profile
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  the outline of a person’s face when you look from the side, not the front:\nhis strong profile * a picture of the president in profile\n \n  2  a description of sb/sth that gives useful information:\na job / employee profile * We first build up a detailed profile of our customers and their requirements. * The magazine published a short profile of the new mayor. * His psychological profile is revealing.\n \n  3  the general impression that sb/sth gives to the public and the amount of attention they receive:\nThe deal will certainly raise the company’s international profile. * We want to improve the profile of women’s health issues.\n \n  4  the edge or outline of sth that you see against a background:\nthe profile of the tower against the sky\n IDIOMS \n  a high / low profile the amount of attention sb/sth has from the public:\nThis issue has had a high profile in recent months. * I advised her to keep a low profile for the next few days (= not to attract attention).\n    verb [VN] (written) to give or write a description of sb/sth that gives the most important information:\nHis career is profiled in this month’s journal.


Words: profiling
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of collecting useful information about sb/sth so that you can give a description of them:\ncustomer profiling * offender profiling


Words: profit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the money that you make in business or by selling things, especially after paying the costs involved:\na rise / an increase / a drop / a fall in profits * The company made a healthy profit of $106m last year. * Net profit (= after you have paid costs and tax) was up 16.1%. * The sale generated record profits. * We should be able to sell the house at a profit. * The agency is voluntary and not run for profit. * There isn’t much profit in running a restaurant these days.\nOPP LOSS\n  2  [U] (formal) the advantage that you get from doing sth:\nFuture lawyers could study this text with profit.\n    verb ~ (by / from sth) (formal) to get sth useful from a situation; to be useful to sb or give them an advantage: [V] Farmers are profiting from the new legislation. * We tried to profit by our mistakes (= learn from them). * [VN] Many local people believe the development will profit them.


Words: profit and loss account
Meaning:
noun\n(business) a list that shows the amount of money that a company has earned and the total profit or loss that it has made in a particular period of time


Words: profit margin
Meaning:
(also margin) noun\nthe difference between the cost of buying or producing sth and the price that it is sold for:\nto increase / reduce the profit margin * a profit margin of 20%


Words: profit-sharing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the system of dividing all or some of a company’s profits among its employees:\na profit-sharing scheme


Words: profitable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that makes or is likely to make money:\na highly profitable business * a profitable investment * It is usually more profitable to sell direct to the public.\n  2  that gives sb an advantage or a useful result:\na profitable experience * She spent a profitable afternoon in the library.\n    profitability  noun [U]:\nto increase profitability\n    profitably  adverb:\nto run a business profitably * He spent the weekend profitably.


Words: profiteering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) the act of making a lot of money in an unfair way, for example by asking very high prices for things that are hard to get\n    profiteer noun


Words: profiterole
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually cream puff) noun a small cake in the shape of a ball, made of light pastry, filled with cream and usually with chocolate on top


Words: profligate
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) using money, time, materials, etc. in a careless way\nSYN WASTEFUL:\nprofligate spending * the profligate use of resources\n    profligacy  noun [U]


Words: profound
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very great; felt or experienced very strongly:\nprofound changes in the earth’s climate * My father’s death had a profound effect on us all. * The news came as a profound shock. * The report has profound implications for schools. * Her sense of disappointment was profound.\n  2  showing great knowledge or understanding:\nprofound thought / understanding / insights * a profound book / drama\n  3  needing a lot of study or thought:\nprofound questions about life and death\n  4  (medical) very serious; complete:\nprofound disability


Words: profoundly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that has a very great effect on sb/sth:\na profoundly disturbing programme * We are profoundly affected by what happens to us in childhood. * She was profoundly shaken by the news.\n  2  (medical) very seriously; completely:\nprofoundly deaf


Words: profundity
Meaning:
noun (plural profundities) (formal)\n  1  [U] the quality of understanding or dealing with a subject at a very serious level:\nHe lacked profundity and analytical precision.\n  2  [U] the quality of being very great, serious or powerful:\nthe profundity of her misery * This is an error of great profundity.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] something that sb says that shows great understanding:\nHis profundities were lost on the young audience.


Words: profuse
Meaning:
adjective\nproduced in large amounts:\nprofuse apologies / thanks * profuse bleeding * The flowers are profuse in spring.\n    profusely adverb:\nto bleed profusely * to apologize profusely


Words: profusion
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.+sing./pl. v., U] (formal or literary) a very large quantity of sth:\na profusion of colours / flowers * Roses grew in profusion against the old wall.


Words: progenitor
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  a person or a thing from which sb/sth develops or is produced\nSYN ANCESTOR:\nHe was the progenitor of a distinguished family.\n  2  a person who starts an idea or a development:\nthe progenitors of modern art


Words: progeny
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal or humorous) a person’s children; the young of animals and plants:\nHe was surrounded by his numerous progeny. * (figurative) These stories have produced progeny of their own.


Words: progesterone
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a HORMONE produced in the bodies of women and female animals which prepares the body to become pregnant and is also used in CONTRACEPTION\ncompare OESTROGEN, TESTOSTERONE


Words: prognosis
Meaning:
1  (medical) an opinion, based on medical experience, of the likely development of a disease or an illness:\nto make a prognosis * The prognosis is not good.\n  2  (formal) a judgement about how sth is likely to develop in the future:\nThe prognosis is for more people to work part-time in the future.


Words: program
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (computing) a set of instructions in CODE that control the operations or functions of a computer:\nLoad the program into the computer.\n  2  (AmE) = PROGRAMME\n    verb (-mm-, AmE also -m-)\n  1  (computing) to give a computer, etc. a set of instructions to make it perform a particular task:\n[V] In this class, students will learn how to program. * [VN to inf] The computer is programmed to warn users before information is deleted. [also VN] \ncompare PROGRAMME\n  2  (AmE) = PROGRAMME


Words: programmable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a computer or electrical device) able to accept instructions that control how it operates or functions:\na programmable CD player


Words: programmatic
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) connected with, suggesting or following a plan:\nprogrammatic reforms


Words: programme
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE program)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  plan\n  1  a plan of things that will be done or included in the development of sth:\nto launch a research programme * a training programme for new staff * a programme for / of economic reform\n  on tv / radio\n  2  (also informal prog) something that people watch on television or listen to on the radio:\na news programme * Did you see that programme on India last night? * What time is that programme on? * Which programme do you want to watch?\n  for play / concert\n  3  a thin book or a piece of paper that gives you information about a play, a concert, etc:\na theatre programme\n  order of events\n  4  an organized order of performances or events:\nan exciting musical programme * a week-long programme of lectures * (spoken) What’s the programme for (= what are we going to do) tomorrow?\n  course of study\n  5  (AmE) a course of study:\na school programme -> COURSE\n  of machine\n  6  a series of actions done by a machine, such as a WASHING MACHINE:\nSelect a cool programme for woollen clothes.\n    verb [usually passive]\n  plan\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (for sth) to plan for sth to happen, especially as part of a series of planned events:\nThe final section of road is programmed for completion next month.\n  person / animal\n  2  [VN to inf] to make a person, an animal, etc. behave in a particular way, so that it happens automatically:\nHuman beings are genetically programmed to learn certain kinds of language.\n  machine\n  3  to give a machine instructions to do a particular task:\n[VN to inf] She programmed the VCR to come on at eight. [also VN]


Words: programmed learning
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a method of study in which a subject is divided into very small parts and the student must be successful in one part before he or she can go on to the next


Words: programming
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the process of writing and testing programs for computers:\na high-level programming language\n  2  the planning of which television or radio programmes to broadcast:\npolitically balanced programming


Words: progress
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U]\n  1  the process of improving or developing, or of getting nearer to achieving or completing sth:\nto make slow / steady / rapid / good progress * economic / scientific / technical progress * We have made great progress in controlling inflation. * They asked for a progress report on the project.\n  2  movement forwards or towards a place:\nShe watched his slow progress down the steep slope. * There wasn’t much traffic so we made good progress.\n IDIOMS \n  in progress (formal) happening at this time:\nWork on the new offices is now in progress. * Please be quiet-examination in progress.\n    verb  [V] \n  1  to improve or develop over a period of time; to make progress:\nThe course allows students to progress at their own speed. * Work on the new road is progressing slowly.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] (formal) to move forward:\nThe line of traffic progressed slowly through the town. * (figurative) Cases can take months to progress through the courts.\n  3  to go forward in time:\nThe weather became colder as the day progressed.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  progress to sth to move on from doing one thing to doing sth else:\nShe started off playing the recorder and then progressed to the clarinet.


Words: progression
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (from sth) (to sth) the process of developing gradually from one stage or state to another:\nopportunities for career progression * the rapid progression of the disease * a natural progression from childhood to adolescence\n  2  [C] a number of things that come in a series:\na long progression of sunny days\nsee also ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION, GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION


Words: progressive
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  in favour of new ideas, modern methods and change:\nprogressive schools * The approach taken by US courts has been more progressive than that in Britain.\nOPP RETROGRESSIVE\n  2  happening or developing steadily:\na progressive reduction in the size of the workforce * a progressive muscular disease\n  3  (also continuous) (grammar) connected with the form of a verb (for example I am waiting or It is raining) that is made from a part of be and the present participle. Progressive forms are used to express an action that continues for a period of time.\n    progressivism noun [U]:\npolitical progressivism\n    noun [usually pl.] a person who is in favour of new ideas, modern methods and change:\npolitical battles between progressives and conservatives


Words: progressively
Meaning:
adverb\n(often with a comparative) steadily and continuously:\nThe situation was becoming progressively more difficult. * The pain got progressively worse.


Words: prohibit
Meaning:
verb ~ sth | ~ sb from doing sth (formal)\n  1  [often passive] to stop sth from being done or used especially by law\nSYN FORBID:\n[VN] a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol * Soviet citizens were prohibited from travelling abroad. [also V -ing, VN -ing]\n  2  to make sth impossible to do\nSYN PREVENT:\nThe high cost of equipment prohibits many people from taking up this sport.


Words: prohibition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of stopping sth being done or used, especially by law:\nthe prohibition of smoking in public areas\n  2  [C] ~ (against / on sth) a law or a rule that stops sth being done or used:\na prohibition against selling alcohol to people under the age of 18 * prohibitions on the possession of dangerous weapons\n  3  (Prohibition) [U] (in the US) the period of time from 1920 to 1933 when it was forbidden by law to make and sell alcoholic drinks


Words: prohibitionist
Meaning:
noun\na person who supports the act of forbidding sth by law, especially the sale of alcoholic drinks


Words: prohibitive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a price or a cost) so high that it prevents people from buying sth or doing sth:\nprohibitive costs * a prohibitive tax on imported cars * The price of property in the city is prohibitive.\n  2  preventing people from doing sth by law:\nprohibitive legislation\n    prohibitively adverb:\nCar insurance can be prohibitively expensive for young drivers.


Words: project
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  planned work\n  1  a planned piece of work that is designed to find information about sth, to produce sth new, or to improve sth:\na research project * a building project * to set up a project to computerize the library system\n  school / college work\n  2  a piece of work involving careful study of a subject over a period of time, done by school or college students:\na history project * The final term will be devoted to project work.\n  set of aims / activities\n  3  a set of aims, ideas or activities that sb is interested in or wants to bring to people’s attention:\nThe party attempted to assemble its aims into a focussed political project.\n  housing\n  4  (AmE) = HOUSING PROJECT:\nGoing into the projects alone is dangerous.\n    verb \n  plan\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] to plan an activity, a project etc. for a time in the future:\nThe next edition of the book is projected for publication in March. * The projected housing development will go ahead next year.\n  estimate\n  2  [usually passive] to estimate what the size, cost or amount of sth will be in the future based on what is happening now:\n[VN] A growth rate of 4% is projected for next year. * [VN to inf] The unemployment rate has been projected to fall.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is usually used in the passive. [also VN that]\n  light / image\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (on / onto sth) to make light, a photographic image, etc. fall onto a flat surface or screen:\nImages are projected onto the retina of the eye.\n  stick out\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to stick out beyond an edge or a surface\nSYN PROTRUDE:\na building with balconies projecting out over the street\n  present yourself\n  5  [VN] ~ (yourself) to present sb/sth/yourself to other people in a particular way, especially one that gives a good impression:\nThey sought advice on how to project a more positive image of their company. * She projects an air of calm self-confidence. * He projected himself as a man worth listening to.\n  send / throw outwards\n  6  [VN] to send or throw sth outwards or upwards:\nActors must learn to project their voices. * (figurative) the powerful men who would project him into The White House\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  project sth onto sb (psychology) to imagine that other people have the same feelings, problems, etc. as yourself, especially when this is not true


Words: projectile
Meaning:
noun (formal or technical)\n  1  an object, such as a bullet, that is fired from a gun or other weapon\n  2  any object that is thrown as a weapon


Words: projection
Meaning:
noun\n  estimate\n  1  [C] an estimate or a statement of what figures, amounts, or events will be in the future, or what they were in the past, based on what is happening now:\nto make forward / backward projections of population figures * Sales have exceeded our projections. * Calculations are based on a projection of existing trends.\n  of image\n  2  [U, C] the act of putting an image of sth onto a surface; an image that is shown in this way:\nthe projection of three-dimensional images on a computer screen * film / holographic / laser / video projections\n  of solid shape\n  3  [C] (technical) a solid shape or object as represented on a flat surface:\nmap projections\n  sth that sticks out\n  4  [C] something that sticks out from a surface:\ntiny projections on the cell\n  of voice / sound\n  5  [U] the act of making your voice, a sound, etc. AUDIBLE (= able to be heard) at a distance:\nvoice projection\n  psychology\n  6  [U] (technical) the act of imagining that sb else is thinking the same as you and is reacting in the same way\n  of thoughts / feelings\n  7  [C, U] the act of giving a form and structure to inner thoughts and feelings:\nThe idea of God is a projection of humans’ need to have something greater than themselves.


Words: projector
Meaning:
noun\na piece of equipment for PROJECTING photographs or films/movies onto a screen:\na slide projector\nsee also OVERHEAD PROJECTOR


Words: prolapse
Meaning:
noun\n(medical) a condition in which an organ of the body has slipped forward or down from its normal position


Words: proletarian
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) connected with ordinary people who earn money by working, especially those who do not own any property:\nproletarian power / revolution / writers\ncompare BOURGEOIS\n    proletarian noun


Words: proliferate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (written) to increase rapidly in number or amount\nSYN MULTIPLY:\nBooks and articles on the subject have proliferated over the last year.


Words: proliferation
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the sudden increase in the number or amount of sth; a large number of a particular thing:\nattempts to prevent cancer cell proliferation * a proliferation of personal computers


Words: prolific
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an artist, a writer, etc.) producing many works, etc:\na prolific author * a prolific goalscorer * one of the most prolific periods in her career * Picasso was extremely prolific during his Cubist years. * Few composers can match his prolific output.\n  2  (of plants, animals, etc.) producing a lot of fruit, flowers, young, etc:\na prolific harvest * prolific plant growth\n  3  able to produce enough food, etc. to keep many animals and plants alive:\nprolific rivers\n  4  existing in large numbers:\na pop star with a prolific following of teenage fans\n    prolifically adverb:\nto write prolifically * animals that breed prolifically


Words: prolix
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) (of writing, a speech, etc.) using too many words and therefore boring\n    prolixity  noun [U]


Words: prologue
Meaning:
(AmE also prolog)  noun\na speech, etc. at the beginning of a play, book, or film/movie that introduces it:\nthe Prologue to Chaucer’s ’Canterbury Tales’\ncompare EPILOGUE


Words: prolong
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sth last longer\nSYN EXTEND:\nThe operation could prolong his life by two or three years. * Don’t prolong the agony (= of not knowing sth)-just tell us who won!


Words: prolongation
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (formal) the act of making sth last longer:\nthe artificial prolongation of human life


Words: prolonged
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] continuing for a long time:\na prolonged illness * a prolonged period of dry weather * the effects of prolonged exposure to the sun * In many parts of the country, frosts were severe and prolonged.


Words: prom
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in the US) a formal dance, especially one that is held at a high school:\nthe senior prom\n  2  (BrE, informal, becoming old-fashioned) = PROMENADE n. (1):\nto walk along the prom\n  3  (BrE) = PROMENADE CONCERT:\nthe last night of the proms


Words: promenade
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (also informal prom) (both BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a public place for walking, usually a wide path beside the sea:\nthe promenade at Blackpool\n  2  (old-fashioned) a walk that you take for pleasure or exercise, especially by the sea, in a public park, etc.\n    verb [V] (old-fashioned) to walk up and down in a relaxed way, by the sea, in a public park, etc.


Words: promenade concert
Meaning:
(also informal prom) (both BrE) noun\na concert at which many of the audience stand up or sit on the floor


Words: prominence
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the state of being important, well known or noticeable:\na young actor who has recently risen to prominence * The newspapers have given undue prominence to the story. * She has achieved a prominence she hardly deserves.


Words: prominent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  important or well known:\na prominent leader / politician * He played a prominent part in the campaign. * She was prominent in the fashion industry.\n  2  easily seen\nSYN NOTICEABLE:\nThe church tower was a prominent feature in the landscape. * The story was given a prominent position on the front page.\n  3  sticking out from sth:\na prominent nose * prominent cheekbones / teeth\n    prominently adverb:\nThe photographs were prominently displayed on her desk. * Problems of family relationships feature prominently in her novels.


Words: promiscuous
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  having many sexual partners:\na promiscuous man / woman * promiscuous behaviour * a promiscuous lifestyle * to be sexually promiscuous\n  2  (formal) taken from a wide range of sources, especially without careful thought:\npromiscuous reading * a stylistically promiscuous piece of music\n    promiscuity noun:\nsexual promiscuity\n    promiscuously  adverb


Words: promise
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb sth to tell sb that you will definitely do or not do sth, or that sth will definitely happen:\n[V to inf] The college principal promised to look into the matter. * [V to inf, V] ’Promise not to tell anyone!’ ’I promise.’ * [V] They arrived at 7.30 as they had promised. * [VN] The government has promised a full investigation into the disaster. * I’ll see what I can do but I can’t promise anything. * [V (that)] The brochure promised (that) the local food would be superb. * [VN (that)] You promised me (that) you’d be home early tonight. * [VN, VNN] He promised the money to his grandchildren. * He promised his grandchildren the money. * [VNN] I’ve promised myself some fun when the exams are over. * [V speech] ’I’ll be back soon,’ she promised. [also VN speech]\n  2  to make sth seem likely to happen; to show signs of sth:\n[V to inf] It promises to be an exciting few days. * [VN] There were dark clouds overhead promising rain.\n IDIOMS \n  I (can) promise you (informal) used as a way of encouraging or warning sb about sth:\nI can promise you, you’ll have a wonderful time. * If you don’t take my advice, you’ll regret it, I promise you.\n  promise (sb) the earth / moon / world (informal) to make promises that will be impossible to keep:\nPoliticians promise the earth before an election, but things are different afterwards.\n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) a statement that tells sb that you will definitely do or not do sth:\nto make / keep / break a promise * to extract / win a promise from sb * She kept her promise to visit her aunt regularly. * The government failed to keep its promise of lower taxes. * Do I have your promise that you won’t tell anyone about this? * You haven’t gone back on your promise, have you? * He simply broke every single promise he ever made me.\n  2  [U] a sign that sb/sth will be successful:\nHer work shows great promise. * He failed to fulfil his early promise. * Their future was full of promise.\n  3  [U, sing.] ~ of sth a sign, or a reason for hope that sth may happen, especially sth good:\nThe day dawned bright and clear, with the promise of warm, sunny weather. * The dog approached, attracted by the promise of food.


Words: promising
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing signs of being good or successful:\nHe was voted the most promising newcomer for his part in the movie. * The weather doesn’t look very promising. * The research produced promising results.\n    promisingly adverb:\nThe day began promisingly with bright sunshine.


Words: promissory note
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a signed document containing a promise to pay a stated amount of money before a particular date


Words: promo
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal) connected with advertising (= PROMOTING) sb/sth, especially a new pop record:\na promo photo / video / poster\n    promo noun (plural promos):\nto make pop promos


Words: promontory
Meaning:
noun\n(plural promontories) a long narrow area of high land that goes out into the sea:\na rocky promontory overlooking the bay


Words: promote
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to help sth to happen or develop:\npolicies to promote economic growth * a campaign to promote awareness of environmental issues\n  2  ~ sth (as sth) to help sell a product, service, etc. or make it more popular by advertising it or offering it at a special price:\nThe band has gone on tour to promote their new album. * The area is being promoted as a tourist destination.\n  3  ~ sb (from sth) (to sth) [often passive] to move sb to a higher rank or more senior job:\nShe worked hard and was soon promoted. * He has been promoted to sergeant.\nOPP DEMOTE\n  4  ~ sth (from sth) (to sth) to move a sports team from playing with one group of teams to playing in a better group:\nThey were promoted to the First Division last season.\nOPP RELEGATE


Words: promoter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or company that organizes or provides money for an artistic performance or a sporting event\n  2  ~ of sth a person who tries to persuade others about the value or importance of sth:\nShe became a leading promoter of European integration.


Words: promotion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (to sth) a move to a more important job or rank in a company or an organization:\nHer promotion to Sales Manager took everyone by surprise. * The new job is a promotion for him. * a job with excellent promotion prospects\n  2  [U] ~ (to sth) a move by a sports team from playing in one group of teams to playing in a better group:\nthe team’s promotion to the First Division\nOPP RELEGATION\n  3  [U, C] activities done in order to increase the sales of a product or service; a set of advertisements for a particular product or service:\nHer job is mainly concerned with sales and promotion. * We are doing a special promotion of Chilean wines.\n  4  [U] ~ of sth (formal) activity that encourages people to believe in the value or importance of sth, or that helps sth to succeed:\na society for the promotion of religious tolerance


Words: prompt
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  done without delay\nSYN IMMEDIATE:\nPrompt action was required as the fire spread. * Prompt payment of the invoice would be appreciated.\n  2  [not before noun] (of a person) acting without delay; arriving at the right time:\nPlease be prompt when attending these meetings.\n    promptness noun [U] \n    verb\n  1  to make sb decide to do sth; to cause sth to happen:\n[VN] The discovery of the bomb prompted an increase in security. * His speech prompted an angry outburst from a man in the crowd. * [VN to inf] The thought of her daughter’s wedding day prompted her to lose some weight.\n  2  to encourage sb to speak by asking them questions or suggesting words that they could say:\n[VN] She was too nervous to speak and had to be prompted. * (computing) The program will prompt you to enter data where required. * [V speech] ’And then what happened?’ he prompted. [also VN speech]\n  3  [VN, V] to follow the text of a play and remind the actors what the words are if they forget their lines\n    noun\n  1  a word or words said to an actor, to remind them what to say next when they have forgotten\n  2  (computing) a sign on a computer screen that shows that the computer has finished doing sth and is ready for more instructions\n    adverb exactly at the time mentioned:\nThe meeting will begin at ten o’clock prompt.


Words: prompting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also promptings) [pl.] an act of persuading sb to do sth:\nHe wrote the letter without further prompting. * Never again would she listen to the promptings of her heart. * You shouldn’t need any prompting from me.


Words: promptly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  without delay:\nShe deals with all the correspondence promptly and efficiently.\n  2  exactly at the correct time or at the time mentioned\nSYN PUNCTUALLY:\nThey arrived promptly at two o’clock.\n  3  (always used before the verb) immediately:\nShe read the letter and promptly burst into tears.


Words: promulgate
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  [usually passive] to spread an idea, a belief, etc. among many people\n  2  to announce a new law or system officially or publicly:\nThe new constitution was promulgated in 1990.\n    promulgation  noun [U]


Words: prone
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ to sth / to do sth likely to suffer from sth or to do sth bad\nSYN LIABLE:\nprone to infection / injury * Working without a break makes you more prone to error. * Tired drivers were found to be particularly prone to ignore warning signs.\n  2  (-prone) (in adjectives) likely to suffer or do the thing mentioned:\nerror-prone * injury-prone\nsee also ACCIDENT-PRONE\n  3  (formal) lying flat with the front of your body touching the ground\nSYN PROSTRATE:\nThe victim lay prone without moving. * He was found lying in a prone position.\ncompare SUPINE\n    proneness  noun [U]:\nproneness to depression / injury


Words: prong
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  each of the two or more long pointed parts of a fork\n \n  2  each of the separate parts of an attack, argument, etc., that move towards a place, subject, etc. from different positions\n \n  3  (-pronged) (in adjectives) having the number or type of prongs mentioned:\na two-pronged fork * a three-pronged attack


Words: pronominal
Meaning:
adjective\n(grammar) relating to a pronoun:\na pronominal reference to an object (= the use of the pronoun it to replace the name of the object)


Words: pronoun
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word that is used instead of a noun or noun phrase, for example he, it, hers, me, them, etc:\ndemonstrative / interrogative / possessive / relative pronouns\nsee also PERSONAL PRONOUN


Words: pronounce
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to make the sound of a word or letter in a particular way:\nVery few people can pronounce my name correctly. * The ’b’ in lamb is not pronounced.\nsee also PRONUNCIATION, UNPRONOUNCEABLE\n  2  to say or give sth formally, officially or publicly:\n[VN] to pronounce an opinion * The judge will pronounce sentence today. * [VN-N] She pronounced him the winner of the competition. * I now pronounce you man and wife (= in a marriage ceremony). * [VN-ADJ] She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. * [VN to inf] He pronounced the country to be in a state of war. [also V that, V speech]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  pronounce for / against sb (law) to give a judgement in a court of law for or against sb:\nThe judge pronounced for (= in favour of) the defendant.\n  pronounce on / upon sth (formal) to state your opinion on sth, or give a decision about sth:\nHe feels able to pronounce on all kinds of subjects. * The minister will pronounce on further security measures later today.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \npronounce v.\npronunciation n.\nunpronounceable adj.\nmispronounce v.\n______________________________


Words: pronounced
Meaning:
adjective\nvery noticeable, obvious or strongly expressed\nSYN DEFINITE:\nHe walked with a pronounced limp. * She has very pronounced views on art.


Words: pronouncement
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) ~ (on sth) a formal public statement:\nShe made an official pronouncement on changes in government policy.


Words: pronunciation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the way in which a language or a particular word or sound is pronounced:\na guide to English pronunciation * There is more than one pronunciation of ’garage’.\n  2  [sing.] the way in which a particular person pronounces the words of a language:\nYour pronunciation is excellent.


Words: proof
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of sth / that ...) information, documents, etc. that show that sth is true:\npositive / conclusive proof * Can you provide any proof of identity? * Keep the receipt as proof of purchase. * There is no proof that the knife belonged to her. * These results are a further proof of his outstanding ability.\n  2  [U] the process of testing whether sth is true or a fact:\nIs the claim capable of proof?\nsee also BURDEN OF PROOF\n  3  [C] (mathematics) a way of proving that a statement is true or that what you have calculated is correct\n  4  [C, usually pl.] a copy of printed material which is produced so that mistakes can be corrected:\nShe was checking the proofs of her latest novel.\n  5  [U] a standard used to measure the strength of alcoholic drinks:\nWhat proof is this whisky? * (BrE) The purest whisky is 80% proof. * (AmE) It’s 160 (= degrees) proof.\n IDIOMS \n  the proof of the pudding (is in the eating) (saying) you can only judge if sth is good or bad when you have tried it\nmore at LIVING adj.\n    adjective\n  1  ~ against sth (formal) that can resist the damaging or harmful effects of sth:\nThe sea wall was not proof against the strength of the waves.\n  2  (in compounds) that can resist or protect against the thing mentioned:\nrainproof / windproof clothing * The car has childproof locks on the rear doors. * an inflation-proof pension plan\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to put a special substance on sth, especially fabric, to protect it against water, fire, etc:\nproofed canvas\n  2  to produce a test copy of a piece of printed work so that mistakes can be corrected:\ncolour proofing


Words: proofread
Meaning:
verb\n(proofread, proofread ) to read and correct a piece of written or printed work:\n[VN] Has this document been proofread? [also V]\n    proofreader noun:\nto work as a proofreader for a publishing company


Words: prop
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support sth or keep it in position:\nRescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing. * a pit prop (= one used in a coal mine)\n \n  2  a person or thing that gives help or support to sb/sth that is weak:\nAfter being the emotional prop he needed for so long, she dared not leave him.\n \n  3  [usually pl.] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a film/movie:\nHe is responsible for all the stage props and lighting.\n \n  4  (also prop forward) (in rugby) a player on either side of the front row of a SCRUM\n    verb (-pp-) ~ sth/sb (up) (against sth) to support an object by leaning it against sth, or putting sth under it etc.; to support a person in the same way: [VN, +adv./prep.] He propped his bike against the wall. * She propped herself up on one elbow. * He lay propped against the pillows. * [VN-ADJ] The door was propped open.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  prop sth<->up\n1 to prevent sth from falling by putting sth under it to support it:\nThey had to prop up the tree with long poles under the branches.\n2 (often disapproving) to help sth that is having difficulties:\nThe government was accused of propping up declining industries.


Words: propaganda
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (usually disapproving) ideas or statements that may be false or exaggerated and that are used in order to gain support for a political leader, party, etc:\nenemy propaganda * a propaganda campaign


Words: propagandist
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, usually disapproving) a person who creates or spreads propaganda:\nreligious / political propagandists\n    propagandist adjective [only before noun]:\na propagandist organization


Words: propagandize
Meaning:
(BrE also propagandise)  verb\n[V, VN] (formal, disapproving) to spread PROPAGANDA; to influence people using PROPAGANDA


Words: propagate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (formal) to spread an idea, a belief or a piece of information among many people:\nTelevision advertising propagates a false image of the ideal family.\n  2  (technical) to produce new plants from a parent plant:\n[VN] The plant can be propagated from seed. * [V] Plants won’t propagate in these conditions.\n    propagation  noun [U]


Words: propane
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a colourless gas found in natural gas and PETROLEUM and used as a fuel for cooking and heating:\na propane gas cylinder


Words: propel
Meaning:
verb (-ll-) [VN] [often passive]\n  1  to move, drive or push sth forward or in a particular direction:\nmechanically propelled vehicles * a boat propelled only by oars * He succeeded in propelling the ball across the line.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to force sb to move in a particular direction or to get into a particular situation:\nHe was grabbed from behind and propelled through the door. * Fury propelled her into action.\nsee also PROPULSION


Words: propellant
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a gas that forces out the contents of an AEROSOL\n  2  a thing or substance that propels sth, for example the fuel that fires a rocket


Words: propeller
Meaning:
noun\na device with two or more blades that turn quickly and cause a ship or an aircraft to move forward


Words: propelling pencil
Meaning:
noun\na pencil with a LEAD that can be moved down for writing by turning or pushing the top of the pencil


Words: propensity
Meaning:
noun\n(plural propensities) ~ (for sth) | ~ (for doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) (formal) a tendency to a particular kind of behaviour:\nHe showed a propensity for violence. * She has a propensity to exaggerate.


Words: proper
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (especially BrE) right, appropriate or correct; according to the rules:\nWe should have had a proper discussion before voting. * Please follow the proper procedures for dealing with complaints. * Nothing is in its proper place.\n  2  [only before noun] (BrE, spoken) that you consider to be real and satisfactory:\nEat some proper food, not just toast and jam! * When are you going to get a proper job?\n  3  socially and morally acceptable:\nIt is right and proper that parents take responsibility for their children’s attendance at school. * The development was planned without proper regard to the interests of local people. * He is always perfectly proper in his behaviour.\nOPP IMPROPER\nsee also PROPRIETY\n  4  [after noun] according to the most exact meaning of the word:\nThe celebrations proper always begin on the last stroke of midnight.\n  5  [only before noun] (BrE, spoken) complete:\nWe’re in a proper mess now.\n  6  ~ to sth (formal) belonging to a particular type of thing; natural in a particular situation or place:\nThey should be treated with the dignity proper to all individuals created by God.\n IDIOMS \n  good and proper (BrE, spoken) completely; thoroughly:\nThat’s messed things up good and proper.


Words: proper noun
Meaning:
(also proper name) noun\n(grammar) a word that is the name of a person, a place, an institution, etc. and is written with a capital letter, for example Tom, Mrs Jones, Rome, Europe, the Rhine, the Houses of Parliament\ncompare ABSTRACT NOUN, COMMON NOUN


Words: properly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (especially BrE) in a way that is correct and/or appropriate:\nHow much money do we need to do the job properly? * The television isn’t working properly. * Make sure the letter is properly addressed.\n  2  in a way that is socially or morally acceptable:\nYou acted perfectly properly in approaching me first. * When will these kids learn to behave properly?\nOPP IMPROPERLY\n  3  really; in fact:\nHe had usurped powers that properly belonged to parliament. * The subject is not, properly speaking (= really), a science.


Words: propertied
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) owning property, especially land:\na tax aimed at the propertied classes


Words: property
Meaning:
noun (plural properties)\n  1  [U] a thing or things that are owned by sb; a possession or possessions:\nThis building is government property. * Be careful not to damage other people’s property.\nsee also INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LOST PROPERTY, PUBLIC PROPERTY\n  2  [U] land and buildings:\nThe price of property has risen enormously. * property prices * a property developer\n  3  [C] a building or buildings and the surrounding land:\nThere are a lot of empty properties in the area.\n  4  [C, usually pl.] (formal) a quality or characteristic that sth has:\nCompare the physical properties of the two substances. * a plant with medicinal properties


Words: prophecy
Meaning:
noun (plural prophecies)\n  1  [C] a statement that sth will happen in the future, especially one made by sb with religious or magic powers:\nto fulfil a prophecy (= make it come true)\n  2  [U] (formal) the power of being able to say what will happen in the future:\nShe was believed to have the gift of prophecy.


Words: prophesy
Meaning:
verb\n(prophesies, prophesying, prophesied, prophesied) to say what will happen in the future (done in the past using religious or magic powers):\n[VN] to prophesy war * The event was prophesied in the Old Testament. * [V that] She prophesied that she would win a gold medal. [also V speech]


Words: prophet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions) a person sent by God to teach the people and give them messages from God:\nan Old Testament prophet * Hebrew prophets\n  2  (the Prophet) [sing.] Muhammad, who FOUNDED the religion of Islam\n  3  a person who claims to know what will happen in the future\n  4  ~ (of sth) a person who teaches or supports a new idea, theory, etc:\nWilliam Morris was one of the early prophets of socialism.\n  5  (the Prophets) [pl.] the name used for some books of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible\n IDIOMS  see DOOM n.


Words: prophetic
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  correctly stating or showing what will happen in the future:\nMany of his warnings proved prophetic.\n  2  like or connected with a prophet or prophets:\nthe prophetic books of the Old Testament * prophetic zeal\n    prophetically  adverb


Words: prophylactic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (medical) done or used in order to prevent a disease:\nprophylactic treatment\n    noun (formal or technical)\n  1  a medicine, device or course of action that prevents disease\n  2  (AmE) = CONDOM


Words: propitiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to stop sb from being angry by trying to please them\nSYN PLACATE:\nSacrifices were made to propitiate the gods.\n    propitiation  noun [U]


Words: propitiatory
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) intended to win back the friendship and approval of an angry or aggressive person:\nShe saw the flowers as a propitiatory offering.


Words: propitious
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth/sb) (formal) likely to produce a successful result:\nIt was not a propitious time to start a new business. * Circumstances could hardly have been less propitious for a strike.


Words: proportion
Meaning:
noun\n  part of whole\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a part or share of a whole:\nWater covers a large proportion of the earth’s surface. * Loam is a soil with roughly equal proportions of clay, sand and silt. * The proportion of regular smokers increases with age. * A higher proportion of Americans go on to higher education than is the case in Britain.\n  relationship\n  2  [U] ~ (of sth to sth) the relationship of one thing to another in size, amount, etc.\nSYN RATIO:\nThe proportion of men to women in the college has changed dramatically over the years. * The basic ingredients are limestone and clay in the proportion 2:1. * The room is very long in proportion to (= relative to) its width.\n  3  [U, C, usually pl.] the correct relationship in size, degree, importance, etc. between one thing and another or between the parts of a whole:\nYou haven’t drawn the figures in the foreground in proportion. * The head is out of proportion with the body. * an impressive building with fine proportions * Always try to keep a sense of proportion (= of the relative importance of different things).\n  size / shape\n  4  (proportions) [pl.] the measurements of sth; its size and shape:\nThis method divides the task into more manageable proportions. * a food shortage that could soon reach crisis proportions * a room of fairly generous proportions\n  mathematics\n  5  [U] the equal relationship between two pairs of numbers, as in the statement ’4 is to 8 as 6 is to 12’\n IDIOMS \n  keep sth in proportion to react to sth in a sensible way and not think it is worse or more serious than it really is:\nThe problem of hooliganism should be kept in proportion. Only a small number of young people act in this way.\n  out of (all) proportion (to sth) larger, more serious, etc. in relation to sth than is necessary or appropriate:\nThey earn salaries out of all proportion to their ability. * The media have blown the incident up out of all proportion.\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nproportion\nIf proportion is used with an uncountable or a singular noun, the verb is generally singular: A proportion of the land is used for agriculture.\nIf the proportion of is used with a plural countable noun, or a singular noun that represents a group of people, the verb is usually singular, but with a (large, small, etc.) proportion of a plural verb is often used, especially in BrE: The proportion of small cars on America’s roads is increasing. * A high proportion of five-year-olds have teeth in poor condition.\n______________________________


Words: proportional
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) of an appropriate size, amount or degree in comparison with sth:\nSalary is proportional to years of experience. * The number of teachers appointed is proportional to the total number of students. * to be directly / inversely proportional to sth\n    proportionally adverb:\nFamilies with children spend proportionally less per person than families without children.


Words: proportional representation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation PR) a system that gives each party in an election a number of seats in relation to the number of votes its candidates receive\ncompare FIRST-PAST-THE-POST


Words: proportionality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the principle that an action, a punishment, etc. should not be more severe than is necessary:\nA major exception to the principle of proportionality relates to the sentencing of offenders for violent and sexual offences.


Words: proportionate
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (formal) increasing or decreasing in size, amount or degree according to changes in sth else\nSYN PROPORTIONAL:\nIncreasing costs resulted in proportionate increases in prices. * The number of accidents is proportionate to the increased volume of traffic.\ncompare DISPROPORTIONATE\n    proportionately adverb:\nPrices have risen but wages have not risen proportionately.


Words: proportioned
Meaning:
adjective\n(used especially after an adverb) having parts that relate in size to other parts in the way that is described:\na well-proportioned living room * She was tall and perfectly proportioned.


Words: proposal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) a formal suggestion or plan; the act of making a suggestion:\nto submit / consider / accept / reject a proposal * a proposal to build more office accommodation * His proposal that the system should be changed was rejected. * They judged that the time was right for the proposal of new terms for the trade agreement.\n  2  [C] an act of formally asking sb to marry you


Words: propose
Meaning:
verb\n  suggest plan\n  1  (formal) to suggest a plan, an idea, etc. for people to think about and decide on:\n[VN] The government proposed changes to the voting system. * What would you propose? * [V that] She proposed that the book be banned. * (BrE also) She proposed that the book should be banned. * [VN that] It was proposed that the president be elected for a period of two years. * [V -ing] He proposed changing the name of the company. * [VN to inf] It was proposed to pay the money from public funds.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is only used in the passive.\n  intend\n  2  to intend to do sth:\n[V to inf] What do you propose to do now? * [V -ing] How do you propose getting home?\n  marriage\n  3  ~ (sth) (to sb) to ask sb to marry you:\n[V] He was afraid that if he proposed she might refuse. * She proposed to me! * [VN] to propose marriage\n  at formal meeting\n  4  [VN] ~ sth | ~ sb (for / as sth) to suggest sth at a formal meeting and ask people to vote on it:\nI propose Tom Ellis for chairman. * to propose a motion (= to be the main speaker in support of an idea at a formal debate)\ncompare OPPOSE, SECOND\n  suggest explanation\n  5  [VN] (formal) to suggest an explanation of sth for people to consider\nSYN PROPOUND:\nShe proposed a possible solution to the mystery.\n IDIOMS \n  propose a toast (to sb) | propose sb’s health to ask people to wish sb health, happiness and success by raising their glasses and drinking:\nI’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.


Words: proposer
Meaning:
noun\na person who formally suggests sth at a meeting:\nDo we have a proposer for this motion?\ncompare SECONDER


Words: proposition
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  an idea or a plan of action that is suggested, especially in business:\nI’d like to put a business proposition to you. * He was trying to make it look like an attractive proposition.\n  2  a thing that you intend to do; a problem or task to be dealt with:\nGetting a work permit in the UK is not always a simple proposition.\n  3  (also Proposition) (in the US) a suggested change to the law that people can vote on:\nHow did you vote on Proposition 8?\n  4  (formal) a statement that expresses an opinion:\nHer assessment is based on the proposition that power corrupts.\n  5  (mathematics) a statement of a THEOREM, and an explanation of how it can be proved\n    verb [VN] to say in a direct way to sb that you would like to have sex with them:\nShe was propositioned by a strange man in the bar.


Words: propound
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to suggest an idea or explanation of sth for people to consider\nSYN PROPOSE:\nthe theory of natural selection, first propounded by Charles Darwin


Words: proprietary
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of goods) made and sold by a particular company and protected by a REGISTERED TRADEMARK:\na proprietary medicine * proprietary brands * a proprietary name\n  2  relating to an owner or to the fact of owning sth:\nThe company has a proprietary right to the property.


Words: proprietor
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) the owner of a business, a hotel, etc:\nnewspaper proprietors * Enquiries must be made to the proprietor.\n    proprietorship  noun [U]-see also PROPRIETRESS


Words: proprietorial
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) relating to an owner or to the fact of owning sth:\nproprietorial rights * He laid a proprietorial hand on her arm (= as if he owned her).\n    proprietorially adverb


Words: propriety
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U] moral and social behaviour that is considered to be correct and acceptable:\nNobody questioned the propriety of her being there alone.\nOPP IMPROPRIETY\n  2  (the proprieties) [pl.] the rules of correct behaviour:\nThey were careful to observe the proprieties. * The company had acted in accordance with all legal proprieties.


Words: propulsion
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the force that drives sth forward:\nwind / steam / jet propulsion * The fish uses its tail fins for propulsion through the water.\nsee also PROPEL\n    propulsive  adjective


Words: prosaic
Meaning:
adjective (written, usually disapproving)\n  1  ordinary and not showing any imagination:\na prosaic style / writer\n  2  dull; not romantic \nSYN MUNDANE:\nthe prosaic side of life\n    prosaically  adverb


Words: proscenium
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of the stage in a theatre that is in front of the curtain:\na traditional theatre with a proscenium arch (= an arch that forms a frame for the stage where the curtain is opened)


Words: proscribe
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to say officially that sth is forbidden:\nproscribed organizations\n    proscription  noun [U, C]


Words: prosecute
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb (for sth / doing sth) to officially charge sb with a crime in a court of law:\n[VN] The company was prosecuted for breaching the Health and Safety Act. * Trespassers will be prosecuted (= a notice telling people to keep out of a particular area). * [V] The police decided not to prosecute.\n  2  to be a lawyer in a court of law for a person or an organization that is charging sb with a crime:\n[V] the prosecuting counsel / lawyer / attorney * James Spencer, prosecuting, claimed that the witness was lying. [also VN]\n  3  [VN] (formal) to continue taking part in or doing sth:\nThey had overwhelming public support to prosecute the war.


Words: prosecution
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the process of trying to prove in a court of law that sb is guilty of a crime (= of prosecuting them); the process of being officially charged with a crime in a court of law:\nProsecution for a first minor offence rarely leads to imprisonment. * He threatened to bring a private prosecution against the doctor.\n  2  (the prosecution) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a person or an organization that prosecutes sb in a court of law, together with the lawyers, etc:\nHe was a witness for the prosecution. * The prosecution has / have failed to prove its / their case. * defence and prosecution * a prosecution lawyer\n  3  [U] (formal) the act of making sth happen or continue


Words: prosecutor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a public official who charges sb officially with a crime and prosecutes them in a court of law:\nthe public / state prosecutor\n  2  a lawyer who leads the case against a DEFENDANT in a court of law


Words: proselytize
Meaning:
(BrE also proselytise)  verb\n[V] (formal, often disapproving) to try to persuade other people to accept your beliefs, especially about religion or politics


Words: prospect
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) | ~ (that ...) the possibility that sth will happen:\nThere is no immediate prospect of peace. * A place in the semi-finals is in prospect (= likely to happen). * There’s a reasonable prospect that his debts will be paid.\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) an idea of what might or will happen in the future:\nan exciting prospect * Travelling alone around the world is a daunting prospect. * The prospect of becoming a father filled him with alarm.\n  3  (prospects) [pl.] ~ (for / of sth) the chances of being successful:\ngood job / employment / career prospects * At 25 he was an unemployed musician with no prospects. * Long-term prospects for the economy have improved. * What are the prospects of promotion in this job?\n  4  [C] ~ (for sth) a person who is likely to be successful in a competition:\nShe is one of Britain’s best prospects for a gold medal.\n  5  [C] (written) a wide view of an area of land, etc:\na delightful prospect of the lake\n    verb  [V] ~ (for sth) to search an area for gold, minerals, oil, etc:\nThousands moved to the area to prospect for gold. * (figurative) to prospect for new clients


Words: prospective
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  expected to do sth or to become sth\nSYN POTENTIAL:\na prospective buyer / client\n  2  expected to happen soon\nSYN FORTHCOMING:\nThey are worried about prospective changes in the law.


Words: prospectus
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a book or printed document that gives information about a school, college, etc. in order to advertise it\n  2  (business) a document that gives information about a company’s SHARES before they are offered for sale


Words: prosper
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to develop in a successful way; to be successful, especially financially\nSYN THRIVE:\nThe economy prospered under his administration. * She seems to be prospering since she moved out of the city.


Words: prosperity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being successful, especially financially\nSYN AFFLUENCE:\nOur future prosperity depends on economic growth. * The country is enjoying a period of peace and prosperity.


Words: prosperous
Meaning:
adjective\nrich and successful\nSYN AFFLUENT:\nprosperous countries / cities / economies * Farmers are more prosperous in the south of the country.


Words: prostate
Meaning:
(also prostate gland) noun\na small organ in men, near the BLADDER, that produces a liquid in which SPERM is carried


Words: prosthesis
Meaning:
noun\n(plural prostheses ) (medical) an artificial part of the body, for example a limb, an eye or a tooth\n    prosthetic  adjective:\na prosthetic arm


Words: prostitute
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a person who has sex for money\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth / yourself to use your skills, abilities, etc. to do sth that earns you money but that other people do not respect because you are capable of doing sth better:\nMany felt he was prostituting his talents by writing Hollywood scripts.\n  2  ~ yourself to work as a prostitute


Words: prostitution
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the work of a prostitute:\nMany women were forced into prostitution. * child prostitution\n  2  ~ of sth (formal) the use of your abilities on sth of little value


Words: prostrate
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective  (written)\n  1  lying on the ground and facing downwards:\nThey fell prostrate in worship. * He stumbled over Luke’s prostrate body.\n  2  ~ (with sth) so shocked, upset, etc. that you cannot do anything:\nShe was prostrate with grief after her son’s death.\n    verb  [VN] (written)\n  1  ~ yourself to lie on your front with your face looking downwards, especially as an act of worship\n  2  [usually passive] to make sb feel weak, shocked, and unable to do anything:\nHe was expecting to find her prostrated by the tragedy. * For months he was prostrated with grief.


Words: prostration
Meaning:
noun [U] (written)\n  1  extreme physical weakness:\na state of prostration brought on by the heat\n  2  the action of lying with your face downwards, especially in worship


Words: protagonist
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  the main character in a play, film/movie or book\n  2  one of the main people in a real event, especially a competition, battle or struggle\n  3  an active supporter of a policy or movement, especially one that is trying to change sth:\na leading protagonist of the conservation movement


Words: protect
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb/sth) (against / from sth) to make sure that sb/sth is not harmed, injured, damaged, etc:\n[VN] Troops have been sent to protect aid workers against attack. * They huddled together to protect themselves from the wind. * Our aim is to protect the jobs of our members. * Each company is fighting to protect its own commercial interests. * [V] a paint that helps protect against rust\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to introduce laws that make it illegal to kill, harm or damage a particular animal, area of land, building, etc:\na protected area / species * The plant is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] to help an industry in your own country by taxing goods from other countries so that there is less competition:\nprotected markets\n  4  ~ (sb/sth) (against sth) to provide sb/sth with insurance against fire, injury, damage, etc:\n[VN] Many policies do not protect you against personal injury. [also V]


Words: protection
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (for / of sb/sth) (against / from sth) the act of protecting sb/sth; the state of being protected:\nRemember to bring clothes that provide adequate protection against the wind and rain. * He asked to be put under police protection. * the conservation and protection of the environment * consumer / child / data protection laws\n  2  [C] ~ (against sth) a thing that protects sb/sth against sth:\nThey wore the charm as a protection against evil spirits.\n  3  [U] ~ (against sth) insurance against fire, injury, damage, etc:\nOur policy offers complete protection against fire and theft.\n  4  [U] the system of helping an industry in your own country by taxing foreign goods:\nThe government is ready to introduce protection for the car industry.\n  5  [U] the system of paying criminals so that they will not attack your business or property:\nto pay protection money * to run a protection racket


Words: protectionism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the principle or practice of protecting a country’s own industry by taxing foreign goods\n    protectionist  adjective:\nprotectionist measures / policies


Words: protective
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] providing or intended to provide protection:\nWorkers should wear full protective clothing. * a protective layer of varnish * a protective barrier against the sun’s rays\n  2  ~ (of / towards sb/sth) having or showing a wish to protect sb/sth:\nShe had been fiercely protective towards him as a teenager. * He was extremely protective of his role as advisor. * He put a protective arm around her shoulders. * Parents can easily become over-protective of their children (= want to protect them too much).\n  3  intended to give an advantage to your own country’s industry:\nprotective legislation / tariffs\n    protectively adverb:\nShe clutched her bag protectively.\n    protectiveness noun [U]


Words: protector
Meaning:
noun\na person, an organization or a thing that protects sb/sth:\nI regarded him as my friend and protector. * the company’s image as a protector of the environment * Hard hats and ear protectors are provided.


Words: protectorate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a country that is controlled and protected by a more powerful country:\na British protectorate\ncompare COLONY\n  2  [U] the state or period of being controlled and protected by another country


Words: protege
Meaning:
(feminine protegee)  noun\n(from French) a young person who is helped in their career and personal development by a more experienced person:\na protege of the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin


Words: protein
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a natural substance found in meat, eggs, fish, some vegetables, etc. There are many different proteins and they are an essential part of what humans and animals eat to help them grow and stay healthy:\nessential proteins and vitamins * protein deficiency * Peas, beans and lentils are a good source of vegetable protein.


Words: protest
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U, C] ~ (against sth) the expression of strong disagreement with or opposition to sth; a statement or an action that shows this:\nThe director resigned in protest at the decision. * The announcement raised a storm of protest. * a protest march * She accepted the charge without protest. * The workers staged a protest against the proposed changes in their contracts. * The building work will go ahead, despite protests from local residents. * The riot began as a peaceful protest.\n IDIOMS \n  under protest unwillingly and after expressing disagreement:\nShe wrote a letter of apology but only under protest.\n    verb \n  1  ~ (about / against / at sth) to say or do sth to show that you disagree with or disapprove of sth, especially publicly:\n[V] Students took to the streets to protest against the decision. * The victim’s widow protested at the leniency of the sentence. * There’s no use protesting, I won’t change my mind. * [VN] (AmE) They fully intend to protest the decision.\n  2  to say firmly that sth is true, especially when you have been accused of sth or when other people do not believe you:\n[VN] She has always protested her innocence. * [V that] He protested that the journey was too far by car. * [V speech] ’That’s not what you said earlier!’ Jane protested.


Words: Protestant
Meaning:
noun\na member of a part of the Western Christian Church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century:\nHe’s a Protestant.\n    Protestant adjective:\nThe majority of the population is Protestant. * a Protestant church / country\n    Protestantism  noun [U]


Words: protestation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) a strong statement that sth is true, especially when other people do not believe you:\nShe repeated her protestation of innocence. * Despite his protestation to the contrary, he was extremely tired.


Words: proto-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns and adjectives) original; from which others develop:\nprototype * proto-modernist painters


Words: protocol
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a system of fixed rules and formal behaviour used at official meetings, usually between governments:\na breach of protocol * the protocol of diplomatic visits\n  2  [C] (technical) the first or original version of an agreement, especially a TREATY between countries, etc.; an extra part added to an agreement or TREATY:\nthe first Geneva Protocol * It is set out in a legally binding protocol which forms part of the treaty.\n  3  (computing) a set of rules that control the way data is sent between computers\n  4  (technical) a plan for carrying out a scientific experiment or medical treatment


Words: proton
Meaning:
noun\n(physics) a very small piece of MATTER (= a substance) with a positive electric CHARGE that forms part of the NUCLEUS (= central part) of an atom\nsee also ELECTRON, NEUTRON


Words: protoplasm
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (biology) a colourless substance like jelly which forms the living part of an animal or plant cell


Words: prototype
Meaning:
noun\n~ (for / of sth) the first design of sth from which other forms are copied or developed:\nthe prototype of the modern bicycle * Scientists have developed a working prototype for a voice translation machine.\n    prototypical  adjective


Words: protozoan
Meaning:
noun\n(plural protozoans or protozoa ) (biology) a very small living thing, usually with only one cell, that can only be seen under a MICROSCOPE\n    protozoan adjective


Words: protracted
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) lasting longer than expected or longer than usual:\nprotracted delays / disputes / negotiations


Words: protractor
Meaning:
noun\nan instrument for measuring and drawing angles, usually made from a half circle of clear plastic with degrees (0ｰ to 180ｰ) marked on it


Words: protrude
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (from sth) (formal) to stick out from a place or a surface:\nprotruding eyes / teeth * His stomach protruded slightly. * He hung his coat on a nail protruding from the wall.


Words: protrusion
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) a thing that sticks out from a place or surface; the fact of doing this:\na protrusion on the rock face


Words: protuberance
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a round part that sticks out from a surface:\nThe diseased trees are marked by protuberances on their trunks.


Words: proud
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective (prouder, proudest)\n  pleased\n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) | ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) feeling pleased and satisfied about sth that you own or have done, or are connected with:\nproud parents * the proud owner of a new car * Your achievements are something to be proud of. * He was proud of himself for not giving up. * I feel very proud to be a part of the team. * She was proud that her daughter had so much talent.\nsee also HOUSE-PROUD\n  2  [only before noun] causing sb to feel pride:\nThis is the proudest moment of my life. * It was a proud day in the nation’s history * The car had been his proudest possession.\n  feeling too important\n  3  (disapproving) feeling that you are better and more important than other people\nSYN ARROGANT:\nShe was too proud to admit she could be wrong. * He is too proud now to be seen with his former friends.\n  having self-respect\n  4  having respect for yourself and not wanting to lose the respect of others:\nThey were a proud and independent people. * Don’t be too proud to ask for help.\n  beautiful / tall\n  5  (literary) beautiful, tall and impressive:\nThe sunflowers stretched tall and proud to the sun.\nsee also PRIDE\n    adverb\n IDIOMS \n  do sb proud (old-fashioned, BrE) to treat sb very well by giving them a lot of good food, entertainment, etc:\nThe college did us proud at the centenary dinner.\n  do yourself / sb proud to do sth that makes you proud of yourself or that makes other people proud of you


Words: proudly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that shows that sb is proud of sth:\nShe proudly displayed her prize.\n  2  (literary) in a way that is large and impressive:\nThe Matterhorn rose proudly in the background.


Words: prove
Meaning:
especially in AmE)\n HELP NOTE  In BrE proved is the more common form. Look also at proven.\n  show sth is true\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to use facts, evidence, etc. to show that sth is true:\n[VN] They hope this new evidence will prove her innocence. * ’I know you’re lying.’ ’Prove it!’ * Just give me a chance and I’ll prove it to you. * He felt he needed to prove his point (= show other people that he was right). * Are you just doing this to prove a point? * (spoken) What are you trying to prove? * (spoken) I certainly don’t have anything to prove-my record speaks for itself. * [V (that)] This proves (that) I was right. * [VN-ADJ] She was determined to prove everyone wrong. * In this country, you are innocent until proved guilty. * [V wh-] This just proves what I have been saying for some time. * [VN that] Can it be proved that he did commit these offences? [also VN-N, VN to inf] \nOPP DISPROVE\nsee also PROOF\n  be\n  2  linking verb if sth proves dangerous, expensive, etc. or if it proves to be dangerous, etc., you discover that it is dangerous, etc. over a period of time\nSYN TURN OUT:\n[V-ADJ] The opposition proved too strong for him. * It was proving extremely difficult to establish the truth. * [V-N] Shares in the industry proved a poor investment. * His lack of experience may prove a problem in a crisis. * [V to inf] The promotion proved to be a turning point in his career. * Their fears proved to be groundless.\n  yourself\n  3  [VN] ~ yourself (to sb) to show other people how good you are at doing sth or that you are capable of doing sth:\nHe constantly feels he has to prove himself to others.\n  4  ~ yourself sth / to be sth to show other people that you are a particular type of person or that you have a particular quality:\n[VN-ADJ] He proved himself determined to succeed. [also VN-N, VN to inf]\n  of bread\n  5  [V] to swell before being baked because of the action of YEAST\nSYN RISE\n IDIOMS  see EXCEPTION\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nprove v. (=/= disprove)\nproof n.\nproven adj. (=/= unproven)\n______________________________


Words: proven
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] tested and shown to be true:\na student of proven ability * It is a proven fact that fluoride strengthens growing teeth.\nsee also PROVE v.\nOPP UNPROVEN\n IDIOMS \n  not proven (in Scottish law) a VERDICT (= decision) at a trial that there is not enough evidence to show that sb is guilty or innocent, and that they must be set free


Words: provenance
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (technical) the place that sth originally came from\nSYN ORIGIN:\nAll the furniture is of English provenance. * There’s no proof about the provenance of the painting (= whether it is genuine or not).


Words: proverb
Meaning:
noun\na well-known phrase or sentence that gives advice or says sth that is generally true, for example ’Waste not, want not’.


Words: proverbial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] used to show that you are referring to a particular proverb or well-known phrase:\nLet’s not count our proverbial chickens. * He drinks like the proverbial fish.\n  2  [not usually before noun] well known and talked about by a lot of people \nSYN FAMOUS:\nTheir hospitality is proverbial.\n    proverbially  adverb:\nReporters are proverbially heavy drinkers.


Words: provide
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (with sth) | ~ sth (for sb) to give sth to sb or make it available for them to use\nSYN SUPPLY:\nThe hospital has a commitment to provide the best possible medical care. * We are here to provide a service for the public. * We are here to provide the public with a service. * Please answer questions in the space provided. * The report was not expected to provide any answers.\n  2  [V that] (formal) (of a law or rule) to state that sth will or must happen\nSYN STIPULATE:\nThe final section provides that any work produced for the company is thereafter owned by the company.\nsee also PROVISION\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  provide against sth (formal) to make preparations to deal with sth bad or unpleasant that might happen in the future\n  provide for sb to give sb the things that they need to live, such as food, money and clothing:\nShe has three children to provide for. * He didn’t provide for them in his will (= did not leave them any money).\n  provide for sth (formal)\n1 to make preparations to deal with sth that might happen in the future:\nThe original system did not provide for this sudden increase in demand.\n2 (of a law, rule, etc.) to make it possible for sth to be done:\nThe legislation provides for the detention of suspected terrorists for up to seven days.


Words: provided
Meaning:
(also providing) conjunction\n~ (that ...) used to say what must happen or be done to make it possible for sth else to happen \nSYN IF:\nWe’ll buy everything you produce, provided of course the price is right. * Provided that you have the money in your account, you can withdraw up to ｣100 a day.


Words: providence
Meaning:
(also Providence) noun\n[U] God, or a force that some people believe controls our lives and the things that happen to us, usually in a way that protects us\nSYN FATE:\nto trust in divine providence * She believed her suffering was sent by providence.\n IDIOMS  see TEMPT


Words: provident
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) careful in planning for the future, especially by saving money:\nThe more provident of them had taken out insurance against flooding.\nOPP IMPROVIDENT


Words: providential
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) lucky because it happens at the right time, but without being planned:\nA providential wind carried the raft to the shore. * The announcement seems providential at a time when good news is in short supply.\n    providentially  adverb


Words: provider
Meaning:
noun\na person or an organization that supplies sb with sth they need or want:\ntraining providers * We are one of the largest providers of employment in the area. * The eldest son is the family’s sole provider (= the only person who earns money).


Words: province
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] one of the areas that some countries are divided into with its own local government:\nthe provinces of Canada\n  2  (the provinces) [pl.] (BrE) all the parts of a country except the capital city:\nThe show will tour the provinces after it closes in London. * a shy young man from the provinces\n  3  [sing.] (formal) a person’s particular area of knowledge, interest or responsibility:\nSuch decisions are normally the province of higher management. * I’m afraid the matter is outside my province (= I cannot or need not deal with it).\n  4  [C] an area that an ARCHBISHOP is responsible for


Words: provincial
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, with its own local government:\nprovincial assemblies / elections\n  2  [only before noun] (sometimes disapproving) connected with the parts of a country that do not include the capital city:\na provincial town / theatre / newspaper\n  3  (disapproving) unwilling to consider new or different ideas or things:\nIn spite of his education and travels, he has remained very provincial.\n    provincially  adverb \n    noun (often disapproving) a person who lives in or comes from a part of the country that is not near the capital city


Words: provincialism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) the attitude of people who are unwilling to consider new or different ideas or things:\nHe wanted to escape from the narrow-minded provincialism of the small town where he had been brought up.


Words: proving ground
Meaning:
noun\na place where sth such as a new machine, vehicle or weapon can be tested:\nIt’s an ideal proving ground for the new car. * (figurative) The club is the proving ground for young boxers.


Words: provision
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] the act of supplying sb with sth that they need or want; sth that is supplied:\neducational / housing provision * The government is responsible for the provision of health care. * There is no provision for anyone to sit down here. * The provision of specialist teachers is being increased.\n  2  [U, C] ~ for sb/sth preparations that you make for sth that might or will happen in the future:\nHe had already made provisions for (= planned for the financial future of) his wife and children before the accident. * You should make provision for things going wrong. * Small businesses are advised to make adequate provisions against bad debts. * The plans for developing the area include provision for both water and field sports.\n  3  (provisions) [pl.] supplies of food and drink, especially for a long journey:\nWe have enough provisions to last us two weeks.\n  4  [C] a condition or an arrangement in a legal document:\nUnder the provisions of the lease, the tenant is responsible for repairs.\nsee also PROVIDE\n    verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (formal) to supply sb/sth with enough of sth, especially food, to last for a particular period of time


Words: provisional
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  arranged for the present time only and likely to be changed in the future\nSYN TEMPORARY:\na provisional government * provisional arrangements\n  2  arranged, but not yet definite:\nThe booking is only provisional.\n    provisionally  adverb:\nThe meeting has been provisionally arranged for 3 p.m. next Friday.


Words: provisional licence
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE learner’s permit) noun\nan official document that you must have when you start to learn to drive


Words: proviso
Meaning:
noun\n(plural provisos) a condition that must be accepted before an agreement can be made\nSYN PROVISION:\nTheir participation is subject to a number of important provisos. * He agreed to their visit with the proviso that they should stay no longer than one week.


Words: provocation
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the act of doing or saying sth deliberately in order to make sb angry or upset; something that is done or said to cause this:\nHe reacted violently only under provocation. * The terrorists can strike at any time without provocation. * She bursts into tears at the slightest provocation. * So far the police have refused to respond to their provocations.


Words: provocative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  intended to make people angry or upset; intended to make people argue about sth:\na provocative act / book / remark * He doesn’t really mean that-he’s just being deliberately provocative.\n  2  intended to make sb sexually excited:\na provocative smile * She was dressed in a highly provocative way.\n    provocatively adverb


Words: provoke
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to cause a particular reaction or have a particular effect:\nThe announcement provoked a storm of protest. * The article was intended to provoke discussion. * Dairy products may provoke allergic reactions in some people.\n  2  ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to say or do sth that you know will annoy sb so that they react in an angry way\nSYN GOAD:\n[VN] The lawyer claimed his client was provoked into acts of violence by the defendant. * Be careful what you say-he’s easily provoked. [also VN to inf]


Words: provost
Meaning:
(also Provost) noun\n  1  (in Britain) the person in charge of a college at some universities\n  2  (in the US) a senior member of the administrative staff at some universities\n  3  (in Scotland) the head of a council in some towns, cities and districts\ncompare MAYOR\n  4  the head of a group of priests belonging to a particular CATHEDRAL


Words: prowess
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) great skill at doing sth:\nacademic / sporting / technical prowess * He was complimented on his prowess as an oarsman.


Words: prowl
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  (of an animal) to move quietly and carefully around an area, especially when hunting: [V, usually +adv./prep.] The tiger prowled through the undergrowth. [also VN]\n  2  to move quietly and carefully around an area, especially with the intention of committing a crime: [V, usually +adv./prep.] A man was seen prowling around outside the factory just before the fire started. [also VN]\n  3  to walk around a room, an area, etc., especially because you are bored, anxious, etc., and cannot relax:\n[VN] He prowled the empty rooms of the house at night. [also V +adv./prep.]\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  (be / go) on the prowl (of an animal or a person) moving quietly and carefully, hunting or looking for sth:\nThere was a fox on the prowl near the chickens. * an intruder on the prowl


Words: prowler
Meaning:
noun\na person who follows sb or who moves around quietly outside their house, especially at night, in order to frighten them, harm them or steal sth from them


Words: proximity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (of sb/sth) (to sb/sth) (formal) the state of being near sb/sth in distance or time:\na house in the proximity of (= near) the motorway * The proximity of the college to London makes it very popular. * The area has a number of schools in close proximity to each other. * the death of two members of her family in close proximity


Words: proxy
Meaning:
noun (plural proxies)\n  1  [U] the authority that you give to sb to do sth for you, when you cannot do it yourself:\nYou can vote either in person or by proxy. * a proxy vote\n  2  [C, U] ~ (for sb) a person who has been given the authority to represent sb else:\nYour proxy will need to sign the form on your behalf. * She is acting as proxy for her husband. * They were like proxy parents to me.\n  3  [C] ~ for sth (formal or technical) something that you use to represent sth else that you are trying to measure or calculate:\nThe number of patients on a doctor’s list was seen as a good proxy for assessing how hard they work.


Words: prudent
Meaning:
adjective\nsensible and careful when you make judgements and decisions; avoiding unnecessary risks:\na prudent businessman * a prudent decision / investment * It might be more prudent to get a second opinion before going ahead.\nOPP IMPRUDENT\n    prudence  noun [U]:\nMaybe you’ll exercise a little more financial prudence next time.\n    prudently adverb:\nThey very prudently decided not to take the case to court.


Words: prudery
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal, disapproving) the attitude or behaviour of people who seem very easily shocked by things connected with sex


Words: prudish
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) very easily shocked by things connected with sex\n    prudishness noun [U]


Words: prune
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a dried PLUM that is often eaten cooked:\nstewed prunes\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (back)\n  1  to cut off some of the branches from a tree, bush, etc. so that it will grow better and stronger:\nWhen should you prune apple trees? * He pruned the longer branches off the tree. * The hedge needs pruning back.\n  2  to make sth smaller by removing parts; to cut out parts of sth:\nStaff numbers have been pruned back to 175. * The railway companies have pruned their timetables (= there are fewer trains). * Prune out any unnecessary details.\n    pruning noun [U]:\nAll roses require annual pruning. * The company would benefit from a little pruning here and there.


Words: prurient
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) having or showing too much interest in things connected with sex:\na prurient interest in the details of a rape case\n    prurience  noun [U]


Words: pry
Meaning:
1  [V] ~ (into sth) to try to find out information about other people’s private lives in a way that is annoying or rude:\nI’m sick of you prying into my personal life! * I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. * She tried to keep the children away from the prying eyes of the world’s media.\n  2  (especially AmE) = PRISE


Words: PS
Meaning:
noun\nsomething written at the end of a letter to introduce some more information or sth that you have forgotten. PS is an abbreviation for ’postscript’:\nPS Could you send me your fax number again? * She added a PS asking me to water the plants.


Words: psalter
Meaning:
noun\na book containing a collection of songs and poems, (called PSALMS), with their music, that is used in a church


Words: pseud
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal, disapproving) a person who pretends to know a lot about a particular subject in order to impress other people:\nShe’s such a pseud!\n    pseud adjective


Words: pseudo-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) not genuine; false or pretended:\npseudo-intellectual * pseudo-science


Words: pseudonym
Meaning:
noun\na name used by sb, especially a writer, instead of their real name:\nShe writes under a pseudonym. * The rebel chief uses the pseudonym ’Tigrillo’.\ncompare PEN-NAME\n    pseudonymous  adjective [only before noun]


Words: psoriasis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a skin disease that causes rough red areas where the skin comes off in small pieces


Words: psst
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound people say when they want to attract sb’s attention quietly:\nPsst! Let’s get out now before they see us!


Words: psych
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  psych sb<->out (of sth) (informal) to make an opponent feel less confident by saying or doing things that make you seem better, stronger, etc. than them\n  psych sb / yourself up (for sth) (informal) to prepare sb/yourself mentally for sth difficult or unpleasant:\nI’d got myself all psyched up for the interview and then it was called off at the last minute.\nsee also PSYCHED


Words: psyche
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) the mind; your deepest feelings and attitudes:\nthe human / feminine / national psyche * She knew, at some deep level of her psyche, that what she was doing was wrong.


Words: psyched
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (informal, especially AmE) excited, especially about sth that is going to happen:\nThe kids are really psyched about the vacation.


Words: psychedelic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of drugs) causing the user to see and hear things that are not there or that do not exist (= to HALLUCINATE)\n  2  (of art, music, clothes, etc.) having bright colours, strange sounds, etc. like those that are experienced when taking psychedelic drugs


Words: psychiatric
Meaning:
adjective\nrelating to PSYCHIATRY or to mental illness:\na psychiatric hospital / nurse * psychiatric treatment * psychiatric disorders\ncompare MENTAL


Words: psychic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (also less frequent psychical ) connected with strange powers of the mind and not able to be explained by natural laws:\npsychic energy / forces / phenomena * psychic powers * psychic healing * psychical research (= research into strange powers and events)\n  2  (of a person) seeming to have strange mental powers and to be able to do things that are not possible according to natural laws:\nShe claims to be psychic and helps people to contact the dead. * How am I supposed to know-I’m not psychic!\n  3  (also less frequent psychical) (formal) connected with the mind rather than the body\n    psychically  adverb \n    noun a person who claims to have strange mental powers so that they can do things that are not possible according to natural laws, such as predicting the future and speaking to dead people


Words: psycho
Meaning:
noun\n(plural psychos) (informal) a person who is mentally ill and who behaves in a very strange violent way:\nIn his new film, he plays the part of a crazed psycho. * Don’t let him drive-he’s a complete psycho behind the wheel!\n    psycho adjective


Words: psycho-
Meaning:
(also psych-) combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the mind:\npsychology * psychiatric


Words: psychoanalyse
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE psychoanalyze)  (also analyse, analyze) verb\n[VN] to treat or study sb using psychoanalysis


Words: psychoanalysis
Meaning:
(also analysis) noun\n[U] a method of treating sb who is mentally ill by asking them to talk about past experiences and feelings in order to try to find explanations for their present problems\n    psychoanalytic  adjective [only before noun]:\na psychoanalytic approach\n    psychoanalytically  adverb


Words: psychobabble
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal, disapproving) the language that people use when they talk about feelings and emotional problems, that sounds very scientific, but really has little meaning


Words: psychodrama
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a way of treating people who are mentally ill by encouraging them to act events from their past to help them understand their feelings\n  2  a play or film/movie that makes the minds and feelings of the characters more important than the events


Words: psychological
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with a person’s mind and the way in which it works:\nthe psychological development of children * Abuse can lead to both psychological and emotional problems. * Her symptoms are more psychological than physical (= imaginary rather than real). * Victory in the last game gave them a psychological advantage over their opponents. * a psychological novel (= one that examines the minds of the characters)\n  2  [only before noun] connected with the study of PSYCHOLOGY:\npsychological research\n    psychologically  adverb:\npsychologically harmful * Psychologically, the defeat was devastating.\n IDIOMS \n  the psychological moment the best time to do sth in order for it to be successful:\nThe trick is in finding the (right) psychological moment to ask him for more money.


Words: psychological warfare
Meaning:
noun\n[U] things that are said and done in order to make an opponent believe that they cannot win a war, a competition, etc.


Words: psychologist
Meaning:
noun\na scientist who studies and is trained in psychology:\nan educational psychologist * a clinical psychologist (= one who treats people with mental disorders or problems)


Words: psychology
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the scientific study of the mind and how it influences behaviour:\nsocial / educational / child psychology\n  2  [sing.] the kind of mind that sb has that makes them think or behave in a particular way:\nthe psychology of small boys\n  3  [sing.] how the mind influences behaviour in a particular area of life:\nthe psychology of interpersonal relationships


Words: psychometric
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (technical) used for measuring mental abilities and processes:\npsychometric testing


Words: psychopath
Meaning:
noun\na person suffering from a serious mental illness that causes them to behave in a violent way towards other people\n    psychopathic  adjective:\na psychopathic disorder / killer


Words: psychopathology
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the scientific study of mental disorders\n  2  a disorder that affects sb’s mind or their behaviour


Words: psychosis
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural psychoses ) a serious mental illness that affects the whole personality\nsee also PSYCHOTIC


Words: psychosomatic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an illness) caused by mental problems, such as stress and worry, rather than physical problems:\nTests showed that her problems were more than merely psychosomatic.\n  2  (technical) connected with the relationship between the mind and the body


Words: psychotherapy
Meaning:
(also therapy) noun\n[U] the treatment of mental illness by discussing sb’s problems with them rather than by giving them drugs\n    psychotherapist  (also therapist) noun


Words: psychotic
Meaning:
noun\n(medical) a person suffering from severe mental illness\n    psychotic adjective:\na psychotic disorder / illness * a psychotic individual / patient\nsee also PSYCHOSIS


Words: PT
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  (BrE) the abbreviation for ’physical training’ (sport and physical exercise that is taught in schools, in the army, etc.)\n  2  (also P / T) (in writing) PART-TIME:\nThe course is 1 year FT, 2 years PT.


Words: pt
Meaning:
(also pt. especially in AmE) abbreviation\n  1  part:\nShakespeare’s Henry IV Pt 2\n  2  pint\n  3  point:\nThe winner scored 10 pts.\n  4  (Pt.) (especially on a map) port:\nPt. Moresby


Words: PTA
Meaning:
noun\nthe abbreviation for ’parent-teacher association’ (a group run by parents and teachers in a school that organizes social events and helps the school in different ways)


Words: PTO
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(BrE) please turn over (written at the bottom of a page to show that there is more on the other side)


Words: pub
Meaning:
(also formal public house) (both BrE) noun\na building where people go to drink and meet their friends. Pubs serve alcoholic and other drinks, and often also food:\nThey’ve gone down the pub for a drink. * a pub lunch * the landlord of the local pub


Words: pub crawl
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a visit to several pubs, going straight from one to the next, drinking at each of them:\nto go on a pub crawl


Words: puberty
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the period of a person’s life during which their sexual organs develop and they become capable of having children:\nto reach puberty\nsee also ADOLESCENCE


Words: pubescent
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) in the period of a person’s life when they are changing physically from a child to an adult:\npubescent boys / girls


Words: pubic
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with the part of a person’s body near their sexual organs:\npubic hair * the pubic bone


Words: public
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  of ordinary people\n  1  [only before noun] connected with ordinary people in society in general:\nThe campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the issues. * Levels of waste from the factory may be a danger to public health. * Why would the closure of hospitals be in the public interest (= useful to ordinary people)? * The media has a powerful influence on public opinion. * The government had to bow to public pressure.\n  for everyone\n  2  [only before noun] provided, especially by the government, for the use of people in general:\na public education system * a public library / telephone * public transport / transportation\nOPP PRIVATE\n  of government\n  3  [only before noun] connected with the government and the services it provides:\npublic money / spending / funding / expenditure * He spent much of his career in public office (= working in the government). * (BrE) the public purse (= the money that the government can spend) * The rail industry is no longer in public ownership (= controlled by the government).\nOPP PRIVATE\n  seen / heard by people\n  4  known to people in general:\na public figure (= a person who is well known because they are often on the television, radio, etc.) * Details of the government report have not yet been made public. * She entered public life (= started a job in which she became known to the public) at the age of 25. * This latest scandal will not have done their public image (= the opinion that people have of them) any good.\nOPP PRIVATE\n  5  open to people in general; intended to be seen or heard by people in general:\na public apology / inquiry / investigation * The painting will be put on public display next week. * This may be the band’s last public appearance together.\n  place\n  6  where there are a lot of people who can see and hear you:\nLet’s go somewhere a little less public.\nOPP PRIVATE\n    publicly  adverb:\na publicly owned company * He later publicly apologized for his comments. * This information is not publicly available.\n IDIOMS \n  go public\n1 to tell people about sth that is a secret:\nA court order failed to stop her going public with the story.\n2 (of a company) to start selling shares on the STOCK EXCHANGE\n  in the public eye well known to many people through newspapers and television:\nShe doesn’t want her children growing up in the public eye.\nmore at KNOWLEDGE\n    noun [sing.+sing./pl. v.]\n  ordinary people\n  1  (the public) ordinary people in society in general:\nThe palace is now open to the public. * There have been many complaints from members of the public. * The public has / have a right to know what is contained in the report.\nsee also THE GENERAL PUBLIC\n  group of people\n  2  a group of people who share a particular interest or who are involved in the same activity:\nthe theatre-going public * She knows how to keep her public (= for example, the people who buy her books) satisfied.\n IDIOMS \n  in public when other people, especially people you do not know, are present:\nShe doesn’t like to be seen in public without her make-up on. * They never argue in public.\ncompare IN PRIVATE\nmore at WASH v.


Words: public access
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the right of people in general to go into particular buildings or areas of land or to obtain particular information:\npublic access to the countryside\n  2  (in the US and some other countries) the right of people in general to use television or radio channels to present their own programmes:\na public access channel


Words: public address system
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation PA system) an electronic system that uses MICROPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS to make music, voices, etc. louder so that they can be heard by everyone in a particular place or building


Words: public affairs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] issues and questions about social, economic, political or business activities, etc. that affect ordinary people in general:\nthe director of public affairs for the space centre * a public affairs department


Words: public bar
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a bar in a pub with simple or less comfortable furniture than the other bars\ncompare LOUNGE BAR


Words: public company
Meaning:
(also public limited company) (both BrE) (AmE public corporation) noun\n(abbreviation plc, PLC) a company that sells shares in itself to the public


Words: public corporation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE) = PUBLIC COMPANY\n  2  (BrE) an organization that is owned by the government and that provides a national service


Words: public defender
Meaning:
noun\n(law) (in the US) a lawyer who is paid by the government to defend people in court if they cannot pay for a lawyer themselves


Words: public domain
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] something that is in the public domain is available for everyone to use or to discuss and is not secret:\nThe information has been placed in the public domain. * public domain software


Words: public holiday
Meaning:
noun\na day on which most of the shops/stores, businesses and schools in a country are closed, often to celebrate a particular event\ncompare BANK HOLIDAY


Words: public housing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in the US) houses and flats/apartments that are built by the government for people who do not have enough money to pay for private accommodation


Words: public nuisance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing., U] (law) an illegal act that causes harm to people in general:\nHe was charged with committing (a) public nuisance.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person or a thing that annoys a lot of people:\nDoor-to-door salesmen are a public nuisance.


Words: public property
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (especially law) land, buildings, etc. that are owned by the government and can be used by everyone:\nThe youths were convicted of defacing public property.\n  2  a person or a thing that everyone has a right to know about:\nSophie became public property when she married into the royal family.


Words: public prosecutor
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a lawyer who works for the government and tries to prove people guilty in a court of law\nsee also DISTRICT ATTORNEY


Words: public relations
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (abbreviation PR) the business of giving the public information about a particular organization or person in order to create a good impression:\nShe works in public relations. * a public relations exercise\n  2  [pl.] the state of the relationship between an organization and the public:\nSponsoring the local team is good for public relations.


Words: public school
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  (in Britain, especially in England) a private school for young people between the ages of 13 and 18, whose parents pay for their education. The students often live at the school while they are studying:\nHe was educated at (a) public school.\ncompare PREPARATORY SCHOOL, PRIVATE SCHOOL\n  2  (in the US, Australia, Scotland and other countries) a free local school paid for by the government\ncompare STATE SCHOOL


Words: public service
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a service such as transport or health care that a government or an official organization provides for people in general in a particular society:\nto improve public services in the area * a public service broadcast\n  2  [C, U] something that is done to help people rather than to make a profit:\nto do / perform a public service * The magazine is provided as a public service. * He was rewarded for his years of outstanding public service.\n  3  [U] the government and government departments:\nto work in public service * public service workers


Words: public utility
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a private company that must obey government rules, that supplies essential services such as gas, water and electricity to the public


Words: public works
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] building work, such as that of hospitals, schools and roads, that is paid for by the government


Words: public-spirited
Meaning:
adjective\nwilling to do things that will help other people in society:\na public-spirited man / act * That was very public-spirited of you.\n    public spirit noun [U]


Words: publication
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of printing a book, a magazine, etc. and making it available to the public; a book, a magazine, etc. that has been published:\nthe publication date * the publication of his first novel * specialist publications\n  2  [U] the act of printing sth in a newspaper, report, etc. so that the public knows about it:\na delay in the publication of the exam results * The newspaper continues to defend its publication of the photographs.


Words: publicity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the attention that is given to sb/sth by newspapers, television, etc:\ngood / bad / adverse publicity * There has been a great deal of publicity surrounding his disappearance. * The trial took place amid a blaze of (= a lot of) publicity.\n  2  the business of attracting the attention of the public to sth/sb; the things that are done to attract attention:\nShe works in publicity. * There has been a lot of advance publicity for her new film. * publicity material * a publicity campaign * The band dressed up as the Beatles as a publicity stunt. * He’s in charge of the publicity for next year’s festival.


Words: publicize
Meaning:
(BrE also publicise)  verb\n[VN] to make sth known to the public; to advertise sth:\nThey flew to Europe to publicize the plight of the refugees. * a much / highly / widely publicized speech (= that has received a lot of attention on television, in newspapers, etc.) * He was in London publicizing his new biography of Kennedy.


Words: publish
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to produce a book, magazine, CD-ROM, etc. and sell it to the public:\nThe first edition was published in 1998. * He works for a company that publishes reference books. * Most of our titles are also published on CD-ROM.\n  2  [VN] to print a letter, an article, etc. in a newspaper or magazine:\nPictures of the suspect were published in all the daily papers. * The editors published a full apology in the following edition.\n  3  [VN] to make sth available to the public on the Internet:\nThe report will be published on the Internet.\n  4  (of an author) to have your work printed and sold to the public:\n[VN] She hasn’t published anything for years. * [V] University teachers are under pressure to publish.\n  5  [VN] (formal) to make official information known to the public\nSYN RELEASE:\nThe findings of the committee will be published on Friday.


Words: publisher
Meaning:
noun\na person or company that prepares and prints books, magazines, newspapers or electronic products and makes them available to the public:\nSeveral publishers are competing in the same market.


Words: publishing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the profession or business of preparing and printing books, magazines, CD-ROMS, etc. and selling or making them available to the public:\na publishing house (= company) * a job in publishing\nsee also DESKTOP PUBLISHING


Words: pucker
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth) (up) to form or to make sth form small folds or lines:\n[V] His face puckered, and he was ready to cry. * [VN] She puckered her lips. * puckered fabric


Words: puckish
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (literary) enjoying playing tricks on other people\nSYN MISCHIEVOUS:\na puckish smile * a puckish sense of humour


Words: pudding
Meaning:
(also informal pud) (both BrE) noun [U, C]\n \n  1  a sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal:\nWhat’s for pudding? * I haven’t made a pudding today.\nSYN AFTERS, DESSERT, SWEET\n \n  2  (BrE) a hot sweet dish, often like a cake, made from flour, fat and eggs with fruit, jam, etc. in or on it:\ntreacle pudding * bread and butter pudding (= made with bread, butter and milk)\nsee also CHRISTMAS PUDDING, RICE PUDDING, SPONGE PUDDING, SUMMER PUDDING\n \n  3  (BrE) a hot dish like a pie with soft pastry made from flour, fat and eggs and usually filled with meat:\na steak and kidney pudding\n  4  (AmE) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) like cream flavoured with fruit, chocolate, etc:\nchocolate pudding\nsee also BLACK PUDDING, YORKSHIRE PUDDING\n IDIOMS  see OVER-EGG, PROOF


Words: puddle
Meaning:
noun\na small amount of water or other liquid, especially rain, that has collected in one place on the ground


Words: pudenda
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (old-fashioned, formal) the sexual organs that are outside the body, especially those of a woman


Words: puerile
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) silly; suitable for a child rather than an adult\nSYN CHILDISH:\npuerile behaviour / excuses


Words: puff
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (at / on sth) to smoke a cigarette, pipe, etc:\n[V] He puffed (away) on his pipe. * [VN] I sat puffing my cigar.\n  2  ~ (sth) (out) to make smoke or steam blow out in clouds; to blow out in clouds:\n[VN] Chimneys were puffing out clouds of smoke. * [V] Steam puffed out.\n  3  (informal) to breathe loudly and quickly, especially after you have been running:\n[V] I was starting to puff a little from the climb. [also V speech] \nsee also PUFFED, PUFFED OUT\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to move in a particular direction, sending out small clouds of smoke or steam:\nThe train puffed into the station.\n IDIOMS \n  be puffed up with pride, etc. to be too full of pride, etc:\nHe felt grown-up, puffed up with self-importance.\n  puff and pant (also puff and blow, informal) to breathe quickly and loudly through your mouth after physical effort:\nEventually, puffing and panting, he arrived at the gate.\nmore at HUFF v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  puff sth<->out to make sth bigger and rounder, especially by filling it with air:\nShe puffed out her cheeks.\n  puff up | puff sth<->up to swell or to make sth swell:\nHer cheeks puffed up. * The frog puffed itself up.\n    noun\n  1  [C] an act of breathing in sth such as smoke from a cigarette, or drugs:\nHe had a few puffs at the cigar. * Take two puffs from the inhaler every four hours.\n  2  [C] a small amount of air, smoke, etc. that is blown from somewhere:\na puff of wind * She felt a puff of warm air on her face. * Puffs of white smoke came from the chimney. * Any chance of success seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke (= to disappear quickly).\n  3  [C] a hollow piece of light pastry that is filled with cream, jam, etc.\nsee also CREAM PUFF\n  4  (AmE also puff piece) [C] (informal, usually disapproving) a piece of writing or speech that praises sb/sth too much:\nThe press is full of puffs for his new movie.\n  5  [U] (informal, especially BrE) breath:\nThe hill was very steep and I soon ran out of puff.\nsee also POWDER PUFF


Words: puff pastry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of light pastry that forms many thin layers when baked, used for making pies, cakes, etc.


Words: puff sleeve
Meaning:
(also puffed sleeve) noun\na type of sleeve on a piece of clothing that fits close to the body at the shoulder and the lower edge and is wider in the middle, forming a round shape


Words: puffed
Meaning:
(also puffed out) adjective\n[not before noun] (BrE, informal) breathing quickly and with difficulty because you have been having a lot of physical exercise:\nI get really puffed in the aerobics class.


Words: puffy
Meaning:
adjective (puffier, puffiest)\n  1  (of eyes, faces, etc.) looking swollen (= larger, rounder, etc. than usual):\nHer eyes were puffy from crying.\n  2  (of clouds, etc.) looking soft, round and white\n    puffiness noun [U]


Words: pugnacious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having a strong desire to argue or fight with other people:\na pugnacious man / attitude\n    pugnaciously adverb\n    pugnacity  noun [U]


Words: puke
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth) (up) (informal) to VOMIT:\n[V] The baby puked all over me this morning. * That guy makes me puke! (= makes me angry) * [VN] I puked up my dinner.\n    puke noun [U]:\nto be covered in puke


Words: pukka
Meaning:
adjective (BrE)\n  1  (old-fashioned) genuine; not a copy; appropriate in a particular social situation:\npukka riding boots\n  2  (informal) of very good quality:\nThanks-you’ve done a pukka job!


Words: pull
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  move / remove sth\n \n  1  to hold sth firmly and use force in order to move it or try to move it towards yourself:\n[V] You push and I’ll pull. * Don’t pull so hard or the handle will come off. * I pulled on the rope to see if it was secure. * [VN] Stop pulling her hair! * She pulled him gently towards her. * [VN-ADJ] Pull the door shut.\n \n  2  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to remove sth from a place by pulling:\nPull the plug out. * She pulled off her boots. * He pulled a gun on me (= took out a gun and aimed it at me).\n \n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sb/sth in a particular direction by pulling:\nPull your chair nearer the table. * He pulled his sweater on / pulled on his sweater. * She took his arm and pulled him along.\n \n  4  [VN] to hold or be attached to sth and move it along behind you:\nIn this area oxen are used to pull carts.\n  body\n  5  [+adv./prep.] to move your body or a part of your body in a particular direction, especially using force:\n[V] He tried to kiss her but she pulled away. * [VN] The dog snapped at her and she quickly pulled back her hand. * [VN-ADJ] John pulled himself free and ran off.\n  curtains\n  6  [VN] to open or close curtains, etc:\nPull the curtains-it’s dark outside.\n  muscle\n  7  [VN] to damage a muscle, etc. by using too much force:\nto pull a muscle / ligament / tendon\n  switch\n  8  [VN] to move a switch, etc. towards yourself or down in order to operate a machine or piece of equipment:\nPull the lever to start the motor. * Don’t pull the trigger!\n  vehicle / engine\n  9  ~ (sth) to the right / the left / one side to move or make a vehicle move sideways:\n[V] The wheel is pulling to the left. * [VN] She pulled the car to the right to avoid the dog.\n  10  [V] (of an engine) to work hard and use a lot of power:\nThe old car pulled hard as we drove slowly up the hill.\n  boat\n  11  [usually +adv./prep.] to use OARS to move a boat along:\n[V] They pulled towards the shore. [also VN]\n  crowd / support\n  12  [VN] ~ sb/sth (in) to attract the interest or support of sb/sth:\nThey pulled in huge crowds on their latest tour.\n  attract sexually\n  13  (BrE, informal) to attract sb sexually:\n[VN] He can still pull the girls. * [V] She’s hoping to pull tonight.\n  trick / crime\n  14  [VN] (informal) to succeed in playing a trick on sb, committing a crime, etc:\nHe’s pulling some sort of trick on you.\n  cancel\n  15  [VN] (informal) to cancel an event; to stop showing an advertisement, etc:\nThe gig was pulled at its last moment.\n IDIOMS \n  pull a fast one (on sb) (slang) to trick sb\n  pull sb’s leg (informal) to play a joke on sb, usually by making them believe sth that is not true\n  pull the other one (-it’s got bells on) (BrE, spoken) used to show that you do not believe what sb has just said\n  pull out all the stops (informal) to make the greatest effort possible to achieve sth\n  pull the plug on sb/sth (informal) to put an end to sb’s project, a plan, etc:\nThe television company pulled the plug on the series after only five episodes.\n  pull your punches (informal) (usually used in negative sentences) to express sth less strongly than you are able to, for example to avoid upsetting or shocking sb:\nHer articles certainly don’t pull any punches.\n  pull sth / a rabbit out of the hat (informal) to suddenly produce sth as a solution to a problem\n  pull rank (on sb) to make use of your place or status in society or at work to make sb do what you want\n  pull the rug (out) from under sb’s feet (informal) to take help or support away from sb suddenly\n  pull your socks up (BrE, informal) to try to improve your performance, work, behaviour, etc:\nYou’re going to have to pull your socks up.\n  pull strings (for sb) (AmE also pull wires) (informal) to use your influence in order to get an advantage for sb\n  pull the strings to control events or the actions of other people\n  pull your weight to work as hard as everyone else in a job, an activity, etc.\n  pull the wool over sb’s eyes (informal) to try and deceive sb; to hide your real actions or intentions from sb\nmore at BOOTSTRAP, FACE n., HORN, PIECE n., SHRED n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  pull ahead (of sb/sth) to move in front of sb/sth:\nThe cyclists were together until the bend, when Tyler pulled ahead.\n  pull sb/sth apart to separate people or animals that are fighting\n  pull sth apart to separate sth into pieces by pulling different parts of it in different directions\n  pull at sth = PULL ON STH\n  pull away (from sth) (of a vehicle) to start moving:\nThey waved as the bus pulled away.\n  pull back\n1 (of an army) to move back from a place\nSYN WITHDRAW\n2 to decide not to do sth that you were intending to do, because of possible problems\nSYN WITHDRAW:\nTheir sponsors pulled back at the last minute.\n  pull sb<->back to make an army move back from a place\n  pull back | pull sth<->back (sport) to improve a team’s position in a game:\nRangers pulled back to 43. * They pulled back a goal just before half-time.\n  pull sb down (especially AmE) to make sb less happy, healthy or successful\n  pull sth<->down\n1 to destroy a building completely\nSYN DEMOLISH\n2 = PULL STH IN\n  pull sb<->in (informal) to bring sb to a police station in order to ask them questions about a crime\n  pull sth<->in / down (informal) to earn the large amount of money mentioned:\nI reckon she’s pulling in over $100 000.\n  pull in (to sth)\n1 (of a train) to enter a station and stop\n2 (BrE) (of a vehicle or its driver) to move to the side of the road or to the place mentioned and stop:\nThe police car signalled to us to pull in.\n  pull off | pull off sth (of a vehicle or its driver) to leave the road in order to stop for a short time\n  pull sth<->off (informal) to succeed in doing sth difficult:\nWe pulled off the deal. * I never thought you’d pull it off.\n  pull on / at sth to take long deep breaths from a cigarette, etc.\n  pull out (of a vehicle or its driver) to move away from the side of the road, etc:\nA car suddenly pulled out in front of me.\n  pull out (of sth)\n1 (of a train) to leave a station\n2 to move away from sth or stop being involved in it\nSYN WITHDRAW:\nThe project became so expensive that we had to pull out.\n  pull sb/sth out (of sth) to make sb/sth move away from sth or stop being involved in it\nSYN WITHDRAW:\nThey are pulling their troops out of the war zone.\nrelated noun PULL-OUT\n  pull over (of a vehicle or its driver) to move to the side of the road in order to stop or let sth pass:\nShe saw the ambulance coming up behind her and pulled over.\n  pull sb/sth<->over (of the police) to make a driver or vehicle move to the side of the road\n  pull through | pull through sth\n1 to get better after a serious illness, operation, etc:\nThe doctors think she will pull through.\n2 to succeed in doing sth very difficult:\nIt’s going to be tough but we’ll pull through it together.\n  pull sb through | pull sb through sth\n1 to help sb get better after a serious illness, operation, etc.\n2 to help sb succeed in doing sth very difficult:\nI relied on my instincts to pull me through.\n  pull together to act, work, etc. together with other people in an organized way and without fighting\n  pull yourself together to take control of your feelings and behave in a calm way:\nStop crying and pull yourself together!\n  pull up (of a vehicle or its driver) to stop:\nHe pulled up at the traffic lights.\n  pull sb up (BrE, informal) to criticize sb for sth that they have done wrong\n    noun\n  trying to move sth\n  1  [C] an act of trying to make sth move by holding it firmly and bringing it towards you:\nI gave the door a sharp pull and it opened. * One last pull on the rope should do it.\n  physical force\n  2  [sing.] the ~ (of sth) a strong physical force that makes sth move in a particular direction:\nthe earth’s gravitational pull * The tides depend on the pull of the moon.\n  attraction\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the ~ (of sth) the fact of sth attracting you or having a strong effect on you:\nThe magnetic pull of the city was hard to resist. * He felt the pull of paternal love.\n  influence\n  4  [U] (informal) power and influence over other people:\npeople who have a lot of pull with the media\n  on cigarette / drink\n  5  [C] ~ (at / on sth) an act of taking a deep breath of smoke from a cigarette, etc. or a deep drink of something:\nShe took a long pull on her cigarette.\n  walk up hill\n  6  [C, usually sing.] (BrE) a difficult walk up a steep hill:\nIt’s a long pull up to the summit.\n  muscle injury\n  7  [C] an injury to a muscle caused by using too much force\n  handle / rope\n  8  [C] (especially in compounds) something such as a handle or rope that you use to pull sth:\na bell / door pull\nsee also RING PULL\n IDIOMS \n  on the pull (BrE, slang) (of a person) trying to find a sexual partner


Words: pull-down
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  designed to be used by being pulled down:\na pull-down bed\n  2  ~ menu (computing) a list of possible choices that appears on a computer screen below a MENU title


Words: pull-out
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a part of a magazine, newspaper, etc. that can be taken out easily and kept separately:\nan eight-page pull-out on health * a pull-out guide\n  2  an act of taking an army away from a particular place; an act of taking an organization out of a system:\nThe general ordered a pull-out from the area.


Words: pull-up
Meaning:
(also chin-up especially in AmE) noun\n[usually pl.] an exercise in which you hold onto a high bar above your head and pull yourself up towards it


Words: pulley
Meaning:
noun\na wheel or set of wheels over which a rope or chain is pulled in order to lift or lower heavy objects:\na system of ropes and pulleys


Words: pullover
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a knitted woollen or cotton piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves and no buttons


Words: pulmonary
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (medical) connected with the lungs:\npulmonary disease * the pulmonary artery


Words: pulp
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [sing., U] a soft wet substance that is made especially by crushing sth:\nCook the fruit gently until it forms a pulp. * Mash the beans to a pulp. * His face had been beaten to a pulp (= very badly beaten).\n  2  [U] a soft substance that is made by crushing wood, fabric or other material and then used to make paper:\npaper / wood pulp\n  3  [U] the soft part inside some fruit and vegetables\nSYN FLESH:\nScoop out the pulp and serve it with sugar.\n    pulpy adjective:\nCook the fruit slowly until soft and pulpy.\n    verb [VN] to crush or beat sth so that it becomes soft and wet:\nUnsold copies of the novel had to be pulped. * pulped fruit\n    adjective [only before noun] (of books, magazines, etc.) badly written and often intended to shock people:\npulp fiction / horror


Words: pulpit
Meaning:
noun\na small platform in a church that is like a box and is high above the ground, where a priest, etc. stands to speak to the people: (figurative) The policy has been widely condemned from the pulpit (= by priests and other church leaders).


Words: pulsar
Meaning:
noun\n(astronomy) a star that cannot be seen but that sends out regular rapid radio signals\ncompare QUASAR


Words: pulsate
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to make strong regular movements or sounds:\npulsating rhythms * a pulsating headache * Lights were pulsating in the sky.\n  2  ~ (with sth) to be full of excitement or energy:\na pulsating game * The streets were pulsating with life.\n    pulsation  noun [C, U]


Words: pulse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [usually sing.] the regular beat of blood as it is pumped around the body, that can be felt in different places, especially on the inside part of the wrist; the number of times the blood beats in a minute:\na strong / weak pulse * an abnormally high pulse rate * The doctor took / felt my pulse. * Fear sent her pulse racing (= made it beat very quickly).\n  2  a strong regular beat in music\nSYN TEMPO:\nthe throbbing pulse of the drums\n  3  a single short increase in the amount of light, sound or electricity produced by a machine, etc:\npulse waves * sound pulses\n  4  (pulses) [pl.] the seeds of some plants that are eaten as food, such as peas and LENTILS:\nPulses are a good source of protein.\n IDIOMS  see FINGER n.\n    verb [V] \n  1  to move, beat or flow with strong regular movements or sounds\nSYN THROB:\nA vein pulsed in his temple. * the pulsing rhythm of the music * (figurative) A rush of joy pulsed through his body.\n  2  ~ (with sth) (written) to be full of a feeling such as excitement or energy:\nThe auditorium pulsed with excitement.


Words: pulverize
Meaning:
(BrE also pulverise)  verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to crush sth into a fine powder:\npulverized bones\n  2  (informal, especially BrE) to defeat or destroy sb/sth completely:\nWe pulverized the opposition.


Words: puma
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually cougar) (AmE also mountain lion, panther) noun a large American wild animal of the cat family, with yellowish-brown or greyish fur


Words: pumice
Meaning:
(also pumice stone) noun\n[U] a type of grey stone that comes from VOLCANOES and is very light in weight. It is used in powder form for cleaning and polishing, and in pieces for rubbing on the skin to soften it.


Words: pummel
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-, AmE -l-) to keep hitting sb/sth hard, especially with your FISTS (= tightly closed hands):\n[VN] He pummelled the pillow with his fists. * (figurative) She pummelled (= strongly criticized) her opponents. * [V] Her fists pummelled at his chest.


Words: pump
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a machine that is used to force liquid, gas or air into or out of sth:\nShe washed her face at the pump in front of the inn. * (BrE) a petrol pump * (AmE) a gas pump * a foot / hand pump (= that you work by using your foot or hand) * a bicycle pump\nsee also STOMACH PUMP\n \n  2  (BrE) = PLIMSOLL\n \n  3  (especially AmE) = COURT SHOE\n \n  4  (BrE) a light soft shoe that you wear for dancing or exercise:\nballet pumps\n IDIOMS  see PRIME v.\n    verb\n  1  to make water, air, gas, etc. flow in a particular direction by using a pump or sth that works like a pump:\n[VN] The engine is used for pumping water out of the mine. * The heart pumps blood around the body. * [VN-ADJ] The lake had been pumped dry. [also V]\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (of a liquid) to flow in a particular direction as if it is being forced by a pump:\nBlood was pumping out of his wound.\n  3  [VN] to move sth quickly up and down or in and out:\nHe kept pumping my hand up and down. * I pumped the handle like crazy.\n  4  [V] to move quickly up and down or in and out:\nShe sprinted for the line, legs pumping. * My heart was pumping with excitement.\n  5  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to try to get information from sb by asking them a lot of questions:\nSee if you can pump him for more details.\n IDIOMS \n  pump bullets, shots, etc. into sb to fire a lot of bullets into sb\n  pump sb full of sth to fill sb with sth, especially drugs:\nThey pumped her full of painkillers.\n  pump iron (informal) to do exercises in which you lift heavy weights in order to strengthen your muscles\n  pump sb’s stomach to remove the contents of sb’s stomach using a pump, because they have swallowed sth harmful\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  pump sth into sth | pump sth in to put a lot of money into sth:\nHe pumped all his savings into the business.\n  pump sth into sb to force a lot of sth into sb:\nIt’s difficult to pump facts and figures into tired students.\n  pump sth<->out (informal) to produce sth in large amounts:\nloudspeakers pumping out rock music * Our cars pump out thousands of tonnes of poisonous fumes every year.\n  pump sb<->up [usually passive] to make sb feel more excited or determined\n  pump sth<->up\n1 to fill a tyre, etc. with air using a pump\n2 (informal) to increase the amount, value or volume of sth:\nInterest rates were pumped up last week.


Words: pump-priming
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of investing money to encourage growth in an industry or a business, especially by a government


Words: pumpernickel
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of heavy dark brown bread made from RYE, originally from Germany and often sold in slices


Words: pumpkin
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a large round vegetable with thick orange skin. The seeds can be dried and eaten and the soft flesh can be cooked as a vegetable or in sweet pies:\nPumpkin pie is a traditional American dish served on Thanksgiving.


Words: pun
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (on sth) the clever or humorous use of a word that has more than one meaning, or of words that have different meanings but sound the same:\nWe’re banking on them lending us the money-no pun intended!\ncompare WORDPLAY\n    verb (-nn-) [V] to make a pun


Words: punch
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (in / on sth) to hit sb/sth hard with your FIST (= closed hand):\nHe was kicked and punched as he lay on the ground. * She punched him on the nose. * He was punching the air in triumph.\n  2  ~ sth (in / through sth) to make a hole in sth with a punch or some other sharp object:\nto punch a time card * The machine punches a row of holes in the metal sheet.\n  3  [VN] to press buttons or keys on a computer, telephone, etc. in order to operate it:\nI punched the button to summon the elevator.\n    puncher noun:\nHe’s one of boxing’s strongest punchers.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  punch in / out (AmE) to record the time you arrive at/leave work by putting a card into a special machine\nsee also CLOCK IN / ON, CLOCK OUT / OFF\n  punch sth<->in | punch sth into sth to put information into a computer by pressing the keys:\nHe punched in the security code.\n  punch sb out (AmE, informal) to hit sb so hard that they fall down\n  punch sth<->out\n1 to press a combination of buttons or keys on a computer, telephone, etc:\nHe picked up the telephone and punched out his friend’s number.\n2 to make a hole in sth or knock sth out by hitting it very hard:\nI felt as if all my teeth had been punched out.\n3 to cut sth from paper, wood, metal, etc. with a special tool\n    noun\n  1  [C] a hard hit made with the FIST (= closed hand):\na punch in the face * Hill threw a punch at the police officer. * a knockout punch * He shot out his right arm and landed a punch on Lorrimer’s nose.\n  2  [U] the power to interest people:\nIt’s a well-constructed crime story, told with speed and punch.\n  3  [C] a tool or machine for cutting holes in paper, leather or metal:\na hole punch\n  4  [U] a hot or cold drink made by mixing water, fruit juice, spices, and usually wine or another alcoholic drink:\nrum punch\n IDIOMS  see BEAT v., PACK v., PULL v., ROLL v.


Words: Punch and Judy show
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a traditional type of entertainment for children in which PUPPETS are used to tell stories about Punch who is always fighting with his wife Judy


Words: punch-drunk
Meaning:
(also slap-happy especially in AmE) adjective\n  1  (of a boxer) confused as a result of being PUNCHED on the head many times\n  2  unable to think clearly; in a confused state


Words: punchbag
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE punching bag) noun\na heavy leather bag, hung on a rope, which is PUNCHED, especially by boxers as part of training, or as a form of exercise


Words: punchball
Meaning:
noun\na heavy leather ball, fixed on a spring, which is PUNCHED, especially by boxers as a part of training, or as a form of exercise


Words: punchcard
Meaning:
(also punched card) noun\na card on which, in the past, information was recorded as lines of holes and used for giving instructions, etc. to computers and other machines


Words: punchline
Meaning:
(also AmE informal tag line) noun\nthe last few words of a joke that make it funny:\nHe forgot the punchline and the joke fell flat.


Words: punchy
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a speech, song, etc.) having a strong effect because it expresses sth clearly in only a few words:\na bright, punchy style of writing


Words: punctilious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) very careful to behave correctly or to carry out your duties exactly as you should:\na punctilious host\n    punctiliously adverb:\nShe observed the rules punctiliously.\n    punctiliousness noun [U]


Words: punctual
Meaning:
adjective\nhappening or doing sth at the arranged or correct time; not late:\nShe has been reliable and punctual. * a punctual start at 9 o’clock * Always be punctual for an interview.\n    punctuality  noun [U]:\nHe insists on regular attendance and punctuality.\n    punctually  adverb:\nThey always pay punctually.


Words: punctuate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to interrupt sth at intervals:\nHer speech was punctuated by bursts of applause. * He punctuates his conversation with snatches of song.\n  2  [V, VN] to divide writing into sentences and phrases by using special marks, for example COMMAS, question marks, etc.


Words: punctuation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the marks used in writing that divide sentences and phrases; the system of using these marks


Words: punctuation mark
Meaning:
noun\na sign or mark used in writing to divide sentences and phrases:\npunctuation marks such as full stops and commas


Words: puncture
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (BrE) a small hole in a tyre made by a sharp point:\nI had a puncture on the way and arrived late.\nsee also FLAT n. (6)\n  2  a small hole, especially in the skin, made by a sharp point:\nThere were four small puncture marks on her wrist where the cat had bitten her.\n    verb\n  1  to make a small hole in sth; to get a small hole:\n[VN] to puncture a tyre / balloon * She was taken to the hospital with broken ribs and a punctured lung. * [V] One of the front tyres had punctured.\n  2  [VN] (written) to suddenly make sb feel less confident, proud, etc:\nto puncture sb’s confidence / complacency / illusions * The earlier mood of optimism had been punctured.


Words: pundit
Meaning:
noun\na person who knows a lot about a particular subject and who often talks about it in public; an expert


Words: pungent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having a strong taste or smell:\nthe pungent smell of burning rubber * The air was pungent with the smell of spices.\n  2  direct and having a strong effect:\npungent remarks / criticism\n    pungency  noun [U]\n    pungently adverb:\nthe pungently aromatic scent of cloves


Words: punish
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to make sb suffer because they have broken the law or done sth wrong:\nThose responsible for this crime will be severely punished. * He was punished for refusing to answer their questions. * My parents used to punish me by not letting me watch TV.\n  2  ~ sth (by / with sth) to set the punishment for a particular crime:\nIn those days murder was always punished with the death penalty.\n  3  ~ yourself (for sth) to blame yourself for sth that has happened


Words: punishable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by / with sth) (of a crime) that can be punished, especially by law:\na crime punishable by / with imprisonment * Giving false information to the police is a punishable offence.


Words: punishing
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] long and difficult and making you work hard so you become very tired:\nThe President has a punishing schedule for the next six months.


Words: punishment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (for sth) an act or a way of punishing sb:\nto inflict / impose / mete out punishment * What is the punishment for murder? * There is little evidence that harsher punishments deter any better than more lenient ones. * The punishment should fit the crime. * He was sent to his room as a punishment.\nsee also CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, CORPORAL PUNISHMENT\n  2  [U] rough treatment:\nThe carpet by the door takes the most punishment.


Words: punitive
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun] (formal)\n  1  intended as punishment:\nThere are calls for more punitive measures against people who drink and drive. * (AmE) He was awarded punitive damages (= in a court of law). * Punitive action will be taken against the hooligans.\n  2  very severe and that people find very difficult to pay:\npunitive taxes\n    punitively adverb


Words: Punjabi
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a person from the Punjab area in NW India and Pakistan\n  2  [U] the language of people from the Punjab\n    Punjabi adjective


Words: punk
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also punk rock) [U] a type of loud and aggressive ROCK music popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s:\na punk band\n  2  (also punk rocker) [C] a person who likes punk music and dresses like a punk musician, for example by wearing metal chains, leather clothes and having brightly coloured hair:\na punk haircut\n  3  [C] (informal disapproving, especially AmE) a young man or boy who behaves in a rude or violent way


Words: punt
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also PUNT\n    noun\n\n \n  1  a long shallow boat with a flat bottom and square ends which is moved by pushing the end of a long pole against the bottom of a river\n \n  2  (BrE, informal) a bet:\nThe investment is little more than a punt.\n \n  3  (in rugby or American football) a long kick made after dropping the ball from your hands\n    verb\n\n \n  1  to travel in a punt, especially for pleasure:\n[V] We spent the day punting on the river. * to go punting [also VN]\n \n  2  [VN] to kick a ball hard so that it goes a long way, sometimes after it has dropped from your hands and before it reaches the ground:\nI punted the ball upfield.\n\n noun\nthe unit of money in the Republic of Ireland (to be replaced by the euro)\nsee also PUNT


Words: punter
Meaning:
noun (BrE, informal)\n  1  a person who buys or uses a particular product or service; a customer:\nIt’s important to keep the punters happy. * Your average punter won’t notice the difference.\n  2  a person who gambles on the result of a horse race


Words: puny
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  small and weak:\nThe lamb was a puny little thing.\n  2  not very impressive:\nThey laughed at my puny efforts.


Words: pup
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = PUPPY\n  2  a young animal of various SPECIES ( = types):\na seal pup\n IDIOMS \n  sell sb / buy a pup (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to sell sb or be sold sth that has no value or is worth much less than the price paid for it


Words: pupa
Meaning:
noun\n(plural pupae ) an insect in the stage of development between a LARVA and an adult insect\ncompare CHRYSALIS


Words: pupate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (biology) to develop into a pupa:\nThe caterpillars feed on these plants until they pupate.


Words: pupil
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (especially BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a person who is being taught, especially a child in a school:\nHow many pupils does the school have? * She now teaches only private pupils. -> STUDENT\n \n  2  a person who is taught artistic, musical, etc. skills by an expert:\nThe painting is by a pupil of Rembrandt.\n \n  3  the small round black area at the centre of the eye:\nHer pupils were dilated.\ncompare IRIS


Words: puppet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a model of a person or an animal that can be made to move, for example by pulling strings attached to parts of its body or by putting your hand inside it. A puppet with strings is also called a MARIONETTE:\na wooden / hand puppet * a puppet show\nsee also GLOVE PUPPET\n  2  (usually disapproving) a person or group whose actions are controlled by another:\nThe occupying forces set up a puppet government. * The US believed Ho Chi Minh was a puppet of the Chinese.


Words: puppy
Meaning:
noun (plural puppies) (also pup)\n  1  a young dog:\na litter of puppies * a Labrador puppy\n  2  (old-fashioned, informal) (disapproving) a proud or rude young man


Words: puppy love
Meaning:
noun\n[U] feelings of love that a young person has for sb else and that adults do not think is very serious


Words: purchase
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (formal or written)\n  1  [U, C] the act or process or buying sth:\nto make a purchase (= buy sth) * Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. * The company has just announced its ｣27 million purchase of Park Hotel.\nsee also HIRE PURCHASE\n  2  [C] something that you have bought:\nmajor purchases, such as a new car * If you are not satisfied with your purchase we will give you a full refund.\n  3  [U, sing.] (technical) a firm hold on sth with the hands or feet, for example when you are climbing:\nShe tried to get a purchase on the slippery rock.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (from sb) (formal or written) to buy sth:\nThe equipment can be purchased from your local supplier. * They purchased the land for $1 million. * Please ensure that you purchase your ticket in advance. * (figurative) Victory was purchased (= achieved) at too great a price.


Words: purchase price
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (formal) the price that is paid for sth you buy:\nthe purchase price of the house


Words: purchasing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (business) the activity of buying things, especially for a company:\nthe company’s purchasing manager


Words: purchasing power
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  money that people have available to buy goods with:\nThe cost of houses has risen faster than purchasing power.\n  2  the amount that a unit of money can buy:\nthe peso’s purchasing power


Words: purdah
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the system in some Muslim and Hindu societies by which women live in a separate part of a house or cover their faces so that men do not see them:\nto be in purdah * He kept his daughters in virtual purdah.


Words: pure
Meaning:
not mixed\n  1  [usually before noun] not mixed with anything else; with nothing added:\npure gold / silk * These shirts are 100% pure cotton. * Classical dance in its purest form requires symmetry and balance. * One movie is classified as pure art, the other as entertainment.\n  clean\n  2  clean and not containing any harmful substances:\na bottle of pure water * The air was sweet and pure.\nOPP IMPURE\n  complete\n  3  [only before noun] complete and total:\nThey met by pure chance. * She laughed with pure joy. * These reports are pure speculation (= there is no evidence that they are true).\n  morally good\n  4  without evil thoughts or actions, especially sexual ones; morally good:\nto lead a pure life * His motives were pure. * (literary) to be pure in body and mind\nOPP IMPURE\n  colour / sound / light\n  5  very clear; perfect:\nbeaches of pure white sand * a pure note / tone / voice\n  subject you study\n  6  [only before noun] concerned with increasing knowledge of the subject rather than with using knowledge in practical ways:\npure mathematics * technology as opposed to pure science subjects\ncompare APPLIED\n  breed / race\n  7  not mixed with any other breed or race, etc:\nThese cattle are one of the purest breeds in Britain.\nsee also PURE-BRED\nsee also PURIFY, PURITY\n IDIOMS \n  pure and simple used after the noun that it refers to in order to emphasize that there is nothing but the thing you have just mentioned involved in sth:\nIt’s laziness, pure and simple.


Words: puree
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] food in the form of a thick liquid made by crushing fruit or cooked vegetables in a small amount of water:\napple puree\n    verb (pureed, pureed) [VN] to make food into a puree:\npureed apples


Words: purely
Meaning:
adverb\nonly; completely:\nI saw the letter purely by chance. * The charity is run on a purely voluntary basis. * She took the job purely and simply for the money. * The drapes are purely decorative.


Words: purgative
Meaning:
noun\na substance, especially a medicine, that causes your bowels to empty\n    purgative adjective:\nThis oil has a purgative effect.


Words: purgatory
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (usually Purgatory) (in Roman Catholic teaching) a place or state in which the souls of dead people suffer for the bad things they did when they were living, so that they can become pure enough to go to heaven\n  2  (spoken, humorous) any place or state of suffering:\nGetting up at four o’clock every morning is sheer purgatory.


Words: purge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (of sb) | ~ sb (from sth) to remove people from an organization, often violently, because their opinions or activities are unacceptable to the people in power:\nHis first act as leader was to purge the party of extremists. * He purged extremists from the party.\n  2  ~ yourself / sb/sth (of sth) | ~ sth (from sth) (written) to make yourself/sb/sth pure, healthy or clean by getting rid of bad thoughts or feelings:\nWe need to purge our sport of racism. * Nothing could purge the guilt from her mind.\n    noun the act of removing people, often violently, from an organization because their views are unacceptable to the people who have power:\nA purge of the party was ordered. * the Stalinist purges


Words: purify
Meaning:
verb (purifies, purifying, purified, purified) [VN] \n  1  to make sth pure by removing substances that are dirty, harmful or not wanted:\nOne tablet will purify a litre of water in 10 minutes.\n  2  to make sb pure by removing evil from their souls:\nHindus purify themselves by bathing in the river Ganges. * to purify the soul\n  3  ~ sth (from sth) (technical) to take a pure form of a substance out of another substance that contains it\n    purification  noun [U]:\na water purification plant


Words: purist
Meaning:
noun\na person who thinks things should be done in the traditional way and who has strong opinions on what is correct in language, art, etc:\nPurists may not approve of the changes made to the text of the play in this production.\n    purism  noun [U]


Words: puritan
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (usually disapproving) a person who has very strict moral attitudes and who thinks that pleasure is bad\n  2  (Puritan) a member of a Protestant group of Christians in England in the 16th and 17th centuries who wanted to worship God in a simple way\n    adjective\n  1  (Puritan) connected with the Puritans and their beliefs\n  2  = PURITANICAL


Words: puritanical
Meaning:
(also puritan) adjective\n(usually disapproving) having very strict moral attitudes:\nTheir parents had a puritanical streak and didn’t approve of dancing.


Words: puritanism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (Puritanism) the beliefs and practices of the Puritans\n  2  very strict moral attitudes


Words: purity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state or quality of being pure:\nThe purity of the water is tested regularly. * moral / spiritual purity\nOPP IMPURITY


Words: purlieus
Meaning:
noun\n(literary) the area near or surrounding a place:\na fashionable residence in the purlieus of the capital


Words: purloin
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sb/sth) (formal or humorous) to steal sth or use it without permission:\nWe purloined a couple of old computers from work.


Words: purple
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having the colour of blue and red mixed together:\na purple flower / bruise * His face was purple with rage.\n  2  ~ prose / passage writing or a piece of writing that is too grand in style\n    purple noun [U, C]:\nShe was dressed in purple.


Words: purple patch
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a period of success or good luck:\nHe was enjoying a purple patch and scored 11 goals in 14 games.


Words: purport
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [V to inf] (formal) to claim to be sth or to have done sth, when this may not be true:\nThe book does not purport to be a complete history of the period.\n    noun  [sing.] the ~ of sth (formal) the general meaning of sth:\nThe purport of his remarks was all too clear.


Words: purported
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) that has been stated to have happened or to be true, when this might not be the case:\nthe scene of the purported crime\n    purportedly adverb:\na letter purportedly written by Mozart


Words: purpose
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the intention, aim or function of sth; the thing that sth is supposed to achieve:\nOur campaign’s main purpose is to raise money. * The purpose of the book is to provide a complete guide to the university. * A meeting was called for the purpose of appointing a new treasurer. * The experiments serve no useful purpose (= are not useful). * The building is used for religious purposes. -> CAUSE\n  2  (purposes) [pl.] what is needed in a particular situation:\nThese gifts count as income for tax purposes. * For the purposes of this study, the three groups have been combined.\n  3  [C, U] meaning that is important and valuable to you:\nVolunteer work gives her life (a sense of) purpose.\n  4  [U] the ability to plan sth and work successfully to achieve it\nSYN DETERMINATION:\nHe has enormous confidence and strength of purpose.\nsee also CROSS PURPOSES\n IDIOMS \n  on purpose not by accident; deliberately:\nHe did it on purpose, knowing it would annoy her.\n  to little / no purpose (formal) with little/no useful effect or result:\nThe government had spent a lot on education but to little or no purpose.\nmore at INTENT n., PRACTICAL adj.


Words: purposeful
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a useful purpose; acting with a clear aim and with determination:\nPurposeful work is an important part of the regime for young offenders. * She looked purposeful and determined.\n    purposefully  adverb:\nEdward strode purposefully towards the door.\n    purposefulness noun [U]


Words: purposive
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having a clear and definite purpose:\nthe human capacity for thought and purposive action


Words: purr
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] when a cat purrs, it makes a low continuous sound in the throat, especially when it is happy or comfortable:\nThe cat was purring contentedly on my lap.\n  2  [V] (of a machine or vehicle) to make a low continuous sound; to move making such a sound:\na purring engine * The car purred away.\n  3  to speak in a low and gentle voice, for example to show you are happy or satisfied, or because you want to attract sb or get them to do sth:\n[V] He was purring with satisfaction. [also V speech]۠\n    purr (also purring) noun [sing.]:\nthe purr of a contented cat / a car engine


Words: purse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] (especially BrE) a small bag made of leather, plastic, etc. for carrying coins and often also paper money, cards, etc., used especially by women:\nI took a coin out of my purse and gave it to the child.\ncompare CHANGE PURSE, WALLET\n \n  2  [C] (AmE) = HANDBAG\n \n  3  [sing.] the amount of money that is available to a person, an organization or a government to spend:\nWe have holidays to suit every purse. * Should spending on the arts be met out of the public purse (= from government money)?\n \n  4  [C] (sport) a sum of money given as a prize in a boxing match\n IDIOMS  see SILK\n    verb\n [VN] ~ your lips to form your lips into a small tight round shape, for example to show disapproval\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \npurse / handbag / wallet\nA purse (BrE) / a change purse or coin purse (AmE) is a small bag for carrying money, including coins.\nA handbag (also purse in AmE) is a bag that women especially carry with them to hold their money, keys, etc.\nA wallet (also billfold in AmE) is a small leather or plastic case used for keeping bank notes, cards, etc. in.\n______________________________


Words: purser
Meaning:
noun\nan officer on a ship who is responsible for taking care of the passengers, and for the accounts


Words: pursuance
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  in pursuance of sth (formal or law) in order to do sth; in the process of doing sth:\nThey may need to borrow money in pursuance of their legal action.


Words: pursuant
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sth (formal or law) according to or following sth, especially a rule or law:\nA complaint was made pursuant to section 13 of the Act of 1987.


Words: pursue
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  [VN] to do sth or try to achieve sth over a period of time:\nto pursue a goal / an aim / an objective * We intend to pursue this policy with determination. * She wishes to pursue a medical career.\n  2  to continue to discuss, find out about or be involved in sth:\n[VN] to pursue legal action * We have decided not to pursue the matter. [also V speech]\n  3  [VN] to follow or chase sb/sth, especially in order to catch them:\nShe left the theatre, hotly pursued by the press. * Police pursued the car at high speed. * Jake has been pursuing her (= trying to have a relationship with her) for months.


Words: pursuit
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ of sth the act of looking for or trying to find sth:\nthe pursuit of happiness / knowledge / profit * She travelled the world in pursuit of her dreams.\n  2  [U] the act of following or chasing sb:\nWe drove away with two police cars in pursuit (= following). * I galloped off on my horse with Rosie in hot pursuit (= following quickly behind).\n  3  [C, usually pl.] something that you give your time and energy to, that you do as a hobby:\noutdoor / leisure / intellectual / artistic pursuits


Words: purview
Meaning:
noun\n[U]\n IDIOMS \n  within / outside the purview of sth (formal) within the limits of what a person, an organization, etc. is responsible for; dealt with by a document, law, etc.


Words: push
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  using hands / arms / body\n \n  1  [often +adv./prep.] to use your hands, arms or body in order to make sb/sth move forward or away from you; to move part of your body into a particular position:\n[V] We pushed and pushed but the piano wouldn’t move. * Push hard when I tell you to. * She pushed at the door but it wouldn’t budge. * You push and I’ll pull. * [VN] He walked slowly up the hill pushing his bike. * She pushed the cup towards me. * He pushed his chair back and stood up. * He tried to kiss her but she pushed him away. * She pushed her face towards him. * [VN-ADJ] I pushed the door open.\n \n  2  [+adv./prep.] to use force to move past sb/sth using your hands, arms, etc:\n[V] The fans pushed against the barrier. * People were pushing and shoving to get to the front. * [VN] Try and push your way through the crowd.\n \n  affect sth\n \n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to affect sth so that it reaches a particular level or state:\nThis development could push the country into recession. * The rise in interest rates will push prices up.\n  switch / button\n  4  [VN] to press a switch, button, etc., for example in order to make a machine start working:\nI went into the elevator and pushed the button for the top floor.\n  persuade\n  5  ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) | ~ sb (to do sth) to persuade or encourage sb to do sth that they may not want to do:\n[VN] My teacher pushed me into entering the competition. * [VN to inf] No one pushed you to take the job, did they?\n  work hard\n  6  [VN] to make sb work hard:\nThe music teacher really pushes her pupils. * Lucy should push herself a little harder.\n  put pressure on sb\n  7  [VN] (informal) to put pressure on sb and make them angry or upset:\nHer parents are very tolerant, but sometimes she pushes them too far.\n  new idea / product\n  8  [VN] (informal) to try hard to persuade people to accept or agree with a new idea, buy a new product, etc:\nThe interview gave him a chance to push his latest movie. * She didn’t want to push the point any further at that moment.\n  sell drugs\n  9  [VN] (informal) to sell illegal drugs\n  of army\n  10  [V +adv./prep.] to move forward quickly through an area:\nThe army pushed (on) towards the Nile.\n IDIOMS \n  be pushing 40, 50, etc. (informal) to be nearly 40, 50, etc. years old\n  be pushing up (the) daisies (old-fashioned, humorous) to be dead and in a grave\n  push the boat out (BrE, informal) to spend a lot of money on enjoying yourself or celebrating sth\n  push your luck | push it / things to take a risk because you have successfully avoided problems in the past:\nYou didn’t get caught last time, but don’t push your luck!\n  push sth to the back of your mind to try to forget about sth unpleasant:\nI tried to push the thought to the back of my mind.\nmore at PANIC BUTTON\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  push sb about / around to give orders to sb in a rude or unpleasant way\n  push ahead / forward (with sth) to continue with a plan in a determined way:\nThe government is pushing ahead with its electoral reforms.\n  push sth<->aside to avoid thinking about sth:\nHe pushed aside the feelings of fear.\n  push sth back to make the time or date of a meeting, etc. later than originally planned:\nThe start of the game was pushed back from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.\n  push for sth | push sb for sth to repeatedly ask for sth or try to make sth happen because you think it is very important:\nThe pressure group is pushing for a ban on GM foods. * I’m going to have to push you for an answer.\n  push forward to continue moving or travelling somewhere, especially when it is a long distance or difficult\n  push yourself / sb forward to make other people think about and notice you or sb else:\nShe had to push herself forward to get a promotion.\n  push in (BrE) (AmE cut in) to go in front of other people who are waiting\n  push off\n1 (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb rudely to go away:\nHey, what are you doing? Push off!\n2 to move away from the shore in a boat, or from the side of a swimming pool, etc.\n  push on to continue with a journey or an activity:\nWe rested for a while then pushed on to the next camp.\n  push sb<->out to make sb leave a place or an organization\n  push sb/sth<->out to make sth less important than it was; to replace sth\n  push sth<->out to produce sth in large quantities:\nfactories pushing out cheap cotton shirts\n  push sb/sth over to make sb/sth fall to the ground by pushing them:\nSam pushed me over in the playground.\nsee also PUSHOVER\n  push sth<->through to get a new law or plan officially accepted:\nThe government is pushing the changes through before the election.\n    noun\n  using hands / arms / body\n  1  an act of pushing sth/sb:\nShe gave him a gentle push. * The car won’t start. Can you give it a push? * At the push of a button (= very easily) he could get a whole list of names.\n  of army\n  2  a large and determined military attack:\na final push against the enemy * (figurative) The firm has begun a major push into the European market.\n  effort\n  3  ~ for sth a determined effort to achieve sth:\nThe push for reform started in 1989.\n IDIOMS \n  at a push (BrE, informal) used to say that sth is possible, but only with difficulty:\nWe can provide accommodation for six people at a push.\n  give sb / get the push (BrE, informal) to dismiss sb/to be dismissed from your job:\nThey gave him the push after only six weeks.\n  when push comes to shove (informal) when there is no other choice; when everything else has failed


Words: push-button
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] operated by pressing buttons with your fingers:\na push-button phone\n    push-button noun


Words: push-start
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (especially BrE) to push a vehicle in order to make the engine start\n    push-start noun-see also KICK-START


Words: pushchair
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE stroller) noun\na small folding seat on wheels in which a small child sits and is pushed along\ncompare BUGGY


Words: pushed
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun] (informal)\n  1  ~ (to do sth) having difficulty doing sth:\nYou’ll be hard pushed to finish this today.\n  2  ~ for sth not having enough of sth:\nto be pushed for money / time\n  3  busy:\nI know you’re pushed; but can you make tomorrow’s meeting?


Words: pushover
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  a thing that is easy to do or win:\nThe game will be a pushover.\n  2  a person who is easy to persuade or influence:\nI don’t think she’ll agree-she’s no pushover.


Words: pushy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) trying hard to get what you want, especially in a way that seems rude:\na pushy salesman * Her parents were never pushy although they encouraged her acting ambitions from an early age.\n    pushiness noun [U]:\nHis pushiness made him unpopular.


Words: pussy
Meaning:
noun (plural pussies)\n  1  (also pussy cat) a child’s word for a cat\n  2  (!!!, slang) the female sexual organs, especially the VULVA


Words: pussyfoot
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (about / around) (informal, usually disapproving) to be careful or anxious about expressing your opinion in case you upset sb:\nI realized I could no longer pussyfoot around. I had to say what I really thought.


Words: put
Meaning:
verb (putting, put, put)\n \n  in place / position\n \n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sth into a particular place or position:\nPut the cases down there, please. * Did you put sugar in my coffee? * Put your hand up if you need more paper.\n \n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sth into a particular place or position using force:\nHe put his fist through a glass door.\n \n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to cause sb/sth to go to a particular place:\nHer family put her into a nursing home. * It was the year the Americans put a man on the moon.\n  attach\n  4  [VN +adv./prep.] to attach or fix sth to sth else:\nWe had to put new locks on all the doors.\n  write\n  5  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to write sth or make a mark on sth:\nPut your name here. * Friday at 11? I’ll put it in my diary. * I couldn’t read what she had put.\n  into state / condition\n  6  [VN +adv./prep.] to bring sb/sth into the state or condition mentioned:\nI was put in charge of the office. * The incident put her in a bad mood. * Put yourself in my position. What would you have done? * I tried to put the matter into perspective. * Don’t go putting yourself at risk. * It was time to put their suggestion into practice. * This new injury will put him out of action for several weeks.\n  affect sb / sth\n  7  [VN +adv./prep.] ~ sth on / onto / to sth to make sb/sth feel sth or be affected by sth:\nHer new job has put a great strain on her. * They put pressure on her to resign. * It’s time you put a stop to this childish behaviour.\n  give value / rank\n  8  [VN] ~ sth on sth to give or attach a particular level of importance, trust, value, etc. to sth:\nOur company puts the emphasis on quality. * He put a limit on the amount we could spend.\n  9  [VN +adv./prep.] to consider sb/sth to belong to the class or level mentioned:\nI’d put her in the top rank of modern novelists.\n  express\n  10  [VN +adv./prep.] to express or state sth in a particular way:\nShe put it very tactfully. * Put simply, we accept their offer or go bankrupt. * I was, to put it mildly, annoyed (= I was extremely angry). * He was too trusting-or, to put it another way, he had no head for business. * The meat was-how shall I put it?-a little overdone. * As T.S. Eliot puts it ... * She had never tried to put this feeling into words. * Can you help me put this letter into good English, please?\n  in sport\n  11  [VN] to throw the SHOT\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing put are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example put your foot in it is at foot.\n  put it about (BrE, informal) to have many sexual partners\n  I wouldn’t put it past sb (to do sth) (informal) used to say that you think sb is capable of doing sth wrong, illegal, etc.\n  put it to sb that ... to suggest sth to sb to see if they can argue against it:\nI put it to you that you are the only person who had a motive for the crime.\n  put one over on sb (spoken) to persuade sb to believe sth that is not true:\nDon’t try to put one over on me!\n  put sb through it (informal, especially BrE) to force sb to experience sth difficult or unpleasant:\nThey really put me through it (= asked me difficult questions) at the interview.\n  put together used when comparing or contrasting sb/sth with a group of other people or things to mean ’combined’ or ’in total’:\nYour department spent more last year than all the others put together.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  put sth<->about (BrE, informal) to tell a lot of people news, information, etc. that may be false:\n[+ that] Someone’s been putting it about that you plan to resign.\n  put sth above sth = PUT STH BEFORE STH\n  put yourself / sth<->across / over (to sb) to communicate your ideas, feelings, etc. successfully to sb:\nShe’s not very good at putting her views across.\n  put sth<->aside\n1 to ignore or forget sth, usually a feeling or difference of opinion\nSYN DISREGARD:\nThey decided to put aside their differences.\n2 (also put sth<->by especially in BrE) to save money for a particular purpose\n  put sth at sth to calculate sb/sth to be a particular age, weight, amount, etc:\nThe damage to the building is put at over $1 million.\n  put sb<->away [often passive] (informal) to send sb to prison, to a mental hospital, etc.\n  put sth<->away\n1 to put sth in the place where it is kept because you have finished using it:\nI’m just going to put the car away (= in the garage).\n2 to save money to spend later:\nShe has a few thousand dollars put away for her retirement.\n3 (informal) to eat or drink large quantities of sth:\nHe must have put away a bottle of whisky last night.\n  put sth<->back\n1 to return sth to its usual place or to the place where it was before it was moved:\nIf you use something, put it back!\n2 to move sth to a later time or date\nSYN POSTPONE:\nThe meeting has been put back to next week.\n3 to cause sth to be delayed:\nPoor trading figures put back our plans for expansion.\n4 to move the hands of a clock so that they show the correct earlier time:\nRemember to put your clocks back tonight (= because the time has officially changed).\n  put sth before / above sth to treat sth as more important than sth else\n  put sth behind you to try to forget about an unpleasant experience and think about the future\n  put sth<->by = PUT STH ASIDE\n  put down (of an aircraft or its pilot) to land:\nHe put down in a field.\n  put sb<->down (informal) to make sb look or feel stupid, especially in front of other people\nrelated noun PUT-DOWN\n  put sth<->down\n1 to stop holding sth and place it on a table, shelf, etc:\nPut that knife down before you hurt somebody! * It’s a great book. I couldn’t put it down. * (BrE) She put the phone down on me (= put the receiver down before I had finished speaking).\n2 to write sth; to make a note of sth:\nThe meeting’s on the 22nd. Put it down in your diary.\n3 to pay part of the cost of sth:\nWe put a 5% deposit down on the house.\n4 to stop sth by force\nSYN CRUSH:\nto put down a rebellion * The military government is determined to put down all opposition.\n5 [often passive] to kill an animal, usually by giving it a drug, because it is old or sick:\nWe had to have our cat put down.\n6 (BrE) to put a baby to bed:\nCan you be quiet-I’ve just put the baby down.\n7 to present sth formally for discussion by a parliament or committee\nSYN TABLE:\nto put down a motion / an amendment\n  put sb down as sth to consider or judge sb to be a particular type of person:\nI’d put them both down as retired teachers.\n  put sb down for sth to put sb’s name on a list, etc. for sth:\nPut me down for three tickets for Saturday. * They’ve put their son down for the local school.\n  put sth down to sth to consider that sth is caused by sth:\nWhat do you put her success down to?\n  put sth<->forth (formal) = PUT STH OUT\n  put yourself / sb/sth<->forward to suggest yourself/sb as a candidate for a job or position:\nCan I put you / your name forward for club secretary? * He has put himself forward for a place on the national executive.\n  put sth<->forward\n1 to move sth to an earlier time or date:\nWe’ve put the wedding forward by one week.\n2 to move the hands of a clock to the correct later time:\nRemember to put your clocks forward tonight (= because the time has officially changed).\n3 to suggest sth for discussion:\nto put forward an argument / a plan / a suggestion\n  put sb<->in to elect a political party to govern a country:\nWho will the voters put in this time?\n  put sth<->in\n1 to fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used\nSYN INSTALL:\nWe’re having a new shower put in.\n2 to include sth in a letter, story, etc.\n3 to interrupt another speaker in order to say sth:\nCould I put in a word? * [+ speech] ’But what about us?’ he put in.\n4 to officially make a claim, request, etc:\nThe company has put in a claim for damages.\n5 (also put sth into sth) to spend a lot of time or make a lot of effort doing sth:\nShe often puts in twelve hours’ work a day. * [+ -ing] He’s putting a lot of work into improving his French.\nrelated noun INPUT\n6 (also put sth into sth) to use or give money:\n[+ -ing] He’s put all his savings into buying that house.\n  put in (at ...) | put into ... (of a boat or its sailors) to enter a port:\nThey put in at Lagos for repairs.\nOPP PUT OUT (TO .../ FROM ...)\n  put in for sth (especially BrE) to officially ask for sth:\nAre you going to put in for that job?\n  put yourself / sb/sth in for sth to enter yourself/sb/sth for a competition\n  put sth into sth\n1 to add a quality to sth:\nHe put as much feeling into his voice as he could.\n2 = PUT STH IN (5, 6)\n  put sb<->off\n1 to cancel a meeting or an arrangement that you have made with sb:\nIt’s too late to put them off now. * She put him off with the excuse that she had too much work to do.\n2 to make sb dislike sb/sth or not trust them/it:\nShe’s very clever but her manner does tend to put people off. * Don’t be put off by how it looks-it tastes delicious.\nsee also OFF-PUTTING\n3 (also put sb off sth) to disturb sb who is trying to give all their attention to sth that they are doing:\nDon’t put me off when I’m trying to concentrate. * The sudden noise put her off her game.\n4 (BrE) (of a vehicle or its driver) to stop in order to allow sb to leave:\nI asked the bus driver to put me off at the station.\n  put sb off sth/sb to make sb lose interest in or enthusiasm for sth/sb:\nHe was put off science by bad teaching. * [+ -ing] The accident put her off driving for life.\n  put sth<->off to change sth to a later time or date\nSYN DELAY:\nWe’ve had to put off our wedding until September. * [+ -ing] He keeps putting off going to the dentist.\n  put sb on to give sb the telephone so that they can talk to the person at the other end:\nHi, Dad-can you put Nicky on?\n  put sth<->on\n1 to dress yourself in sth:\nHurry up! Put your coat on!\nOPP TAKE OFF\n2 to apply sth to your skin, face, etc:\nShe’s just putting on her make-up.\n3 to switch on a piece of equipment:\nI’ll put the kettle on for tea. * She put on the brakes suddenly.\n4 to make a tape, CD, etc. begin to play:\nDo you mind if I put some music on?\n5 to become heavier, especially by the amount mentioned\nSYN GAIN:\nShe looks like she’s put on weight. * He must have put on several kilos.\n6 to provide sth specially:\nThe city is putting on extra buses during the summer.\n7 to produce or present a play, a show, etc:\nThe local drama club is putting on ’Macbeth’ at the Playhouse.\n8 to pretend to have a particular feeling, quality, way of speaking, etc:\nHe put on an American accent. * I don’t think she was hurt. She was just putting it on.\n  put sth on sth\n1 to add an amount of money or a tax to the cost of sth:\nThe government has put ten pence on the price of twenty cigarettes.\n2 to bet money on sth:\nI’ve never put money on a horse. * I put ｣5 on him to win.\n  put sb onto sb/sth\n1 to tell the police, etc. about where a criminal is or about a crime:\nWhat first put the police onto the scam?\n2 to tell sb about sb/sth that they may like or find useful:\nWho put you onto this restaurant-it’s great!\n  put out (AmE, slang) to agree to have sex with sb\n  put yourself out (for sb) (informal) to make a special effort to do sth for sb:\nPlease don’t put yourself out on my account.\n  put sb out\n1 to cause sb trouble, extra work, etc:\nI hope our arriving late didn’t put them out.\n2 (be put out) to be upset or offended:\nHe looked really put out.\n3 to make sb unconscious:\nThese pills should put him out for a few hours.\n  put sth<->out\n1 to take sth out of your house and leave it, for example for sb to collect: (BrE) to put the rubbish out * (AmE) to put the garbage / trash out * Have you put the cat out?\n2 to place sth where it will be noticed and used:\nHave you put out clean towels for the guests?\n3 to stop sth from burning or shining:\nto put out a candle / cigarette / light * Firefighters soon put the fire out.\n4 to produce sth, especially for sale:\nThe plant puts out 500 new cars a week.\nrelated noun OUTPUT\n5 to publish or broadcast sth:\nPolice have put out a description of the man they wish to question.\n6 to give a job or task to a worker who is not your employee or to a company that is not part of your own group or organization:\nA lot of the work is put out to freelancers.\n7 to make a figure, result, etc. wrong:\nThe rise in interest rates put our estimates out by several thousands.\n8 to push a bone out of its normal position\nSYN DISLOCATE:\nShe fell off her horse and put her shoulder out.\n9 (also formal put sth<->forth) to develop or produce new leaves, SHOOTS, etc.\n  put out (to ... / from ...) (of a boat or its sailors) to leave a port:\nto put out to sea * We put out from Liverpool.\nOPP PUT IN (AT ...)\n  put yourself / sth over (to sb) = PUT YOURSELF / STH ACROSS (TO SB)\n  put sth<->through to continue with and complete a plan, programme, etc:\nWe managed to put the deal through.\n  put sb through sth\n1 to make sb experience sth very difficult or unpleasant:\nYou have put your family through a lot recently.\n2 to arrange or pay for sb to attend a school, college, etc:\nHe put all his children through college.\n  put sb/sth through (to sb / ...) to connect sb by telephone:\nCould you put me through to the manager, please?\n  put sb to sth to cause sb trouble, difficulty, etc:\nI hope we’re not putting you to too much trouble.\n  put sth to sb\n1 to offer a suggestion to sb so that they can accept or reject it:\nYour proposal will be put to the board of directors.\n2 to ask sb a question:\nThe audience is now invited to put questions to the speaker.\n  put sth<->together to make or prepare sth by fitting or collecting parts together:\nto put together a model plane / an essay / a meal * I think we can put together a very strong case for the defence.\n  put sth towards sth to give money to pay part of the cost of sth:\nHere’s $100 to put towards your ski trip.\n  put up sth\n1 to show a particular level of skill, determination, etc. in a fight or contest:\nThey surrendered without putting up much of a fight. * The team put up a great performance (= played very well).\n2 to suggest an idea, etc. for other people to discuss:\nto put up an argument / a case / a proposal\n  put sb<->up\n1 to let sb stay at your home:\nWe can put you up for the night.\n2 to suggest or present sb as a candidate for a job or position:\nThe Green Party hopes to put up more candidates in the next election. * We want to put you up for club treasurer.\n  put sth<->up\n1 to raise sth or put it in a higher position:\nto put up a flag * She’s put her hair up.\n2 to build sth or place sth somewhere:\nto put up a building / fence / memorial / tent\n3 to fix sth in a place where it will be seen\nSYN DISPLAY:\nto put up a notice / a poster\n4 to raise or increase sth:\nThey’ve put up the rent by ｣20 a month.\n5 to provide or lend money:\nA local businessman has put up the ｣500 000 needed to save the club.\n  put up (at ...) (especially BrE) to stay somewhere for the night:\nWe put up at a motel.\n  put up for sth | put yourself up for sth to offer yourself as a candidate for a job or position:\nShe is putting up for election to the committee.\n  put sb up to sth (informal) to encourage or persuade sb to to do sth wrong or stupid:\nSome of the older boys must have put him up to it.\n  put up with sb/sth to accept sb/sth that is annoying, unpleasant, etc. without complaining\nSYN TOLERATE:\nI don’t know how she puts up with him. * I’m not going to put up with their smoking any longer.


Words: put-down
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a remark or criticism that is intended to make sb look or feel stupid:\nShe couldn’t think of a good put-down quickly enough.


Words: put-up job
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a plan or an event that has been arranged secretly in order to trick or deceive sb:\nHis disappearance could simply be a put-up job.


Words: put-upon
Meaning:
adjective\ntreated in an unfair way by sb because they take advantage of your kindness or willingness to do things:\nhis much put-upon wife


Words: putative
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal or law) believed to be the person or thing mentioned:\nthe putative father of this child


Words: putrefaction
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the process of decaying, especially that of a dead body:\nThe smell was awful. Putrefaction had already set in.


Words: putrefy
Meaning:
verb\n(putrefies, putrefying, putrefied, putrefied) [V] (formal) to decay and smell very bad\nSYN ROT:\nThe corpses were beginning to putrefy.


Words: putrid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of dead animals or plants) decaying and therefore smelling very bad:\nthe putrid smell of rotten meat\n  2  (informal) very unpleasant:\na putrid pink colour


Words: putt
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] (in golf) to hit the ball gently when it is on the short grass near the hole, so that it rolls across the ground a short distance into or towards the hole\n    putt noun


Words: putter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  (BrE) (of a boat or vehicle) to make a repeated low sound as it moves slowly:\nthe puttering of the engine as it reduced speed\n  2  (AmE) = POTTER:\nI spent the morning puttering around the house.\n    noun (in the game of golf) the type of CLUB that is used for putting (= hitting the ball short distances)


Words: putty
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a soft sticky substance that becomes hard when it is dry and that is used for fixing glass into window frames:\nHe looked very ill and his face was the colour of putty (= grey).\n IDIOMS \n  (like) putty in sb’s hands easily controlled or influenced by another person:\nShe’ll persuade him. He’s like putty in her hands.


Words: puzzle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a game, etc. that you have to think about carefully in order to answer it or do it:\na crossword puzzle * a book of puzzles for children\n \n  2  (especially AmE) = JIGSAW\n \n  3  [usually sing.] something that is difficult to understand or explain\nSYN MYSTERY:\nThe deeper meaning of the poem remains a puzzle. * The detectives were beginning to solve the murder. All the pieces in the puzzle were falling neatly into place.\n    verb [VN] to make sb feel confused because they do not understand sth:\nWhat puzzles me is why he left the country without telling anyone.\n    puzzling  adjective:\none of the most puzzling aspects of the crime\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  puzzle over / about sth to think hard about sth in order to understand or explain it:\nKaren puzzled over the question all evening.\n  puzzle sth<->out to find the answer to a difficult or confusing problem by thinking carefully:\n[+ wh-] He was trying to puzzle out why he had been brought to the house.


Words: puzzled
Meaning:
adjective\nunable to understand sth or the reason for sth:\nShe had a puzzled look on her face. * Scientists are puzzled as to why the whale had swum to the shore. * He looked puzzled so I repeated the question.


Words: puzzlement
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a feeling of being confused because you do not understand sth:\nShe frowned in puzzlement. * I’ll never forget the look of puzzlement on his face.


Words: PVC
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a strong plastic material used for a wide variety of products, such as clothing, pipes, floor coverings, etc.


Words: pygmy
Meaning:
(also pigmy)  noun, adjective \n    noun (plural pygmies)\n  1  (Pygmy) a member of a race of very short people living in parts of Africa and SE Asia\n  2  (disapproving) a very small person or thing or one that is weak in some way:\nHe regarded them as intellectual pygmies.\n    adjective [only before noun] used to describe a plant or SPECIES (= type) of animal that is much smaller than other similar kinds:\na pygmy shrew


Words: pyjamas
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE pajamas)  noun [pl.]\n \n  1  a loose jacket and trousers/pants worn in bed:\na pair of pyjamas\n \n  2  loose trousers/pants tied around the waist, worn by Muslims of both sexes in some Asian countries\n \n    pyjama (BrE) (AmE pajama) adjective [only before noun]:\npyjama bottoms\n \n IDIOMS  see CAT


Words: pyramid
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large building with a square or TRIANGULAR base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top. The ancient Egyptians built stone pyramids as places to bury their kings and queens.\n \n  2  (geometry) a solid shape with a square or TRIANGULAR base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top\n \n  3  an object or a pile of things that has the shape of a pyramid:\na pyramid of cans in a shop window\n \n  4  an organization or a system in which there are fewer people at each level as you get near the top:\na management pyramid\n \n    pyramidal  adjective


Words: pyramid selling
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of selling things in which sb buys the right to sell a company’s goods and then sells the goods to other people. These other people sell the goods again to others.


Words: Pyrex
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of hard glass that does not break at high temperatures, and is often used to make dishes for cooking food in


Words: pyrites
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a shiny yellow mineral that is a natural compound of SULPHUR and a metal such as iron:\niron / copper pyrites


Words: pyromaniac
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (technical) a person who suffers from pyromania\n  2  (informal, humorous) a person who enjoys making or watching fires


Words: pyrotechnics
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U+sing./pl. v.] (technical) FIREWORKS or a display of FIREWORKS\n  2  [pl.] (formal) a clever and complicated display of skill, for example by a musician, writer or speaker:\nguitar pyrotechnics * non-stop verbal pyrotechnics\n    pyrotechnic adjective [usually before noun]


Words: Pyrrhic victory
Meaning:
noun\na victory that is not worth winning because the winner has suffered or lost so much in winning it\n ORIGIN  From Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus who defeated the Romans in 279BC but lost many of his own men.


Words: python
Meaning:
noun\na large tropical snake that kills animals for food by winding its long body around them and crushing them


Words: Q
Meaning:
noun  abbreviation \n    noun (also q) [C, U] (plural Q’s, q’s ) the 17th letter of the English alphabet:\n’Queen’ begins with (a) Q / ’Q’.\nsee also Q-TIP\n    abbreviation question


Words: q.v.
Meaning:
abbreviation\nused in books to tell a reader that there is more information in another part of the book (from Latin ’quod vide’)


Words: QC
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) the highest level of BARRISTER, who can speak for the government in a court of law. QC is an abbreviation for ’Queen’s Counsel’ and is used when there is a queen in Britain.\ncompare KC


Words: QED
Meaning:
(BrE) (also Q.E.D. AmE, BrE)  abbreviation\nthat is what I wanted to prove and I have proved it (from Latin ’quod erat demonstrandum’)


Words: qua
Meaning:
preposition\n(from Latin, formal) as sth; in the role of sth:\nThe soldier acted qua soldier, not as a human being.\nsee also SINE QUA NON


Words: quack
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the sound that a duck makes\n  2  (informal, disapproving) a person who dishonestly claims to have medical knowledge or skills:\nquack doctors * I’ve got a check-up with the quack (= the doctor) next week.\n    verb [V] when a duck quacks it makes the noise that is typical of ducks


Words: quadrangle
Meaning:
(also quad) noun\nan open square area that has buildings all around it, especially in a school or college


Words: quadrant
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (geometry) a quarter of a circle or of its CIRCUMFERENCE (= the distance around it)\n \n  2  an instrument for measuring angles, especially to check your position at sea or to look at stars


Words: quadraphonic
Meaning:
(also quadrophonic)  adjective\n(of a system of recording or broadcasting sound) coming from four different SPEAKERS at the same time\ncompare MONO, STEREO


Words: quadratic
Meaning:
adjective\n(mathematics) involving an unknown quantity that is multiplied by itself once only:\na quadratic equation


Words: quadri-
Meaning:
(also quadr-) combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) four; having four:\nquadrilateral * quadruplet


Words: quadruple
Meaning:
verb, adjective, determiner \n    verb  to become four times bigger; to make sth four times bigger:\n[V] Sales have quadrupled in the last five years. [also VN] \n    adjective [only before noun] determiner \n  1  consisting of four parts, people or groups:\na quadruple alliance\n  2  being four times as much or as many:\na quadruple whisky * This year we produced quadruple the amount produced in 1998.


Words: quaff
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (old-fashioned or literary) to drink a large amount of sth quickly:\nThey spent the evening quaffing champagne.


Words: quagmire
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an area of soft wet ground:\nThe heavy rain soon turned the field into a quagmire.\n  2  a difficult or dangerous situation


Words: quail
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] (plural quails or quail) a small brown bird, whose meat and eggs are used for food; the meat of this bird\n    verb [V] ~ (at / before sb/sth) (literary) to feel frightened or to show that you are frightened


Words: quaint
Meaning:
adjective\nattractive in an unusual or old-fashioned way:\nquaint old customs * a quaint and charming seaside village\n    quaintly adverb:\nwhitewashed houses quaintly set on hilly, winding streets\n    quaintness noun [U]:\nthe cosy quaintness of village life


Words: quake
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (with sth) (of a person) to shake because you are very frightened or nervous\nSYN TREMBLE:\nQuaking with fear, Polly slowly opened the door. * They are quaking in their boots at the prospect of tomorrow’s game.\n  2  (of the earth or a building) to move or shake violently:\nThe ground quaked as the bomb exploded.\n    noun (informal) = EARTHQUAKE


Words: Quaker
Meaning:
noun\na member of the Society of Friends, a Christian religious group that meets without any formal ceremony and is strongly opposed to violence and war\n    Quaker adjective:\na Quaker school


Words: qualification
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] an exam that you have passed or a course of study that you have successfully completed:\nacademic / educational / professional / vocational qualifications * a nursing / teaching qualification * He left school with no formal qualifications. * In this job, experience counts for more than paper qualifications.\n  2  [C] a skill or type of experience that you need for a particular job or activity:\nPrevious teaching experience is a necessary qualification for this job.\n  3  [C, U] information that you add to a statement to limit the effect that it has or the way it is applied:\nI accept his theories, but not without certain qualifications. * The plan was approved without qualification.\n  4  [U] the fact of passing an exam, completing a course of training or reaching the standard necessary to do a job or take part in a competition:\nNurses in training should be given a guarantee of employment following qualification. * A victory in this game will earn them qualification for the World Cup.


Words: qualified
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) having passed the exams or completed the training that are necessary in order to do a particular job; having the experience to do a particular job:\na qualified accountant / teacher * to be highly / suitably / fully qualified * She’s extremely well qualified for the job.\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) having the practical knowledge or skills to do sth:\nI don’t know much about it, so I don’t feel qualified to comment.\n  3  [usually before noun] (of approval, support, etc.) limited in some way:\nThe plan was given only qualified support. * The project was only a qualified success. * It was met with qualified enthusiasm.


Words: qualifier
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or team that has defeated others in order to enter a particular competition\n  2  a game or match that a person or team has to win in order to enter a particular competition:\na World Cup qualifier\n  3  (grammar) a word, especially an adjective or adverb, that describes another word in a particular way:\nIn ’the open door’, ’open’ is a qualifier, describing the door.


Words: qualify
Meaning:
verb (qualifies, qualifying, qualified, qualified)\n  for job\n  1  [V] ~ (as sth) to reach the standard of ability or knowledge needed to do a particular job, for example by completing a course of study or passing exams:\nHow long does it take to qualify? * He qualified as a doctor last year.\n  give skills / knowledge\n  2  ~ sb (for sth) to give sb the skills and knowledge they need to do sth:\n[VN] This training course will qualify you for a better job. * [VN to inf] The test qualifies you to drive heavy vehicles.\n  have / give right\n  3  ~ (sb) (for sth) to have or give sb the right to do sth:\n[V] If you live in the area, you qualify for a parking permit. * To qualify, you must have lived in this country for at least three years. * [VN] Paying a fee doesn’t automatically qualify you for membership.\n  for competition\n  4  [V] ~ (for sth) to be of a high enough standard to enter a competition; to defeat another person or team in order to enter or continue in a competition:\nHe failed to qualify. * They qualified for the World Cup.\n  fit description\n  5  ~ (sth) (as sth) to have the right qualities to be described as a particular thing:\n[V] Do you think this dress qualifies as evening wear? * [VN] It’s an old building, but that doesn’t qualify it as an ancient monument!\n  statement\n  6  [VN] to add sth to a previous statement to make the meaning less strong or less general:\nI want to qualify what I said earlier-I didn’t mean he couldn’t do the job, only that he would need supervision.\n  grammar\n  7  [VN] (of a word) to describe another word in a particular way:\nIn ’the open door’, ’open’ is an adjective qualifying ’door’.


Words: qualitative
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with how good sth is, rather than with how much of it there is:\nqualitative analysis / research * There are qualitative differences between the two products.\ncompare QUANTITATIVE\n    qualitatively adverb:\nqualitatively different


Words: quality
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural qualities)\n  1  [U, C] the standard of sth when it is compared to other things like it; how good or bad sth is:\nto be of good / poor / top quality * goods of a high quality * high-quality goods * a decline in water / air quality * When costs are cut product quality suffers. * Their quality of life improved dramatically when they moved to France.\n  2  [U] a high standard:\ncontemporary writers of quality * We aim to provide quality at reasonable prices. * Get it right, even if it takes time; it’s quality not quantity that matters.\n  3  [C] a thing that is part of a person’s character, especially sth good:\npersonal qualities such as honesty and generosity * to lack / possess leadership qualities * She has all the qualities of a good teacher. * It’s hard to find people with the right qualities for the job.\n  4  [C, U] a feature of sth, especially one that makes it different from sth else:\nthe special quality of light and shade in her paintings * His voice has a rich, melodic quality.\n  5  [C] (BrE) = QUALITY NEWSPAPER\n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] used especially by people trying to sell goods or services to say that sth is of a high quality:\nWe specialize in quality furniture. * quality service at a competitive price\n  2  (BrE, slang) very good:\n’What was the film like?’ ’Quality!’


Words: quality assurance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice of managing the way goods are produced or services are provided to make sure they are kept at a high standard


Words: quality control
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice of checking goods as they are being produced, to make sure that they are of a high standard:\nPractical measures such as quality control and testing are very important in the manufacturing process.


Words: quality newspaper
Meaning:
(also less frequent quality) noun\n(BrE) a newspaper that is intended for people who are intelligent and educated\ncompare TABLOID


Words: qualm
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] ~ (about sth) a feeling of doubt or worry about whether what you are doing is right:\nHe had been working very hard so he had no qualms about taking a few days off.


Words: quandary
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural quandaries) the state of not being able to decide what to do in a difficult situation:\nGeorge was in a quandary-should he go or shouldn’t he?


Words: quango
Meaning:
noun\n(plural quangos) (often disapproving) (in Britain) an organization dealing with public matters, started by the government, but working independently and with its own legal powers:\nThe government appoints hundreds of people to voluntary bodies, quangos and committees of all kinds.


Words: quantify
Meaning:
verb\n(quantifies, quantifying, quantified, quantified) [VN] to describe or express sth as an amount or a number:\nThe risks to health are impossible to quantify.\n    quantifiable adjective:\nquantifiable data\n    quantification  noun [U]


Words: quantitative
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with the amount or number of sth rather than with how good it is:\nquantitative analysis / research * There is no difference between the two in quantitative terms.\ncompare QUALITATIVE


Words: quantity
Meaning:
noun (plural quantities)\n  1  [C, U] an amount or a number of sth:\na large / small quantity of sth * enormous / vast / huge quantities of food * a product that is cheap to produce in large quantities * Is it available in sufficient quantity?\n  2  [U] the measurement of sth by saying how much of it there is:\nThe data is limited in terms of both quality and quantity.\n  3  [C, U] a large amount or number of sth:\nThe police found a quantity of drugs at his home. * It’s cheaper to buy goods in quantity. * I was overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information available.\n IDIOMS  see UNKNOWN


Words: quantity surveyor
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a person whose job is to calculate the quantity of materials needed for building sth, how much it will cost and how long it will take


Words: quantum leap
Meaning:
(also less frequent quantum jump) noun\na sudden, great and important change, improvement or development:\nThis discovery marks a quantum leap forward in the fight against cancer.


Words: quantum mechanics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (physics) the branch of MECHANICS that deals with movement and force in pieces of matter smaller than atoms


Words: quarantine
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] a period of time when an animal or a person that has or may have a disease is kept away from others in order to prevent the disease from spreading:\nThe dog was kept in quarantine for six months. * quarantine regulations\n    verb [VN] to put an animal or a person into quarantine


Words: quark
Meaning:
noun\n(physics) a very small part of MATTER (= a substance). There are several types of quark and it is thought that PROTONS, NEUTRONS, etc. are formed from them.


Words: quarrel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (with sb / between A and B) (about / over sth) an angry argument or disagreement between people, often about a personal matter:\na family quarrel * He did not mention the quarrel with his wife. * They had a quarrel about money. * Were you at any time aware of a quarrel between the two of them?\n  2  [U] ~ (with sb/sth) (especially in negative sentences) a reason for complaining about sb/sth or for disagreeing with sb/sth:\nWe have no quarrel with his methods.\n IDIOMS  see PICK v.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [V] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to have an angry argument or disagreement:\nMy sister and I used to quarrel all the time. * She quarrelled with her brother over their father’s will.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  quarrel with sb/sth to disagree with sb/sth:\nNobody could quarrel with your conclusions.


Words: quarrelsome
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) liking to argue with other people:\nWhen he drinks too much he becomes moody and quarrelsome.


Words: quarry
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural quarries)\n  1  [C] a place where large amounts of stone, etc. are dug out of the ground:\na chalk / slate quarry * the site of a disused quarry\ncompare MINE n. (1)\n  2  [sing.] an animal or a person that is being hunted or followed:\nThe hunters lost sight of their quarry in the forest. * The photographers pursued their quarry through the streets.\n    verb (quarries, quarrying, quarried, quarried) ~ (for) sth | ~ sth (from / out of sth) to take stone, etc. out of a quarry: [VN] The local rock is quarried from the hillside. * The area is being quarried for limestone. [also V]\n    quarrying noun [U]:\nThere has been quarrying in the area for centuries.


Words: quart
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation qt) a unit for measuring liquids, equal to 2 PINTS or about 1.14 litres in the UK and 0.94 of a litre in the US\n IDIOMS \n  put a quart into a pint pot (BrE) to put sth into a space that is too small for it:\nWriting a history of the world in a single volume is like putting a quart into a pint pot.


Words: quarter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1 of 4 parts\n \n  1  (also fourth especially in AmE) [C] one of four equal parts of sth:\na quarter of a mile * The programme lasted an hour and a quarter. * Cut the apple into quarters. * The theatre was about three quarters full. -> HALF\n \n  15 minutes\n \n  2  [C] a period of 15 minutes either before or after every hour:\nIt’s (a) quarter to four now-I’ll meet you at quarter past. * (AmE also) It’s (a) quarter of four now-I’ll meet you at a quarter after.\n \n  3 months\n \n  3  [C] a period of three months, used especially as a period for which bills are paid or a company’s income is calculated:\nThe rent is due at the end of each quarter. * Our gas bill for the last quarter was much higher than usual. * Sales were up 10% in the first quarter of 1999.\n  part of town\n  4  [C, usually sing.] a district or part of a town:\nthe Latin quarter * the historic quarter of the city\n  person / group\n  5  [C] a person or group of people, especially as a source of help, information or a reaction:\nSupport for the plan came from an unexpected quarter. * The news was greeted with dismay in some quarters.\n  25 cents\n  6  [C] a coin of the US and Canada worth 25 cents\n  rooms to live in\n  7  (quarters) [pl.] rooms that are provided for soldiers, servants, etc. to live in:\nWe were moved to more comfortable living quarters. * married quarters\n  of moon\n  8  [C] the period of time twice a month when we can see a quarter of the moon:\nThe moon is in its first quarter.\n  in sport\n  9  [C] one of the four periods of time into which a game of American football is divided\n  weight\n  10  [C] a unit for measuring weight, 28 pounds in the UK or 25 pounds in the US; a quarter of a HUNDREDWEIGHT\n  pity\n  11  [U] (old-fashioned or literary) pity or MERCY that sb shows towards an enemy or opponent who is in their power:\nHis rivals knew that they could expect no quarter from such a ruthless adversary.\n IDIOMS  see CLOSE adj.\n    verb [VN]\n  divide into 4\n  1  to cut or divide sth into four parts:\nShe peeled and quartered an apple.\n  provide rooms\n  2  (formal) to provide sb with a place to eat and sleep:\nThree hundred soldiers were quartered in the town.


Words: quarter day
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, technical) the first day of a QUARTER (= a period of three months) on which payments must be made, for example at the STOCK EXCHANGE


Words: quarter sessions
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (in England, in the past) a court of law with limited powers that was held every three months


Words: quarter-final
Meaning:
noun\n(in sports or competitions) one of the four games or matches to decide the players or teams for the SEMI-FINALS of a competition


Words: quarterback
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (in American football) the player who directs the team’s attacking play and passes the ball to other players at the start of each attack\n    verb\n  1  [V] (in American football) to play as a quarterback\n  2  [VN] to direct or organize sth


Words: quarterly
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective produced or happening every three months:\na quarterly meeting of the board\n    quarterly adverb:\nto pay the rent quarterly\n    noun (plural quarterlies) a magazine, etc. published four times a year


Words: quartet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of four musicians or singers who play or sing together:\nthe Amadeus Quartet\n  2  [C] a piece of music for four musicians or singers:\na Beethoven string quartet\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] a set of four people or things:\nthe last in a quartet of novels


Words: quarto
Meaning:
noun (plural quartos) (technical)\n  1  [U] a size of page made by folding a standard sheet of paper twice to make eight pages\n  2  [C] a book with pages in quarto size:\nan early quarto edition of Shakespeare’s plays


Words: quartz
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a hard mineral, often in CRYSTAL form, that is used to make very accurate clocks and watches


Words: quasar
Meaning:
noun\n(astronomy) a large object like a star, that is far away and that shines very brightly and occasionally sends out strong radio signals\ncompare PULSAR


Words: quash
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (law) to officially say that a decision in a court of law is no longer valid or correct\nSYN OVERTURN:\nHis conviction was later quashed by the Court of Appeal.\n  2  (written) to take action to stop sth from continuing:\nThe rumours were quickly quashed.


Words: quasi-
Meaning:
combining form (in adjectives and nouns)\n  1  that appears to be sth but is not really so:\na quasi-scientific explanation\n  2  partly; almost:\na quasi-official body


Words: quatercentenary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural quatercentenaries) a 400th anniversary:\nto celebrate the quatercentenary of Shakespeare’s birth


Words: quaver
Meaning:
verb, noun \n \n    verb if sb’s voice quavers, it is unsteady, usually because the person is nervous or afraid:\n[V] ’I’m not safe here, am I?’ she asked in a quavering voice. [also V speech]  \n \n    quavery  adjective:\na quavery voice\n    noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE eighth note) (music) a note that lasts half as long as a CROTCHET/QUARTER NOTE\n  2  [usually sing.] a shaking sound in sb’s voice


Words: quayside
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a quay and the area near it:\ncrowds waiting on / at the quayside to welcome them


Words: queasy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  feeling sick; wanting to VOMIT:\nTravelling by boat makes me queasy. * His stomach still felt queasy and he was grateful for the fresh air.\n  2  slightly nervous or worried about sth:\nNow she’d arrived she felt queasy inside.\n    queasily adverb\n    queasiness noun [U]:\nShe felt a slight queasiness in the mornings during the first months of pregnancy.


Words: queen
Meaning:
noun\n \n  female ruler\n \n  1  the female ruler of an independent state that has a royal family:\nto become / be crowned queen * kings and queens * the Queen of Norway * Queen Victoria\n \n  2  (also queen consort) the wife of a king\n \n  best in group\n \n  3  ~ (of sth) a woman, place or thing that is thought to be one of the best in a particular group or area:\nthe queen of fashion * a movie queen * Venice, queen of the Adriatic\n  at festival\n  4  a woman or girl chosen to perform official duties at a festival or celebration:\na carnival queen * a May queen (= at a festival to celebrate the coming of spring) * a homecoming queen\nsee also BEAUTY QUEEN\n  in chess\n  5  the most powerful piece used in the game of CHESS that can move any number of squares in any direction\n  in cards\n  6  a playing card with the picture of a queen on it\n  insect\n  7  a large female insect that lays eggs for the whole group:\na queen bee\n  homosexual\n  8  (informal, !!!) an offensive word for a male HOMOSEXUAL who behaves more like a woman than a man:\na drag queen (= a man dressed in women’s clothes)\n IDIOMS  see ENGLISH, EVIDENCE, UNCROWNED


Words: queen bee
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a female bee that produces eggs for the whole group of bees in a HIVE\ncompare DRONE, WORKER\n  2  a woman who behaves as if she is the most important person in a particular place or group


Words: queen mother
Meaning:
noun\na title given to the wife of a king who has died and who is the mother of the new king or queen:\nQueen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother


Words: queer
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective (queerer, queerest)\n  1  (old-fashioned) strange or unusual:\nHis face was a queer pink colour. * She had a queer feeling that she was being watched.\n  2  (!!!, slang) an offensive way of describing a HOMOSEXUAL, especially a man, which is, however, also used by some homosexuals about themselves\n IDIOMS  see FISH n.\n    noun (!!!, slang) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL, especially a man, which is, however, also used by some homosexuals about themselves\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  queer sb’s pitch | queer the pitch (for sb) (BrE, informal) to spoil sb’s plans or their chances of getting sth


Words: quell
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to stop sth such as violent behaviour or protests:\nExtra police were called in to quell the disturbances. * (figurative) She started to giggle, but Bob quelled her with a look.\n  2  to stop or reduce strong or unpleasant feelings:\nto quell your fears / doubt / excitement


Words: quench
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ your thirst to drink so that you no longer feel thirsty\nSYN SLAKE\n  2  (written) to stop a fire from burning:\nFiremen tried to quench the flames raging through the building.


Words: querulous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) complaining; showing that you are annoyed:\nHe complained in a querulous voice about having been woken up.\n    querulously adverb:\n’What is going on?’ she asked querulously.


Words: query
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural queries)\n  1  a question, especially one asking for information or expressing a doubt about sth:\nOur assistants will be happy to answer your queries. * If you have a query about your insurance policy, contact our helpline.\n  2  a question mark to show that sth has not been finished or decided:\nPut a query against Jack’s name-I’m not sure if he’s coming.\n    verb (queries, querying, queried, queried)\n  1  to express doubt about whether sth is correct or not:\n[VN] We queried the bill as it seemed far too high. * I’m not in a position to query their decision. [also V wh-]\n  2  [V speech] (written) to ask a question:\n’Who will be leading the team?’ queried Simon.


Words: quest
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (formal or literary) ~ (for sth) a long search for sth, especially for some quality such as happiness:\nthe quest for happiness / knowledge / truth * He set off in quest of adventure.\n    verb [V] ~ (for sth) (formal or literary) to search for sth that is difficult to find


Words: question
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a sentence, phrase or word that asks for information:\nto ask / answer a question * Question 3 was very difficult. * In the exam there’s sure to be a question on energy. * The question is, how much are they going to pay you? * (formal) The question arises as to whether or not he knew of the situation. * The key question of what caused the leak remains unanswered. * (formal) He put a question to the minister about the recent reforms. * I hope the police don’t ask any awkward questions. * The government doesn’t have the answers to these difficult questions. * In an interview try to ask open questions that don’t just need ’Yes’ or ’No’ as an answer.\n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) a matter or topic that needs to be discussed or dealt with:\nLet’s look at the question of security. * The question which needs to be addressed is one of funding. * Which route is better remains an open question (= it is not decided).\n  3  [U] doubt or uncertainty about sth:\nHer honesty is beyond question. * His suitability for the job is open to question. * Her version of events was accepted without question.\n IDIOMS \n  bring / throw sth into question to cause sth to become a matter for doubt and discussion:\nThis case brings into question the whole purpose of the law.\n  come into question to become a matter for doubt and discussion\n  good question! (spoken) used to show that you do not know the answer to a question:\n’How much is all this going to cost?’ ’Good question!’\n  in question\n1 that is being discussed:\nOn the day in question we were in Cardiff.\n2 in doubt; uncertain:\nThe future of public transport is not in question.\n  just / merely / only a question of (sth / doing sth) used to say that sth is not difficult to predict, explain, do, etc:\nIt’s merely a question of time before the business collapses. * It’s just a question of deciding what you really want.\n  out of the question impossible or not allowed and therefore not worth discussing:\nAnother trip abroad this year is out of the question.\n  there is / was no question of (sth happening / sb doing sth) there is/was no possibility of sth:\nThere was no question of him cancelling the trip so near the departure date.\nmore at BEG, CALL v., MOOT adj., POP v.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (about / on sth) to ask sb questions about sth, especially officially:\nShe was arrested and questioned about the fire. * The students were questioned on the books they had been studying. * Over half of those questioned said they rarely took any exercise. [also V speech]\n  2  to have or express doubts or suspicions about sth:\n[VN] I just accepted what he told me. I never thought to question it. * No one has ever questioned her judgement. * [V wh-] He questioned whether the accident was solely the truck driver’s fault.


Words: question mark
Meaning:
noun\nthe mark ( ? ) used in writing after a question\n IDIOMS \n  a question mark over / against sth used to say that sth is not certain:\nThere’s still a big question mark hanging over his future with the team.


Words: question master
Meaning:
(also quizmaster) (both BrE) noun\na person who asks the questions in a QUIZ, especially on television or the radio


Words: question tag
Meaning:
(also tag question) noun\n(grammar) a phrase such as isn’t it? or don’t you? that you add to the end of a statement in order to turn it into a question or check that the statement is correct, as in You like mushrooms, don’t you?


Words: questionable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that you have doubts about because you think it is not accurate or correct:\nThe conclusions that they come to are highly questionable. * It is questionable whether this is a good way of solving the problem.\n  2  likely to be dishonest or morally wrong:\nHer motives for helping are questionable.\n    questionably  adverb


Words: questioning
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] the activity of asking sb questions:\nHe was taken to the police station for questioning. * They faced some hostile questioning over the cost of the project.\n    adjective showing that you need information, or that you have doubts:\na questioning look * She raised a questioning eyebrow.\n    questioningly adverb:\nShe looked questioningly at the doctor as he studied her X-rays.


Words: questionnaire
Meaning:
noun\n~ (on / about sth) a written list of questions that are answered by a number of people so that information can be collected from the answers:\nto complete a questionnaire * (BrE) to fill in a questionnaire * (especially AmE) to fill out a questionnaire


Words: queue
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE line) a line of people, cars, etc. waiting for sth or to do sth:\nthe bus queue * I had to join a queue for the toilets. * How long were you in the queue? * There was a queue of traffic waiting to turn right.\n \n  2  (computing) a list of items of data stored in a particular order\n \n IDIOMS  see JUMP v.\n    verb (queuing or queueing)\n  1  [V] (BrE) ~ (up) (for sth) to wait in a line of people, vehicles, etc. in order to do sth, get sth or go somewhere:\nWe had to queue up for an hour for the tickets. * Queue here for taxis.\n  2  (computing) to add tasks to other tasks so that they are ready to be done in order; to come together to be done in order:\n[VN] The system queues the jobs before they are processed. [also V]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  be queuing up (for sth / to do sth) if people are said to be queuing up for sth or to do sth, a lot of them want to have it or do it:\nItalian football clubs are queuing up to sign the young star.


Words: quibble
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (about / over sth) to argue or complain about a small matter or an unimportant detail:\nIt isn’t worth quibbling over such a small amount.\n    noun a small complaint or criticism, especially one that is not important:\nminor quibbles * The only quibble about this book is the lack of colour illustrations. * The machine comes with a three-year no quibble guarantee.


Words: quiche
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an open pie filled with a mixture of eggs and milk with meat, vegetables, cheese, etc:\na mushroom quiche\ncompare FLAN, TART


Words: quick
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective (quicker, quickest)\n  1  done with speed; taking or lasting a short time:\nShe gave him a quick glance. * These cakes are very quick and easy to make. * Would you like a quick drink? * The doctor said she’d make a quick recovery. * It’s quicker by train. * Are you sure this is the quickest way? * Have you finished already? That was quick! * His quick thinking saved her life. * He fired three shots in quick succession.\nsee also DOUBLE QUICK\n  2  ~ (to do sth) moving or doing sth fast:\na quick learner / worker * The kids were quick to learn. * She was quick (= too quick) to point out the mistakes I’d made. * Her quick hands suddenly stopped moving. * Try to be quick! We’re late already. * Once again, his quick wits (= quick thinking) got him out of an awkward situation. * (AmE, informal) He’s a quick study (= he learns quickly).\n  3  [only before noun] happening very soon or without delay:\nWe need to make a quick decision. * The company wants quick results. * There isn’t a quick answer to this problem. -> FAST\n IDIOMS \n  to have a quick temper to become angry easily\nmore at BUCK n., DRAW n., MARK n., UPTAKE\n    adverb (quicker, quickest)\n  1  quickly; fast:\nCome as quick as you can! * Let’s see who can get there quickest. * It’s another of his schemes to get rich quick.\n  2  (quick-) (in adjectives) doing the thing mentioned quickly:\nquick-thinking * quick-growing\n IDIOMS \n  (as) quick as a flash very quickly:\nQuick as a flash she was at his side.\n    noun (the quick) [sing.] the soft, sensitive flesh that is under the fingernails:\nShe has bitten her nails down to the quick.\n IDIOMS \n  cut sb to the quick to upset sb very much by doing or saying sth unkind:\nHis accusations cut me to the quick.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nquick / quickly / fast\nQuickly is the usual adverb from quick: I quickly realized that I was on the wrong train. * My heart started to beat more quickly.\nQuick is sometimes used as an adverb in very informal language, especially as an exclamation: Come on! Quick! They’ll see us! Quicker is used more often: My heart started to beat much quicker. * The quicker I get you away from here, the better.\nFast is more often used when you are talking about the speed that somebody or something moves at: How fast can a cheetah run? * Can’t you drive any faster? * You’re driving too quickly. * There is no word fastly.\n-> note at SOON\n______________________________


Words: quick one
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a drink, usually an alcoholic one, taken quickly:\nDo you have time for a quick one before you go?


Words: quick-fire
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a series of things) done or said very fast, one after the other:\na series of quick-fire questions


Words: quicken
Meaning:
verb (written)\n  1  to become quicker or make sth quicker:\n[V] She felt her heartbeat quicken as he approached. * [VN] He quickened his pace to catch up with them.\n  2  to become more active; to make sth more active:\n[V] His interest quickened as he heard more about the plan. [also VN]


Words: quickie
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  a thing that only takes a short time:\nI’ve got a question-it’s just a quickie. * a quickie divorce\n  2  a sexual act that takes a very short time


Words: quickly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  fast:\nShe walked quickly away. * We’ll repair it as quickly as possible.\n  2  soon; after a short time:\nHe replied to my letter very quickly. * It quickly became clear that she was dying. -> QUICK, SOON


Words: quickness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being fast, especially at thinking, etc:\nShe was known for the quickness of her wit. * He amazes me with his quickness and eagerness to learn.


Words: quicksand
Meaning:
noun [U] (also quicksands [pl.])\n  1  deep wet sand that you sink into if you walk on it\n  2  a situation that is dangerous or difficult to escape from


Words: quicksilver
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] (old use) = MERCURY\n    adjective [only before noun] (literary) changing or moving very quickly:\nhis quicksilver temperament


Words: quid
Meaning:
noun\n(plural quid) (BrE, informal) one pound in money:\nCan you lend me five quid? * It only costs a couple of quid to get in.\n IDIOMS \n  quids in in a position of having made a profit, especially a good profit:\nIf you are prepared to take the financial risk, you could be quids in.


Words: quiescent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) quiet; not active\n  2  (medical) (of a disease, etc.) not developing, especially when this is probably only a temporary state\n    quiescence  noun [U]:\nthe quiescence of trade union action during the 1930s


Words: quiet
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective (quieter, quietest)\n  1  making very little noise:\nher quiet voice / footsteps * a quieter, more efficient engine * Could you keep the kids quiet while I’m on the phone? * He went very quiet (= did not say much) so I knew he was upset. * ’Be quiet,’ said the teacher. * She crept downstairs (as) quiet as a mouse.\n  2  without many people or much noise or activity:\na quiet house / street / town * They lead a quiet life. * Business is usually quieter at this time of year. * They had a quiet wedding. * The hotel is in a quiet location near the sea.\n  3  not disturbed; peaceful:\nto have a quiet drink * I was looking forward to a quiet evening at home.\n  4  (of a person) tending not to talk very much:\nShe was quiet and shy.\n  5  (of a feeling or an attitude) definite but not expressed in an obvious way:\nHe had an air of quiet authority.\n    quietly adverb:\nto speak / move quietly * I spent a few hours quietly relaxing. * He is quietly confident that they can succeed. * a quietly-spoken woman\n    quietness noun [U]:\nthe quietness of the countryside * His quietness worried her.\n IDIOMS \n  keep quiet about sth | keep sth quiet to say nothing about sth; to keep sth secret:\nI’ve decided to resign but I’d rather you kept quiet about it. * This story is too big to be kept quiet.\n    noun [U] the state of being calm and without much noise:\nthe quiet of his own room * the quiet of the early morning * I go to the library for a little peace and quiet.\n IDIOMS \n  on the quiet without telling anyone\nSYN SECRETLY:\nHe’d been meeting her on the quiet.\n    verb ~ (sb/sth) (down) (especially AmE) to become calmer or less noisy; to make sb/sth calmer or less noisy: [V] The demonstrators quieted down when the police arrived. * [VN] He’s very good at quieting the kids.


