Vv
V , v /viː / (V's, v's )
1 N‑VAR V is the twenty-second letter of the English alphabet.
2 V or v is an abbreviation for words beginning with v, such as 'verse', 'versus', 'very', and 'volt'. □ …England v France.
vac /væ k/ (vacs )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vac is a period of the year when universities and colleges are officially closed. Vac is an abbreviation for 'vacation'. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ …the summer vac.
2 N‑COUNT A vac is an electric machine which sucks up dust and dirt from carpets. Vac is an abbreviation for 'vacuum cleaner'. [INFORMAL ]
va|can|cy /ve I kənsi/ (vacancies )
1 N‑COUNT A vacancy is a job or position which has not been filled. □ Most vacancies are at senior level, requiring appropriate qualifications.
2 N‑COUNT If there are vacancies at a building such as a hotel, some of the rooms are available to rent.
va|cant /ve I kənt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is vacant , it is not being used by anyone. □ Half way down the coach was a vacant seat.
2 ADJ If a job or position is vacant , no one is doing it or in it at present, and people can apply for it. □ The post of chairman has been vacant for some time.
3 ADJ A vacant look or expression is one that suggests that someone does not understand something or that they are not thinking about anything in particular. □ She had a kind of vacant look on her face. ● va|cant|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ He looked vacantly out of the window.
va|cate /ve I ke I t, [AM ] ve I ke I t/ (vacates , vacating , vacated ) VERB If you vacate a place or a job, you leave it or give it up, making it available for other people. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He vacated the flat and went to stay with an uncle. □ [V n] He recently vacated his post as Sales Director.
va|ca|tion /vəke I ʃ ə n, [AM ] ve I -/ (vacations , vacationing , vacationed )
1 N‑COUNT A vacation is a period of the year when universities and colleges, and in the United States also schools, are officially closed. □ During his summer vacation, he visited Russia.
2 N‑COUNT [oft on/from N ] A vacation is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. [AM ] □ They planned a late summer vacation in Europe. □ We went on vacation to Puerto Rico. in BRIT, use holiday 3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have a particular number of days' or weeks' vacation , you do not have to go to work for that number of days or weeks. [AM ] in BRIT, use holiday 4 VERB If you are vacationing in a place away from home, you are on vacation there. [AM ] □ [V prep/adv] Myles vacationed in Jamaica. □ [V ] He was vacationing and couldn't be reached for comment. in BRIT, use holiday
va|ca|tion|er /ve I ke I ʃənə r / (vacationers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vacationers are people who are on vacation in a particular place. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use holidaymakers
vac|ci|nate /væ ks I ne I t/ (vaccinates , vaccinating , vaccinated ) VERB [usu passive] If a person or animal is vaccinated , they are given a vaccine, usually by injection, to prevent them from getting a disease. □ [be V -ed + against ] Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper. □ [have n V -ed against n] Have you had your child vaccinated against whooping cough? □ [be/get V -ed] Measles is spreading again because children are not being vaccinated. ● vac|ci|na|tion /væ ks I ne I ʃ ə n/ (vaccinations ) N‑VAR □ Parents were too frightened to bring their children for vaccination. □ Anyone who wants to avoid the flu should consider getting a vaccination.
vac|cine /væ ksiːn, [AM ] væksiː n/ (vaccines ) N‑VAR A vaccine is a substance containing a harmless form of the germs that cause a particular disease. It is given to people, usually by injection, to prevent them getting that disease. □ Anti-malarial vaccines are now undergoing trials. □ Fortunately there are two types of vaccine against the disease.
vac|il|late /væ s I le I t/ (vacillates , vacillating , vacillated ) VERB If you vacillate between two alternatives or choices, you keep changing your mind. [FORMAL ] □ [V + between ] She vacillates between men twice her age and men younger than herself. □ [+ on , V ] We cannot vacillate on the question of the party's leadership.
va|cu|ity /vækjuː I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you refer to the vacuity of something or someone, you are critical of them because they lack intelligent thought or ideas. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ His vacuity was a handicap in these debates. □ …a campaign notable for its intellectual vacuity and personal nastiness.
vacu|ous /væ kjuəs/ ADJ If you describe a person or their comments as vacuous , you are critical of them because they lack intelligent thought or ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Male models are not always so vacuous as they are made out to be.
vacuum /væ kjuːm, -juːəm/ (vacuums , vacuuming , vacuumed )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something creates a vacuum , they leave a place or position which then needs to be filled by another person or thing. □ His presence should fill the power vacuum which has been developing over the past few days.
2 PHRASE If something is done in a vacuum , it is not affected by any outside influences or information. □ Moral values cannot be taught in a vacuum.
3 VERB If you vacuum something, you clean it using a vacuum cleaner. □ [V n] I vacuumed the carpets today. □ [V ] It's important to vacuum regularly.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vacuum is a space that contains no air or other gas.
va cuum bot|tle (vacuum bottles ) N‑COUNT A vacuum bottle is the same as a vacuum flask . [AM ]
va cuum clean|er (vacuum cleaners ) also vacuum-cleaner N‑COUNT A vacuum cleaner or a vacuum is an electric machine which sucks up dust and dirt from carpets.
va cuum flask (vacuum flasks ) N‑COUNT A vacuum flask is a container which is used to keep hot drinks hot or cold drinks cold. It has two thin silvery glass walls with a vacuum between them. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use Thermos , vacuum bottle
va cuum-pa cked ADJ Food that is vacuum-packed is packed in a bag from which most of the air has been removed, in order to keep the food fresh.
vaga|bond /væ gəbɒnd/ (vagabonds ) N‑COUNT A vagabond is someone who wanders from place to place and has no home or job. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
va|gary /ve I gəri/ (vagaries ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vagaries are unexpected and unpredictable changes in a situation or in someone's behaviour which you have no control over. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the perplexing vagaries of politics.
va|gi|na /vədʒa I nə/ (vaginas ) N‑COUNT A woman's vagina is the passage connecting her outer sex organs to her womb.
vagi|nal /vədʒa I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Vaginal means relating to or involving the vagina. □ The creams have been used to reduce vaginal infections.
va|gran|cy /ve I grənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Vagrancy is a way of life in which someone moves a lot from place to place because they have no permanent home or job, and have to ask for or steal things in order to live. □ Vagrancy and begging has become common-place in London.
va|grant /ve I grənt/ (vagrants ) N‑COUNT A vagrant is someone who moves a lot from place to place because they have no permanent home or job, and have to ask for or steal things in order to live. □ He lived on the street as a vagrant.
vague /ve I g/ (vaguer , vaguest )
1 ADJ If something written or spoken is vague , it does not explain or express things clearly. □ The description was pretty vague. □ …vague information. ● vague|ly ADV □ 'I'm not sure,' Liz said vaguely. □ They issued a vaguely worded statement. ● vague|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the vagueness of the language in the text.
2 ADJ If you have a vague memory or idea of something, the memory or idea is not clear. □ They have only a vague idea of the amount of water available. □ Waite's memory of that first meeting was vague. ● vague|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Judith could vaguely remember her mother lying on the sofa.
3 ADJ If you are vague about something, you deliberately do not tell people much about it. □ [+ about ] He was vague, however, about just what U.S. forces might actually do. □ Democratic leaders under election pressure tend to respond with vague promises of action.
4 ADJ If you describe someone as vague , you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. □ She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman. □ His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her.
5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as a feeling is vague , you experience it only slightly. □ He was conscious of that vague feeling of irritation again.
6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vague shape or outline is not clear and is therefore not easy to see. □ The bus was a vague shape in the distance. PRAGMATICS vagueness
In this dictionary, the label VAGUENESS indicates that you use the word or expression to show lack of certainty. People often use vague language to make statements 'softer', so that what they say does not appear too direct or too strongly stated. Examples of vague language are presumably…, Do you know what I mean?, kind of…, and sort of… .
vague|ly /ve I gli/
1 ADV [ADV adj] Vaguely means to some degree but not to a very large degree. □ The voice on the line was vaguely familiar, but Crook couldn't place it at first.
2 → see also vague
vain /ve I n/ (vainer , vainest )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A vain attempt or action is one that fails to achieve what was intended. □ The drafting committee worked through the night in a vain attempt to finish on schedule. ● vain|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He hunted vainly through his pockets for a piece of paper.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a hope that something will happen as a vain hope, you mean that there is no chance of it happening. □ He glanced around in the vain hope that there were no witnesses. ● vain|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He then set out for Virginia for what he vainly hoped would be a peaceful retirement.
3 ADJ If you describe someone as vain , you are critical of their extreme pride in their own beauty, intelligence, or other good qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I think he is shallow, vain and untrustworthy.
4 PHRASE If you do something in vain , you do not succeed in achieving what you intend. □ He stopped at the door, waiting in vain for her to acknowledge his presence.
5 PHRASE If you say that something such as someone's death, suffering, or effort was in vain , you mean that it was useless because it did not achieve anything. □ He wants the world to know his son did not die in vain.
vain|glo|ri|ous /ve I nglɔː riəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as vainglorious , you are critical of them because they are very proud of what they have done and boast a lot about it. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ]
val|ance /væ ləns/ (valances )
1 N‑COUNT A valance is a piece of cloth that hangs down over the sides of a bed in order to make it look nice.
2 N‑COUNT A valance is a long narrow piece of wood or fabric which is fitted at the top of a window for decoration and to hide the curtain rail. [AM ] in BRIT, use pelmet
vale /ve I l/ (vales ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A vale is a valley. [LITERARY ] □ …a small vale, sheltering under mist-shrouded hills.
vale|dic|to|ri|an /væ l I d I ktɔː riən/ (valedictorians ) N‑COUNT A valedictorian is the student who has the highest marks in their class when they graduate from high school, college, or university, and who gives a speech at their graduation ceremony. [AM ]
val|edic|tory /væ l I d I ktəri/ (valedictories )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A valedictory speech, letter, or performance is one that is intended as a way of saying goodbye when someone leaves another person, a place, or a job. [FORMAL ] □ …Mr Walker, making his valedictory address after two years as chairman.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A valedictory is a speech that is given by the student with the highest marks in their class at their graduation ceremony. [AM ]
val|en|tine /væ lənta I n/ (valentines ) N‑COUNT A valentine or a valentine card is a greetings card that you send to someone who you are in love with or are attracted to, usually without signing your name, on St Valentine's Day, the 14th of February.
val|et /væ le I , -l I t/ (valets , valeting , valeted )
1 N‑COUNT A valet is a male servant who looks after his employer by doing things such as caring for his clothes and cooking for him.
2 VERB If someone valets a vehicle, they are paid to clean it thoroughly inside and out.
val|iant /væ liənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A valiant action is very brave and determined, though it may lead to failure or defeat. □ Despite valiant efforts by the finance minister, inflation rose to 36%. ● val|iant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He suffered further heart attacks and strokes, all of which he fought valiantly.
val|id /væ l I d/
1 ADJ A valid argument, comment, or idea is based on sensible reasoning. □ They put forward many valid reasons for not exporting. ● va|lid|ity /væl I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □ The editorial in the Financial Times says this argument has lost much of its validity.
2 ADJ Something that is valid is important or serious enough to make it worth saying or doing. □ Most designers share the unspoken belief that fashion is a valid form of visual art. ● va|lid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the validity of making children wear cycle helmets.
3 ADJ If a ticket or other document is valid , it can be used and will be accepted by people in authority. □ All tickets are valid for two months.
4 → see also validity
vali|date /væ l I de I t/ (validates , validating , validated )
1 VERB To validate something such as a claim or statement means to prove or confirm that it is true or correct. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] This discovery seems to validate the claims of popular astrology. ● vali|da|tion /væ l I de I ʃ ə n/ (validations ) N‑VAR □ This validation process ensures that the data conforms to acceptable formats.
2 VERB To validate a person, state, or system means to prove or confirm that they are valuable or worthwhile. □ [V n] The Academy Awards appear to validate his career. ● vali|da|tion N‑VAR □ [+ of ] I think the film is a validation of our lifestyle.
va|lid|ity /vəl I d I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The validity of something such as a result or a piece of information is whether it can be trusted or believed. □ [+ of ] Shocked by the results of the elections, they now want to challenge the validity of the vote. □ [+ of ] Some people, of course, denied the validity of any such claim.
2 → see also valid
Va|lium /væ liəm/ (Valium ) N‑VAR Valium is a drug given to people to calm their nerves when they are very depressed or upset. [TRADEMARK ]
val|ley ◆◇◇ /væ li/ (valleys ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A valley is a low stretch of land between hills, especially one that has a river flowing through it. □ …a wooded valley set against the backdrop of Monte Rosa. □ …the Loire valley.
val|our /væ lə r / in AM, use valor N‑UNCOUNT Valour is great bravery, especially in battle. [LITERARY ]
valu|able ◆◇◇ /væ ljuəb ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as valuable , you mean that they are very useful and helpful. □ Many of our teachers also have valuable academic links with Heidelberg University. □ The experience was very valuable.
2 ADJ Valuable objects are objects which are worth a lot of money. □ Just because a camera is old does not mean it is valuable. □ …valuable books.
valu|ables /væ ljuəb ə lz/ N‑PLURAL Valuables are things that you own that are worth a lot of money, especially small objects such as jewellery. □ Leave your valuables in the hotel safe.
valua|tion /væ ljue I ʃ ə n/ (valuations ) N‑VAR A valuation is a judgment that someone makes about how much money something is worth. □ [+ of ] …an independent valuation of the company. □ Valuation lies at the heart of all takeovers.
value ◆◆◆ /væ ljuː/ (values , valuing , valued )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The value of something such as a quality, attitude, or method is its importance or usefulness. If you place a particular value on something, that is the importance or usefulness you think it has. □ Further studies will be needed to see if these therapies have any value. □ [+ on ] Ronnie put a high value on his appearance. ● PHRASE If something is of value , it is useful or important. If it is of no value , it has no usefulness or importance. □ [+ to ] This weekend course will be of value to everyone interested in the Pilgrim Route.
2 VERB If you value something or someone, you think that they are important and you appreciate them. □ [V n] I've done business with Mr Weston before. I value the work he gives me. ● val|ued ADJ □ As you are a valued customer, I am writing to you to explain the situation.
3 N‑VAR The value of something is how much money it is worth. □ [+ of ] The value of his investment has risen by more than $50,000. □ The country's currency went down in value by 3.5 per cent. ● PHRASE If something is of value , it is worth a lot of money. If it is of no value , it is worth very little money. □ …a brooch which is really of no value. □ It might contain something of value.
4 VERB When experts value something, they decide how much money it is worth. □ [V n] Your lender will then send their own surveyor to value the property. □ [have n V -ed] I asked him if he would have my jewellery valued for insurance purposes. □ [V -ed] He has been selling properties valued at £700 million.
5 N‑UNCOUNT You use value in certain expressions to say whether something is worth the money that it costs. For example, if something is or gives good value , it is worth the money that it costs. □ The restaurant is informal, stylish and extremely good value. □ Courses which are offered through these local colleges are fantastic value for money.
6 N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] The values of a person or group are the moral principles and beliefs that they think are important. □ The countries of South Asia also share many common values.
7 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] Value is used after another noun when mentioning an important or noticeable feature about something. □ The script has lost all of its shock value over the intervening 24 years.
8 → see also face value SYNONYMS value NOUN 1
importance: We have always stressed the importance of economic reform.
usefulness: His interest lay in the usefulness of his work, rather than in any personal credit.
benefit: For maximum benefit, use your treatment every day.
merit: The argument seemed to have considerable merit.
advantage: A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team.
va lue-a dded tax also value added tax N‑UNCOUNT Value-added tax is a tax that is added to the price of goods or services. The abbreviation VAT is also used. [BRIT ]
va lue judg|ment (value judgments ) in BRIT, also use value judgement N‑COUNT If you make a value judgment about something, you form an opinion about it based on your principles and beliefs and not on facts which can be checked or proved. □ [+ about ] Social scientists have grown extremely unwilling to make value judgments about cultures.
value|less /væ ljuːləs/ ADJ If you describe something as valueless , you mean that it is not at all useful. □ Such attitudes are valueless unless they reflect inner cognition and certainty. □ …commercially valueless trees.
valu|er /væ ljuːə r / (valuers ) N‑COUNT A valuer is someone whose job is to estimate the cost or value of something, for example a house, or objects that are going to be sold in an auction. [BRIT ] in AM, use appraiser
va lue sys|tem (value systems ) N‑COUNT The value system of a group of people is the set of beliefs and attitudes that they all share.
valve /væ lv/ (valves )
1 N‑COUNT A valve is a device attached to a pipe or a tube which controls the flow of air or liquid through the pipe or tube.
2 N‑COUNT A valve is a small piece of tissue in your heart or in a vein which controls the flow of blood and keeps it flowing in one direction only. □ He also has problems with a heart valve.
3 → see also safety valve
vamp /væ mp/ (vamps ) N‑COUNT If you describe a woman as a vamp , you mean that she uses her sexual attractiveness to get what she wants from men. [DISAPPROVAL ]
vam|pire /væ mpa I ə r / (vampires ) N‑COUNT A vampire is a creature in legends and horror stories. Vampires are said to come out of graves at night and suck the blood of living people.
va m|pire ba t (vampire bats ) N‑COUNT A vampire bat is a bat from South America which feeds by sucking the blood of other animals.
van ◆◇◇ /væ n/ (vans )
1 N‑COUNT A van is a small or medium-sized road vehicle with one row of seats at the front and a space for carrying goods behind.
2 N‑COUNT A van is a railway carriage, often without windows, which is used to carry luggage, goods, or mail. [BRIT ] □ In the guard's van lay my tin trunk. in AM, use baggage car , boxcar
van|dal /væ nd ə l/ (vandals ) N‑COUNT A vandal is someone who deliberately damages things, especially public property.
van|dal|ise /væ ndəla I z/ → see vandalize
van|dal|ism /væ ndəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Vandalism is the deliberate damaging of things, especially public property. □ …acts of vandalism.
van|dal|ize /væ ndəla I z/ (vandalizes , vandalizing , vandalized ) in BRIT, also use vandalise VERB If something such as a building or part of a building is vandalized by someone, it is damaged on purpose. □ [be V -ed] The walls had been horribly vandalized with spray paint. □ [V n] About 1,000 rioters vandalized buildings and looted stores.
vane /ve I n/ (vanes )
1 N‑COUNT A vane is a flat blade which pushes or is pushed by wind or water, and forms part of a machine such as a fan, a windmill, or a ship's propeller.
2 → see also weather vane
van|guard /væ ngɑː r d/
1 N‑SING If someone is in the vanguard of something such as a revolution or an area of research, they are involved in the most advanced part of it. You can also refer to the people themselves as the vanguard . □ They are in the vanguard of a movement reshaping the computer industry. □ …the role of the Party as the political vanguard.
2 N‑SING The vanguard of an army is the part of it that goes into battle first. □ [+ of ] They could strike quickly and effectively at the vanguard of an invading army.
va|nil|la /vən I lə/
1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Vanilla is a flavouring used in ice cream and other sweet food. □ I added a dollop of vanilla ice-cream to the pie.
2 ADJ If you describe a person or thing as vanilla , you mean that they are ordinary, with no special or extra features. □ …just plain vanilla couples like me and Tony.
van|ish /væ n I ʃ/ (vanishes , vanishing , vanished )
1 VERB If someone or something vanishes , they disappear suddenly or in a way that cannot be explained. □ [V ] He just vanished and was never seen again. □ [V + from ] Anne vanished from outside her home last Wednesday. □ [V + into ] The gunmen paused only to cut the wires to the house, then vanished into the countryside.
2 VERB If something such as a species of animal or a tradition vanishes , it stops existing. □ [V ] Near the end of Devonian times, thirty percent of all animal life vanished. □ [V + from ] He does not think that craftsmanship has vanished from our world.
va n|ish|ing point (vanishing points )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The vanishing point is the point in the distance where parallel lines seem to meet. □ The highway stretched out ahead of me until it narrowed to a vanishing point some miles away.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has reached vanishing point , you mean it has become very small or unimportant. □ By 1973, this gap had narrowed almost to vanishing point.
van|ity /væ n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's vanity , you are critical of them because they take great pride in their appearance or abilities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Men who use steroids are motivated by sheer vanity.
van|quish /væ ŋkw I ʃ/ (vanquishes , vanquishing , vanquished ) VERB To vanquish someone means to defeat them completely in a battle or a competition. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] A happy ending is only possible because the hero has first vanquished the dragons.
van|tage point /vɑː nt I dʒ pɔ I nt, væ nt-/ (vantage points )
1 N‑COUNT A vantage point is a place from which you can see a lot of things. □ From a concealed vantage point, he saw a car arrive.
2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If you view a situation from a particular vantage point , you have a clear understanding of it because of the particular period of time you are in. □ From today's vantage point, the 1987 crash seems just a blip in the upward progress of the market.
vape /ve I p/ (vapes , vaping , vaped )
1 VERB If someone vapes , they breathe in a flavoured steam containing nicotine from a special device, instead of smoking burning tobacco in a cigarette or pipe. □ [V ] Some airports allow travellers to vape; some do not.
2 N‑COUNT A vape is a device that produces flavoured steam containing nicotine. □ He smokes as well as using a vape.
vap|id /væ p I d/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as vapid , you are critical of them because they are dull and uninteresting. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the Minister's young and rather vapid daughter. □ She made a vapid comment about the weather.
vap|ing /ve I p I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Vaping is the act or habit of breathing in a flavoured steam containing nicotine from a special device. □ Vaping can be a really effective way to quit smoking.
va|por /ve I pə r / → see vapour
va|por|ize /ve I pəra I z/ (vaporizes , vaporizing , vaporized ) in BRIT, also use vaporise VERB If a liquid or solid vaporizes or if you vaporize it, it changes into vapour or gas. □ [V ] The benzene vaporized and formed a huge cloud of gas. □ [V n] The blast may have vaporised the meteorite.
va|pour /ve I pə r / (vapours ) in AM, use vapor N‑VAR Vapour consists of tiny drops of water or other liquids in the air, which appear as mist. □ …water vapour.
va |pour trail (vapour trails ) in AM, use vapor trail N‑COUNT A vapour trail is a white line of water vapour left in the sky by an aeroplane, a rocket, or a missile.
vari|able /veə riəb ə l/ (variables )
1 ADJ Something that is variable changes quite often, and there usually seems to be no fixed pattern to these changes. □ The potassium content of foodstuffs is very variable. □ …a variable rate of interest. ● vari|abil|ity /veə riəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ between ] There's a great deal of variability between individuals.
2 N‑COUNT A variable is a factor that can change in quality, quantity, or size, which you have to take into account in a situation. □ Decisions could be made on the basis of price, delivery dates, or any other variable.
3 N‑COUNT A variable is a quantity that can have any one of a set of values. [TECHNICAL ] □ It is conventional to place the independent variable on the right-hand side of an equation.
vari|ance /veə riəns/ (variances )
1 PHRASE If one thing is at variance with another, the two things seem to contradict each other. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] Many of his statements were at variance with the facts.
2 N‑VAR The variance between things is the difference between them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] …the variances in the stock price.
vari|ant /veə riənt/ (variants ) N‑COUNT A variant of a particular thing is something that has a different form to that thing, although it is related to it. □ [+ of ] The quagga was a strikingly beautiful variant of the zebra.
vari|ation /veə rie I ʃ ə n/ (variations )
1 N‑COUNT A variation on something is the same thing presented in a slightly different form. □ [+ on ] This delicious variation on an omelette is quick and easy to prepare.
2 N‑VAR A variation is a change or slight difference in a level, amount, or quantity. □ [+ in ] The survey found a wide variation in the prices charged for canteen food. □ Every day without variation my grandfather ate a plate of cold ham.
vari|cose vein /væ r I koʊs ve I n/ (varicose veins ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Varicose veins are swollen and painful veins in a person's legs, which sometimes require a medical operation.
var|ied /veə rid/
1 ADJ Something that is varied consists of things of different types, sizes, or qualities. □ It is essential that your diet is varied and balanced.
2 → see also vary
varie|gat|ed /veə riəge I t I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A variegated leaf or plant has different colours on it. [TECHNICAL ] □ The leaves are a variegated red.
2 ADJ Something that is variegated consists of many different parts or types. [FORMAL ] □ …our variegated dialects.
va|ri|ety ◆◆◇ /vəra I I ti/ (varieties )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If something has variety , it consists of things which are different from each other. □ [+ in ] Susan's idea of freedom was to have variety in her lifestyle.
2 N‑SING A variety of things is a number of different kinds or examples of the same thing. □ [+ of ] The island offers such a wide variety of scenery and wildlife. □ [+ of ] People change their mind for a variety of reasons.
3 N‑COUNT A variety of something is a type of it. □ [+ of ] She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.
vari|ous ◆◆◇ /veə riəs/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that there are various things, you mean there are several different things of the type mentioned. □ The school has received various grants from the education department.
2 ADJ If a number of things are described as various , they are very different from one another. □ The methods are many and various. □ …the country's rich and various heritage.
vari|ous|ly /veə riəsli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] You can use variously to introduce a number of different ways in which something can be described. □ …the crowds, which were variously estimated at two to several thousand.
var|nish /vɑː r n I ʃ/ (varnishes , varnishing , varnished )
1 N‑VAR Varnish is an oily liquid which is painted onto wood or other material to give it a hard, clear, shiny surface. □ The varnish comes in six natural wood shades.
2 N‑SING The varnish on an object is the hard, clear, shiny surface that it has when it has been painted with varnish. □ He brought out the fiddle, its varnish cracked and blistered.
3 VERB If you varnish something, you paint it with varnish. □ [V n] Varnish the table with two or three coats of water-based varnish. □ [V -ed] …the varnished floorboards.
4 → see also nail varnish
var|sity /vɑː r s I ti/ (varsities )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] People sometimes use varsity to describe things that relate to universities, especially sports activities or teams at a university or competitions between universities. [BRIT , mainly JOURNALISM ] □ Women must have the same opportunities to participate in varsity sports.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The varsity is the main or first team for a particular sport at a high school, college, or university. [AM ] □ She has been in the playoffs every year since she made the varsity.
vary ◆◇◇ /veə ri/ (varies , varying , varied )
1 VERB If things vary , they are different from each other in size, amount, or degree. □ [V ] As they're handmade, each one varies slightly. □ [V + from ] The text varies from the earlier versions. □ [V -ing] Different writers will prepare to varying degrees.
2 VERB If something varies or if you vary it, it becomes different or changed. □ [V ] Ferry times vary according to seasons. □ [V n] You are welcome to vary the diet.
3 → see also varied SYNONYMS vary VERB
1
differ: The story he told police differed from the one he told his mother.
diverge: His interests increasingly diverged from those of his colleagues.
contrast with: Johnson's easy charm contrasted sharply with the moody behaviour of his boss.
2
change: A changing world has put pressures on the corporation.
transform: Your metabolic rate is the speed at which your body transforms food into energy.
alter: Little had altered in the village.
vas|cu|lar /væ skjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Vascular is used to describe the channels and veins through which fluids pass in the bodies of animals and plants. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the oldest known vascular plants. □ …vascular diseases of the legs.
vase /vɑː z, [AM ] ve I s/ (vases ) N‑COUNT A vase is a jar, usually made of glass or pottery, used for holding cut flowers or as an ornament. □ …a vase of red roses.
vas|ec|to|my /vəse ktəmi/ (vasectomies ) N‑VAR A vasectomy is a surgical operation in which the tube that carries sperm to a man's penis is cut, usually as a means of contraception.
Vas|eline /væ səliːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Vaseline is a soft clear jelly made from petroleum, which is used to protect the skin and for other purposes. [TRADEMARK ]
vas|sal /væ s ə l/ (vassals )
1 N‑COUNT In feudal society, a vassal was a man who gave military service to a lord, in return for which he was protected by the lord and received land to live on.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that one country is a vassal of another, you mean that it is controlled by it. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] The question is whether the country is destined to end up as a vassal of its larger northern neighbour.
vast ◆◇◇ /vɑː st, væ st/ (vaster , vastest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is vast is extremely large. □ …Afrikaner farmers who own vast stretches of land. □ The vast majority of the eggs would be cracked. ● vast|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the vastness of the desert. SYNONYMS vast ADJ 1
huge: …a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.
massive: …a massive steam boat.
enormous: The main bedroom is enormous.
immense: …an immense cloud of smoke.
vast|ly /vɑː stli, væ st-/ ADV Vastly means to an extremely great degree or extent. □ The jury has heard two vastly different accounts of what happened.
vat /væ t/ (vats ) N‑COUNT A vat is a large barrel or tank in which liquids can be stored.
VAT ◆◇◇ /viː e I tiː , væ t/ N‑UNCOUNT VAT is a tax that is added to the price of goods or services. VAT is an abbreviation for 'value added tax'. [BRIT ]
Vati|can /væ t I kən/ N‑PROPER [N n] The Vatican is the city state in Rome ruled by the Pope which is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. You can also use the Vatican to refer to the Pope or his officials. □ The President had an audience with the Pope in the Vatican.
vat|man /væ tmæn/ also VAT man N‑SING You can refer to the government department which advises and checks the accounts of people who have to pay VAT as the vatman . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ If you have had a problem with the vatman, let us know.
vau|de|ville /vɔː dəv I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Vaudeville is a type of entertainment consisting of short acts such as comedy, singing, and dancing. Vaudeville was especially popular in the early part of the twentieth century. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use music hall
vault /vɔː lt/ (vaults , vaulting , vaulted )
1 N‑COUNT A vault is a secure room where money and other valuable things can be kept safely. □ Most of the money was in storage in bank vaults.
2 N‑COUNT A vault is a room underneath a church or in a cemetery where people are buried, usually the members of a single family. □ He ordered that Matilda's body should be buried in the family vault.
3 N‑COUNT A vault is an arched roof or ceiling. □ [+ of ] …the vault of a great cathedral.
4 VERB If you vault something or vault over it, you jump quickly onto or over it, especially by putting a hand on top of it to help you balance while you jump. □ [V n] He could easily vault the wall. □ [V prep] Ned vaulted over a fallen tree.
vaunt|ed /vɔː nt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as vaunted or much vaunted , you mean that people praise it more than it deserves. [FORMAL ] □ Simpson's much vaunted discoveries are in fact commonplace in modern sociology.
vb Vb is a written abbreviation for verb .
VC /viː siː / (VCs )
1 N‑COUNT The VC is a medal awarded to soldiers, sailors, and airmen in Britain and the Commonwealth for acts of great bravery in battle. VC is an abbreviation for 'Victoria Cross'. ● N‑COUNT A VC is a soldier who has been awarded a Victoria Cross. □ Aren't you the boy whose father was a VC in the war?
2 VC is a written abbreviation for vice-chancellor .
VCR /viː siː ɑː r / (VCRs ) N‑COUNT A VCR is a machine that was used in the past to record television programmes or films onto videotape, so that people could play them back and watch them later on a television set. VCR is an abbreviation for 'video cassette recorder'.
VD /viː diː / N‑UNCOUNT VD is used to refer to diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhoea which are passed on by sexual intercourse. VD is an abbreviation for 'venereal disease'.
VDT /viː diː tiː / (VDTs ) N‑COUNT A VDT is the same as a VDU . VDT is an abbreviation for 'visual display terminal'. [mainly AM ]
VDU /viː diː juː / (VDUs ) N‑COUNT A VDU is a machine with a screen which is used to display information from a computer. VDU is an abbreviation for 'visual display unit'. [BRIT ] in AM, use VDT
-'ve /- ə v/ 've is the usual spoken form of 'have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'you have' can be shortened to 'you've'.
veal /viː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Veal is meat from a calf.
vec|tor /ve ktə r / (vectors )
1 N‑COUNT A vector is a variable quantity, such as force, that has size and direction. [TECHNICAL ]
2 N‑COUNT A vector is an insect or other organism that causes a disease by carrying a germ or parasite from one person or animal to another. [MEDICAL ]
veep /viː p/ (veeps ) N‑COUNT A veep is a vice-president, especially the vice-president of the United States. [AM , INFORMAL ]
veer /v I ə r / (veers , veering , veered )
1 VERB If something veers in a certain direction, it suddenly moves in that direction. □ [V prep/adv] The plane veered off the runway and careered through the perimeter fence.
2 VERB If someone or something veers in a certain direction, they change their position or direction in a particular situation. □ [V prep/adv] He is unlikely to veer from his boss's strongly held views.
veg /ve dʒ/ (veg ) N‑VAR Veg are plants such as cabbages, potatoes, and onions which you can cook and eat. Veg is an abbreviation for 'vegetables'. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ …fruit and veg. in AM, usually use veggies
ve|gan /viː gən/ (vegans ) ADJ Someone who is vegan never eats meat or any animal products such as milk, butter, or cheese. □ The menu changes weekly and usually includes a vegan option. ● N‑COUNT A vegan is someone who is vegan.
veg|eburg|er /ve dʒibɜː r gə r / (vegeburgers ) also veggieburger N‑COUNT Vegeburgers are flat round cakes of food made from vegetables mixed with flour and flavourings. You grill or fry them.
veg|eta|ble ◆◇◇ /ve dʒtəb ə l/ (vegetables )
1 N‑COUNT Vegetables are plants such as cabbages, potatoes, and onions which you can cook and eat. □ A good general diet should include plenty of fresh vegetables. □ …vegetable soup.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vegetable matter comes from plants. [FORMAL ] □ …compounds, of animal, vegetable or mineral origin. COLLOCATIONS vegetable NOUN 1
noun + vegetable : root, salad, stir-fry; spring, winter
adjective + vegetable : green, leafy, mixed, seasonal; fresh, frozen, organic; pickled, roasted, steamed
vegetable + be + adjective : soft, tender
verb + vegetable : grow, plant; chop, eat, cook, wash
veg|etar|ian /ve dʒ I teə riən/ (vegetarians )
1 ADJ Someone who is vegetarian never eats meat or fish. □ Yasmin sticks to a strict vegetarian diet. ● N‑COUNT A vegetarian is someone who is vegetarian. □ …a special menu for vegetarians.
2 ADJ Vegetarian food does not contain any meat or fish. □ …vegetarian lasagnes.
veg|etari|an|ism /ve dʒ I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone practises vegetarianism , they never eat meat or fish.
veg|etate /ve dʒ I te I t/ (vegetates , vegetating , vegetated ) VERB If someone vegetates , they spend their time doing boring or worthless things. □ [V ] He spends all his free time at home vegetating in front of the TV.
veg|etat|ed /ve dʒ I te I t I d/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If an area is vegetated , it is covered with plants and trees. [FORMAL ] □ That part of Castle Walk is not thickly vegetated.
veg|eta|tion /ve dʒ I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Plants, trees, and flowers can be referred to as vegetation . [FORMAL ] □ The inn has a garden of semi-tropical vegetation.
veg|eta|tive /ve dʒ I tət I v, [AM ] -te I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is in a vegetative state, they are unable to move, think, or speak, and their condition is not likely to improve. [MEDICAL ] □ She was in what was described as a vegetative state.
veg|gie /ve dʒi/ (veggies )
1 ADJ Veggie means the same as vegetarian . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ You can cook a cheap veggie chilli in 15 minutes. ● N‑COUNT A veggie is someone who is vegetarian.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Veggies are plants such as cabbages, potatoes, and onions which you can cook and eat. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ …well-balanced meals of fresh fruit and veggies, chicken, fish, pasta, and no red meat. in BRIT, usually use veg
veg|gie|burg|er /ve dʒibɜː r gə r / → see vegeburger
ve|he|ment /viː əmənt/ ADJ If a person or their actions or comments are vehement , the person has very strong feelings or opinions and expresses them forcefully. □ She suddenly became very vehement and agitated, jumping around and shouting. □ She is a vehement critic of government policy. ● ve|he|mence N‑UNCOUNT □ He spoke more loudly and with more vehemence than he had intended. ● ve|he|ment|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Krabbe has always vehemently denied stealing the car.
ve|hi|cle ◆◆◇ /viː I k ə l/ (vehicles )
1 N‑COUNT A vehicle is a machine such as a car, bus, or truck which has an engine and is used to carry people from place to place. □ …a vehicle which was somewhere between a tractor and a truck.
2 N‑COUNT You can use vehicle to refer to something that you use in order to achieve a particular purpose. □ [+ for ] Her art became a vehicle for her political beliefs.
ve|hicu|lar /v I h I kjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vehicular is used to describe something which relates to vehicles and traffic. [FORMAL ] □ …vehicular traffic. □ There is no vehicular access.
veil /ve I l/ (veils )
1 N‑COUNT A veil is a piece of thin soft cloth that women sometimes wear over their heads and which can also cover their face. □ She's got long fair hair, but she's got a veil over it.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that hides or partly hides a situation or activity as a veil . □ [+ of ] The country is ridding itself of its disgraced prime minister in a veil of secrecy. □ [+ of ] The chilling facts behind this veil of silence were slow to emerge.
3 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that you can partly see through, for example a mist, as a veil . [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] The eruption has left a thin veil of dust in the upper atmosphere.
4 PHRASE If you draw a veil over something, you stop talking about it because it is too unpleasant to talk about. □ The clamour to draw a veil over the minister's extra-marital activities reeks of hypocrisy.
veiled /ve I ld/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A veiled comment is expressed in a disguised form rather than directly and openly. □ He made only a veiled reference to international concerns over human rights issues. □ This last clause is a thinly-veiled threat to those who might choose to ignore the decree.
2 ADJ A woman or girl who is veiled is wearing a veil. □ A veiled woman gave me a kindly smile.
vein /ve I n/ (veins )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your veins are the thin tubes in your body through which your blood flows towards your heart. Compare artery . □ Many veins are found just under the skin.
2 → see also varicose vein
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] Something that is written or spoken in a particular vein is written or spoken in that style or mood. □ It is one of his finest works in a lighter vein.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vein of a particular quality is evidence of that quality which someone often shows in their behaviour or work. □ [+ of ] This Spanish drama has a vein of black humour running through it.
5 N‑COUNT A vein of a particular metal or mineral is a layer of it lying in rock. □ [+ of ] …a rich and deep vein of limestone.
6 N‑COUNT The veins on a leaf are the thin lines on it. □ [+ of ] …the serrated edges and veins of the feathery leaves.
veined /ve I nd/
1 ADJ Veined skin has a lot of veins showing through it. □ Helen's hands were thin and veined.
2 ADJ Something that is veined has a pattern or colouring like that of veins showing through skin. □ …a bronze ashtray shaped like a veined leaf.
Vel|cro /ve lkroʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Velcro is a material consisting of two strips of nylon fabric which you press together to close things such as pockets and bags. [TRADEMARK ]
veldt /ve lt, fe lt/ also veld N‑SING The veldt is a high area of flat grassy land with very few trees in southern Africa.
vel|lum /ve ləm/ N‑UNCOUNT Vellum is strong paper of good quality for writing on.
ve|loc|ity /v I lɒ s I ti/ (velocities ) N‑VAR Velocity is the speed at which something moves in a particular direction. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the velocities at which the stars orbit. □ …high velocity rifles.
ve|lour /vəlʊə r / N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Velour is a silk or cotton fabric similar to velvet. □ …a gold Mercedes with red velour seats.
vel|vet /ve lv I t/ (velvets ) N‑VAR [usu N n] Velvet is soft material made from cotton, silk, or nylon, which has a thick layer of short cut threads on one side. □ …a charcoal-gray overcoat with a velvet collar.
vel|vet|een /ve lv I tiː n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Velveteen is a soft fabric which looks and feels like velvet and is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to velvet. □ …a black velveteen coat. □ …loose blouses of bright-coloured velveteen.
vel|vety /ve lv I ti/ ADJ If you describe something as velvety , you mean that it is pleasantly soft to touch and has the appearance or quality of velvet. □ The grass grew thick and velvety.
ve|nal /viː n ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as venal , you disapprove of them because they are prepared to do almost anything in return for money, even things which are dishonest or immoral. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Government propaganda made the radicals appear at best deluded, at worst venal. □ …venal politicians.
ven|det|ta /vende tə/ (vendettas ) N‑VAR If one person has a vendetta against another, the first person wants revenge for something the second person did to them in the past. □ [+ against ] The vice president said the cartoonist has a personal vendetta against him.
vend|ing ma|chine /ve nd I ŋ məʃiːn/ (vending machines ) N‑COUNT A vending machine is a machine from which you can get things such as cigarettes, chocolate, or coffee by putting in money and pressing a button.
ven|dor /ve ndə r / (vendors )
1 N‑COUNT A vendor is someone who sells things such as newspapers, cigarettes, or food from a small stall or cart. □ …ice-cream vendors.
2 N‑COUNT The vendor of a house or piece of land is the person who owns it and is selling it. [LEGAL ] □ Remember, the estate agent is working for the vendor.
ve|neer /v I n I ə r / (veneers )
1 N‑SING [adj N ] If you refer to the pleasant way that someone or something appears as a veneer , you are critical of them because you believe that their true, hidden nature is not good. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] His super-clean image gave a veneer of respectability to the new professional set-up.
2 N‑VAR Veneer is a thin layer of wood or plastic which is used to improve the appearance of something. □ The wood was cut into large sheets of veneer.
ven|er|able /ve nərəb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A venerable person deserves respect because they are old and wise. □ …a venerable old man with white hair.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is venerable is impressive because it is old or important historically. □ May Day has become a venerable institution.
ven|er|ate /ve nəre I t/ (venerates , venerating , venerated ) VERB If you venerate someone or something, you value them or feel great respect for them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] My father venerated General Eisenhower. ● ven|er|at|ed ADJ □ Jerusalem is Christianity's most venerated place. ● ven|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ Churchill was held in near veneration during his lifetime.
ve|nereal dis|ease /v I n I ə riəl d I ziː z/ (venereal diseases ) N‑VAR Venereal disease is used to refer to diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhoea which are passed on by sexual intercourse. The abbreviation VD is also used.
Ve|netian blind /vəniː ʃ ə n bla I nd/ (Venetian blinds ) N‑COUNT A Venetian blind is a window blind made of thin horizontal strips which can be adjusted to let in more or less light.
venge|ance /ve ndʒ ə ns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Vengeance is the act of killing, injuring, or harming someone because they have harmed you. □ [+ on ] He swore vengeance on everyone involved in the murder.
2 PHRASE If you say that something happens with a vengeance , you are emphasizing that it happens to a much greater extent than was expected. [EMPHASIS ] □ It began to rain again with a vengeance.
venge|ful /ve ndʒfʊl/ ADJ If you describe someone as vengeful , you are critical of them because they feel a great desire for revenge. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The house is terrorised by vengeful ghosts.
veni|son /ve n I z ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Venison is the meat of a deer.
ven|om /ve nəm/ (venoms )
1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use venom to refer to someone's feelings of great bitterness and anger towards someone. □ [+ for ] He reserved particular venom for critics of his foreign policy.
2 N‑VAR The venom of a creature such as a snake or spider is the poison that it puts into your body when it bites or stings you. □ …snake handlers who grow immune to snake venom.
ven|om|ous /ve nəməs/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or their behaviour as venomous , you mean that they show great bitterness and anger towards someone. □ She has endured more sustained and venomous attacks than any woman politician.
2 ADJ A venomous snake, spider, or other creature uses poison to attack other creatures. □ The adder is Britain's only venomous snake.
ve|nous /viː nəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Venous is used to describe something which is related to veins. [MEDICAL ] □ …venous blood.
vent /ve nt/ (vents , venting , vented )
1 N‑COUNT A vent is a hole in something through which air can come in and smoke, gas, or smells can go out. □ [+ in ] There was a small air vent in the ceiling.
2 VERB If you vent your feelings, you express them forcefully. □ [V n] She phoned her best friend to vent her frustration. □ [V n + on ] The rioters were prevented from venting their anger on the police.
3 PHRASE If you give vent to your feelings, you express them forcefully. [FORMAL ] □ She gave vent to her anger and jealousy.
ven|ti|late /ve nt I le I t/ (ventilates , ventilating , ventilated ) VERB If you ventilate a room or building, you allow fresh air to get into it. □ [V n] Ventilate the room properly when paint stripping. □ [V -ed] …badly ventilated rooms. ● ven|ti|la|tion /ve nt I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The only ventilation comes from tiny sliding windows.
ven|ti|la|tor /ve nt I le I tə r / (ventilators )
1 N‑COUNT A ventilator is a machine that helps people breathe when they cannot breathe naturally, for example because they are very ill or have been seriously injured.
2 N‑COUNT A ventilator is a device that lets fresh air into a room or building and lets old or dirty air out.
ven|tri|cle /ve ntr I k ə l/ (ventricles ) N‑COUNT A ventricle is a part of the heart that pumps blood to the arteries. [MEDICAL ]
ven|trilo|quist /ventr I ləkw I st/ (ventriloquists ) N‑COUNT A ventriloquist is someone who can speak without moving their lips and who entertains people by making their words appear to be spoken by a puppet.
ven|ture ◆◇◇ /ve ntʃə r / (ventures , venturing , ventured )
1 N‑COUNT A venture is a project or activity which is new, exciting, and difficult because it involves the risk of failure. □ …his latest writing venture. □ Both parties sounded full of high hopes for their joint venture.
2 VERB If you venture somewhere, you go somewhere that might be dangerous. [LITERARY ] □ [V adv/prep] People are afraid to venture out for fear of sniper attacks.
3 VERB If you venture a question or statement, you say it in an uncertain way because you are afraid it might be stupid or wrong. [WRITTEN ] □ [V with quote] 'So you're Leo's girlfriend?' he ventured. □ [V that] He ventured that plants draw part of their nourishment from the air. □ [V n] Stephen ventured a few more sentences in halting Welsh.
4 VERB If you venture to do something that requires courage or is risky, you do it. □ [V to-inf] 'Don't ask,' he said, whenever Ginny ventured to raise the subject.
5 VERB If you venture into an activity, you do something that involves the risk of failure because it is new and different. □ [V + into ] He enjoyed little success when he ventured into business.
ve n|ture capi|tal N‑UNCOUNT Venture capital is capital that is invested in projects that have a high risk of failure, but that will bring large profits if they are successful. [BUSINESS ]
ve n|ture ca pi|tal|ist (venture capitalists ) N‑COUNT A venture capitalist is someone who makes money by investing in high risk projects. [BUSINESS ]
ven|ture|some /ve ntʃə r səm/ ADJ If you describe someone as venturesome , you mean that they are willing to take risks and try out new things. [FORMAL ] □ …the venturesome graduate who is determined to succeed.
venue ◆◇◇ /ve njuː/ (venues ) N‑COUNT The venue for an event or activity is the place where it will happen. □ [+ for ] The International Convention Centre is the venue for a three-day arts festival.
ve|rac|ity /vəræ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Veracity is the quality of being true or the habit of telling the truth. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] We have total confidence in the veracity of our research.
ve|ran|da /vəræ ndə/ (verandas ) also verandah N‑COUNT A veranda is a roofed platform along the outside of a house.
verb /vɜː r b/ (verbs )
1 N‑COUNT A verb is a word such as 'sing', 'feel', or 'die' which is used with a subject to say what someone or something does or what happens to them, or to give information about them.
2 → see also phrasal verb
ver|bal /vɜː r b ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use verbal to indicate that something is expressed in speech rather than in writing or action. □ They were jostled and subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse. □ We have a verbal agreement with her. ● ver|bal|ly ADV □ Teachers were threatened with kitchen knives, physically assaulted and verbally abused.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use verbal to indicate that something is connected with words and the use of words. □ The test has scores for verbal skills, mathematical skills, and abstract reasoning skills.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In grammar, verbal means relating to a verb. □ …a verbal noun.
ver|bal|ize /vɜː r bəla I z/ (verbalizes , verbalizing , verbalized ) in BRIT, also use verbalise VERB If you verbalize your feelings, thoughts, or ideas, you express them in words. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …his inability to verbalize his feelings. [Also V ]
ver|ba|tim /və r be I t I m/ ADV [ADV after v] If you repeat something verbatim , you use exactly the same words as were used originally. □ The President's speeches are regularly reproduced verbatim in the state-run newspapers. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Verbatim is also an adjective. □ She gave me a verbatim report of every conversation she's had this week.
ve rb group (verb groups ) N‑COUNT A verb group or verbal group consists of a verb, or of a main verb following a modal or one or more auxiliaries. Examples are 'walked', 'can see', and 'had been waiting'.
ver|bi|age /vɜː r bi I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's speech or writing as verbiage , you are critical of them because they use too many words, which makes their speech or writing difficult to understand. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Many mission statements are nothing but empty verbiage.
ver|bose /vɜː r boʊ s/ ADJ If you describe a person or a piece of writing as verbose , you are critical of them because they use more words than are necessary, and so make you feel bored or annoyed. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …verbose politicians. □ His writing is difficult and often verbose.
ver|dant /vɜː r d ə nt/ ADJ If you describe a place as verdant , you mean that it is covered with green grass, trees, and plants. [LITERARY ] □ …a small verdant garden with a view out over Paris.
ver|dict ◆◇◇ /vɜː r d I kt/ (verdicts )
1 N‑COUNT In a court of law, the verdict is the decision that is given by the jury or judge at the end of a trial. □ The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. □ Three judges will deliver their verdict in October.
2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's verdict on something is their opinion of it, after thinking about it or investigating it. □ The doctor's verdict was that he was entirely healthy. [Also + on ] SYNONYMS verdict NOUN 1
decision: A decision was taken to discipline Marshall.
finding: The government hopes the court will announce its findings before the end of the month.
judgment: The industry was awaiting a judgment from the European Court.
ver|di|gris /vɜː r d I gr I s, -griːs/ N‑UNCOUNT Verdigris is a greenish-blue substance that forms on the metals copper, brass, and bronze after they have been left in wet or damp conditions.
verge /vɜː r dʒ/ (verges , verging , verged )
1 PHRASE If you are on the verge of something, you are going to do it very soon or it is likely to happen or begin very soon. □ The country was on the verge of becoming prosperous and successful. □ Carole was on the verge of tears.
2 N‑COUNT The verge of a road is a narrow piece of ground by the side of a road, which is usually covered with grass or flowers. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use shoulder
▸ verge on PHRASAL VERB If someone or something verges on a particular state or quality, they are almost the same as that state or quality. □ [V P n] …a fury that verged on madness.
veri|fi|able /ve r I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ Something that is verifiable can be proved to be true or genuine. □ This is not a romantic notion, but verifiable fact.
veri|fy /ve r I fa I / (verifies , verifying , verified )
1 VERB If you verify something, you check that it is true by careful examination or investigation. □ [V n] I verified the source from which I had that information. □ [V that] A clerk simply verifies that the payment and invoice amount match. ● veri|fi|ca|tion /ve r I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] All charges against her are dropped pending the verification of her story.
2 VERB [no cont] If you verify something, you state or confirm that it is true. □ [V n] The government has not verified any of those reports. □ [V that] I can verify that it takes about thirty seconds.
veri|ly /ve r I li/ ADV Verily is an old-fashioned or religious word meaning 'truly'. It is used to emphasize a statement or opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □ Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
veri|si|mili|tude /ve r I s I m I l I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Verisimilitude is the quality of seeming to be true or real. [FORMAL ] □ At the required level of visual verisimilitude, computer animation is costly.
veri|table /ve r I təb ə l/ ADJ You can use veritable to emphasize the size, amount, or nature of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a veritable feast of pre-match entertainment.
ver|ity /ve r I ti/ (verities ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The verities of something are all the things that are believed to be true about it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …some verities of human nature.
ver|mil|ion /və r m I liən/ COLOUR Vermilion is used to describe things that are bright red in colour. [LITERARY ] □ …her vermilion lip gloss. □ The furniture on it is glossy vermilion.
ver|min /vɜː r m I n/ N‑PLURAL Vermin are small animals such as rats and mice which cause problems to humans by carrying disease and damaging crops or food.
ver|mouth /vɜː r məθ/ (vermouths ) N‑VAR Vermouth is a strong alcoholic drink made from red or white wine flavoured with herbs.
ver|nacu|lar /və r næ kjʊlə r / (vernaculars ) N‑COUNT The vernacular is the language or dialect that is most widely spoken by ordinary people in a region or country. □ …books or plays written in the vernacular.
ver|ru|ca /vəruː kə/ (verrucas ) N‑COUNT A verruca is a small infectious lump which grows on the bottom of your foot. [BRIT ]
ver|sa|tile /vɜː r səta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/
1 ADJ If you say that a person is versatile , you approve of them because they have many different skills. [APPROVAL ] □ He had been one of the game's most versatile athletes. ● ver|sa|til|ity /vɜː r sət I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Aileen stands out for her incredible versatility as an actress.
2 ADJ A tool, machine, or material that is versatile can be used for many different purposes. □ Never before has computing been so versatile. ● ver|sa|til|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ Velvet is not known for its versatility.
verse /vɜː r s/ (verses )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Verse is writing arranged in lines which have rhythm and which often rhyme at the end. □ I have been moved to write a few lines of verse.
2 → see also blank verse
3 N‑COUNT A verse is one of the parts into which a poem, a song, or a chapter of the Bible or the Koran is divided. □ This verse describes three signs of spring.
versed /vɜː r st/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are versed in or well versed in something, you know a lot about it. □ [+ in ] Page is well versed in many styles of jazz.
ver|sion ◆◆◇ /vɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (versions )
1 N‑COUNT A version of something is a particular form of it in which some details are different from earlier or later forms. □ [+ of ] …an updated version of his book. □ [+ of ] Ludo is a version of an ancient Indian racing game.
2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's version of an event is their own description of it, especially when it is different to other people's. □ [+ of ] Yesterday afternoon the White House put out a new version of events.
ver|sus /vɜː r səs/
1 PREP You use versus to indicate that two figures, ideas, or choices are opposed. □ Only 18.8% of the class of 1982 had some kind of diploma four years after high school, versus 45% of the class of 1972. □ …bottle-feeding versus breastfeeding.
2 PREP Versus is used to indicate that two teams or people are competing against each other in a sporting event. □ Italy versus Japan is turning out to be a surprisingly well-matched competition.
ver|te|bra /vɜː r t I brə/ (vertebrae /vɜː r t I bre I /) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vertebrae are the small circular bones that form the spine of a human being or animal.
ver|te|brate /vɜː r t I br I t/ (vertebrates ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A vertebrate is a creature which has a spine. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish are vertebrates.
ver|ti|cal /vɜː r t I k ə l/
1 ADJ Something that is vertical stands or points straight up. □ The gadget can be attached to any vertical or near vertical surface. ● ver|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Cut each bulb in half vertically.
2 N‑SING The vertical is the direction that points straight up, at an angle of 90 degrees to a flat surface. □ Pluto seems to have suffered a major collision that tipped it 122 degrees from the vertical.
ver|tigi|nous /vɜː r t I dʒ I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vertiginous cliff or mountain is very high and steep. [LITERARY ]
ver|ti|go /vɜː r t I goʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT If you get vertigo when you look down from a high place, you feel unsteady and sick.
verve /vɜː r v/ N‑UNCOUNT Verve is lively and forceful enthusiasm. [WRITTEN ] □ He looked for the dramatic, like the sunset in this painting, and painted it with great verve.
very ◆◆◆ /ve ri/
1 ADV [ADV adj/adv] Very is used to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. [EMPHASIS ] □ The problem and the answer are very simple. □ It is very, very strong evidence indeed. □ I'm very sorry. □ They are getting the hang of it very quickly. □ Thank you very much. □ The men were very much like my father.
2 PHRASE Not very is used with an adjective or adverb to say that something is not at all true, or that it is true only to a small degree. □ She's not very impressed with them. □ It's obviously not used very much. □ 'How well do you know her?'—'Not very.'
3 ADV You use very to give emphasis to a superlative adjective or adverb. For example, if you say that something is the very best , you are emphasizing that it is the best. [EMPHASIS ] □ They will be helped by the very latest in navigation aids. □ At the very least, the Government must offer some protection to mothers who fear domestic violence.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use very with certain nouns in order to specify an extreme position or extreme point in time. [EMPHASIS ] □ At the very back of the yard, several feet from Lenny, was a wooden shack. □ I turned to the very end of the book, to read the final words. □ He was wrong from the very beginning. □ We still do not have enough women at the very top.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use very with nouns to emphasize that something is exactly the right one or exactly the same one. [EMPHASIS ] □ Everybody says he is the very man for the case. □ She died in this very house.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use very with nouns to emphasize the importance or seriousness of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □ At one stage, his very life was in danger. □ This act undermines the very basis of our democracy. □ History is taking place before your very eyes.
7 PHRASE The expression very much so is an emphatic way of answering 'yes' to something or saying that it is true or correct. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Are you enjoying your holiday?'—'Very much so.'
8 CONVENTION Very well is used to say that you agree to do something or you accept someone's answer, even though you might not be completely satisfied with it. [FORMULAE ] □ 'We need proof, sir.' Another pause. Then, 'Very well.'. □ Very well, please yourself.
9 PHRASE If you say that you cannot very well do something, you mean that it would not be right or possible to do it. □ He couldn't very well go to her office and force her to write a check. □ I said yes. I can't very well say no. USAGE very
1
Don’t use ‘very’ to say that something happens because someone or something has a quality to an unusually large extent. Don’t say, for example, ‘
He looked very funny that we couldn’t help laughing
’. You say ‘He looked so
funny that we couldn’t help laughing’. □
We were so
angry that we asked to see the manager.
2
Don’t use ‘very’ with comparatives. Don’t say, for example, ‘
Tom was very quicker than I was
’. Say ‘Tom was much quicker
than I was’ or ‘Tom was far quicker
than I was’. □
It is much colder
than yesterday.
□
It is a far better
picture than the other one.
3
Don’t say that someone is ‘
very awake
’ or ‘
very asleep
’, or that two things are ‘
very apart
’. Say that they are wide awake
, fast asleep
, or far apart
. □
He was wide awake
all night.
□
Chris is still fast asleep
in the other bed.
ves|pers /ve spə r z/ N‑UNCOUNT In some Christian churches, vespers is a service in the evening.
ves|sel ◆◇◇ /ve s ə l/ (vessels )
1 N‑COUNT A vessel is a ship or large boat. [FORMAL ] □ …a New Zealand navy vessel.
2 N‑COUNT A vessel is a bowl or other container in which liquid is kept. [FORMAL ]
3 → see also blood vessel
vest /ve st/ (vests , vesting , vested )
1 N‑COUNT A vest is a piece of underwear which you can wear on the top half of your body in order to keep warm. [BRIT ] in AM, use undershirt 2 N‑COUNT A vest is a sleeveless piece of clothing with buttons which people usually wear over a shirt. [AM ] in BRIT, use waistcoat 3 VERB [usu passive] If something is vested in you, or if you are vested with it, it is given to you as a right or responsibility. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + in ] All authority was vested in the woman, who discharged every kind of public duty. □ [be V -ed + with ] The mass media have been vested with significant power in modern societies. □ [V -ed] There's an extraordinary amount of power vested in us.
ve st|ed i n|ter|est (vested interests ) N‑VAR If you have a vested interest in something, you have a very strong reason for acting in a particular way, for example to protect your money, power, or reputation. □ [+ in ] The administration has no vested interest in proving whether public schools were good or bad.
ves|ti|bule /ve st I bjuːl/ (vestibules ) N‑COUNT A vestibule is an enclosed area between the outside door of a building and the inside door. [FORMAL ]
ves|tige /ve st I dʒ/ (vestiges ) N‑COUNT A vestige of something is a very small part that still remains of something that was once much larger or more important. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] We represent the last vestige of what made this nation great–hard work.
ves|tig|ial /vest I dʒiəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vestigial is used to describe the small amounts of something that still remain of a larger or more important thing. [FORMAL ] □ Vestigial remains of these plays are now seen in the Christmas pantomime.
vest|ments /ve stmənts/ N‑PLURAL Vestments are the special clothes worn by priests during church ceremonies.
ves|try /ve stri/ (vestries ) N‑COUNT A vestry is a room in a church which the clergy use as an office or to change into their ceremonial clothes for church services.
vet /ve t/ (vets , vetting , vetted )
1 N‑COUNT A vet is someone who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use veterinarian 2 N‑COUNT A vet is someone who has served in the armed forces of their country, especially during a war. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ All three are Vietnam vets.
3 VERB If something is vetted , it is checked carefully to make sure that it is acceptable to people in authority. [mainly BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] He can find no trace of a rule requiring research to be vetted before publication. □ [V n] He had not been allowed to read any book until his mother had vetted it.
4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is vetted , they are investigated fully before being given a particular job, role, or position, especially one which involves military or political secrets. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] She was secretly vetted before she ever undertook any work for me. ● vet|ting N‑UNCOUNT □ The government is to make major changes to the procedure for carrying out security vetting.
vetch /ve tʃ/ (vetches ) N‑VAR Vetch is a wild plant. Some types of vetch are sometimes grown as a crop.
vet|er|an ◆◇◇ /ve tərən/ (veterans )
1 N‑COUNT A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces of their country, especially during a war. □ [+ of ] The charity was formed in 1919 to care for veterans of the First World War.
2 N‑COUNT [usu N n] You use veteran to refer to someone who has been involved in a particular activity for a long time. □ …the veteran Labour MP and former Cabinet minister. COLLOCATIONS veteran NOUN
1
noun + veteran : army, combat, navy, war
adjective + veteran : wounded; retired
2
noun + veteran : industry; comedy, screen, showbiz, theatre
adjective + veteran : grizzled, seasoned
Ve t|er|ans Day N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Veterans Day is November 11, when people honour those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.
vet|eri|nar|ian /ve tər I neə riən/ (veterinarians ) N‑COUNT A veterinarian is a person who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use vet
vet|eri|nary /ve tərənəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Veterinary is used to describe the work of a person whose job is to treat sick or injured animals, or to describe the medical treatment of animals. □ It was decided that our veterinary screening of horses at events should be continued.
ve t|eri|nary sur|geon (veterinary surgeons ) N‑COUNT A veterinary surgeon is someone who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals. [BRIT , FORMAL ] in AM, usually use veterinarian
veto /viː toʊ/ (vetoes , vetoing , vetoed )
1 VERB If someone in authority vetoes something, they forbid it, or stop it being put into action. □ [V n] The Treasury vetoed any economic aid. ● N‑COUNT Veto is also a noun. □ The veto was a calculated political risk.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Veto is the right that someone in authority has to forbid something. □ …the President's power of veto.
vex /ve ks/ (vexes , vexing , vexed )
1 VERB If someone or something vexes you, they make you feel annoyed, puzzled, and frustrated. □ [V n] It vexed me to think of others gossiping behind my back. ● vexed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ Exporters, farmers and industrialists alike are vexed and blame the government. ● vex|ing ADJ □ There remains, however, another and more vexing problem.
2 → see also vexed
vexa|tion /vekse I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Vexation is a feeling of being annoyed, puzzled, and frustrated. [FORMAL ] □ He kicked the broken machine in vexation.
vexed /ve kst/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vexed problem or question is very difficult and causes people a lot of trouble. □ Ministers have begun work on the vexed issue of economic union. □ …the vexed question of whether it was acceptable for players to be paid for their performances.
2 → see also vex
VHF /viː e I tʃ e f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] VHF is used to refer to a range of frequencies that is often used for transmitting radio broadcasts in stereo. VHF is an abbreviation for 'very high frequency'.
via ◆◇◇ /va I ə, viː ə/
1 PREP If you go somewhere via a particular place, you go through that place on the way to your destination. □ Mr Baker will return home via Britain and France.
2 PREP If you do something via a particular means or person, you do it by making use of that means or person. □ Translators can now work from home, via electronic mail systems. SYNONYMS via PREP
1
through: The main path continues through a tunnel of trees.
by: Daddy called and asked me to drop by his office.
2
by means of: This is a two-year course taught by means of lectures and seminars.
through: The thought of someone suffering through a mistake of mine makes me shiver.
by: The all-female yacht crew made history by becoming the first to sail round the world.
vi|able /va I əb ə l/
1 ADJ Something that is viable is capable of doing what it is intended to do. □ They struggled initially to make the business viable. □ …commercially viable products. ● vi|abil|ity /va I əb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the shaky financial viability of the nuclear industry.
2 ADJ Foetuses, seeds, or eggs are described as viable if they are capable of developing into living beings without outside help. [TECHNICAL ] □ Five viable pregnancies were established.
via|duct /va I ədʌkt/ (viaducts ) N‑COUNT A viaduct is a long, high bridge that carries a road or a railway across a valley.
Vi|ag|ra /va I æ grə/ N‑UNCOUNT Viagra is a drug that is given to men with certain sexual problems in order to help them to have sexual intercourse. [TRADEMARK ]
vial /va I əl/ (vials ) N‑COUNT A vial is a very small bottle which is used to hold something such as perfume or medicine. [FORMAL ]
vibe /va I b/ (vibes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vibes are the good or bad atmosphere that you sense with a person or in a place. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ about ] Sorry, Chris, but I have bad vibes about this guy.
vi|brant /va I brənt/
1 ADJ Someone or something that is vibrant is full of life, energy, and enthusiasm. □ Tom felt himself being drawn towards her vibrant personality. □ Orlando itself is vibrant, full of affordable accommodation and great places to eat. ● vi|bran|cy /va I brənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □ She was a woman with extraordinary vibrancy and extraordinary knowledge.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vibrant colours are very bright and clear. □ Horizon Blue, Corn Yellow and Pistachio Green are just three of the vibrant colours in this range. ● vi|brant|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …a selection of vibrantly coloured cast-iron saucepans.
vi|bra|phone /va I brəfoʊn/ (vibraphones ) N‑COUNT A vibraphone is an electronic musical instrument which consists of a set of metal bars in a frame. When you hit the bars they produce ringing notes that last for some time.
vi|brate /va I bre I t, [AM ] va I bre I t/ (vibrates , vibrating , vibrated ) VERB If something vibrates or if you vibrate it, it shakes with repeated small, quick movements. □ [V ] The ground shook and the cliffs seemed to vibrate. □ [V n] The noise vibrated the table. ● vi|bra|tion /va I bre I ʃ ə n/ (vibrations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The vibrations of the vehicles rattled the shop windows.
vi|bra|to /v I brɑː toʊ/ (vibratos ) N‑VAR Vibrato is a rapidly repeated slight change in the pitch of a musical note. Singers and musicians use vibrato to make the music sound more emotional. □ I encourage oboe and clarinet players to use plenty of vibrato.
vi|bra|tor /va I bre I tə r , [AM ] va I bre I tər/ (vibrators ) N‑COUNT A vibrator is an electric device which vibrates. It is used in massage to reduce pain, or to give sexual pleasure.
vic|ar /v I kə r / (vicars )
1 N‑COUNT A vicar is an Anglican priest who is in charge of a church and the area it is in, which is called a parish. [mainly BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT A vicar is a priest who is in charge of a chapel that is associated with a parish church in the Episcopal Church in the United States. [AM ]
vic|ar|age /v I kər I dʒ/ (vicarages ) N‑COUNT A vicarage is a house in which a vicar lives. [BRIT ]
vi|cari|ous /v I keə riəs, [AM ] va I kæ r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] A vicarious pleasure or feeling is experienced by watching, listening to, or reading about other people doing something, rather than by doing it yourself. □ She invents fantasy lives for her own vicarious pleasure. ● vi|cari|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ …a father who lived vicariously through his sons' success.
vice ◆◇◇ /va I s/ (vices )
1 N‑COUNT A vice is a habit which is regarded as a weakness in someone's character, but not usually as a serious fault. □ Intellectual pretension was never one of his vices.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Vice refers to criminal activities, especially those connected with pornography or prostitution. □ He said those convicted of offences connected with vice should be deported.
3 N‑COUNT A vice is a tool with a pair of parts that hold an object tightly while you do work on it. [BRIT ] in AM, use vise
PREFIX vice-
is used before a rank or title to indicate that someone is next in importance to the person who holds the rank or title mentioned. For example, the vice-president of a country is a senior political leader who has a position that is immediately below that of the president.
vice-cha ncellor (vice-chancellors )
1 N‑COUNT In a British university, the vice-chancellor is the person in charge of academic and administrative matters.
2 N‑COUNT In an American university, the vice-chancellor is the person next in rank below the chancellor, who acts as the chancellor's deputy or substitute.
vice|roy /va I srɔ I / (viceroys ) N‑COUNT In former times, a viceroy was the person who ruled a colony on behalf of his king, queen, or government.
vi ce squad (vice squads ) N‑COUNT [N n] The vice squad is the section of a police force that deals with crime relating to pornography, prostitution, and gambling. □ …ten vice-squad officers.
vice ver|sa /va I sə veː r sə/ PHRASE Vice versa is used to indicate that the reverse of what you have said is true. For example 'women may bring their husbands with them, and vice versa' means that men may also bring their wives with them. □ Teachers qualified to teach in England are not accepted in Scotland, and vice versa.
vi|cin|ity /v I s I n I ti/ N‑SING [oft in N ] If something is in the vicinity of a particular place, it is near it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] There were a hundred or so hotels in the vicinity of the railway station.
vi|cious /v I ʃəs/
1 ADJ A vicious person or a vicious blow is violent and cruel. □ He was a cruel and vicious man. □ He suffered a vicious attack by a gang of white youths. □ The blow was so sudden and vicious that he dropped to his knees. ● vi|cious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ She had been viciously attacked with a hammer. ● vi|cious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the intensity and viciousness of these attacks.
2 ADJ A vicious remark is cruel and intended to upset someone. □ It is a deliberate, nasty and vicious attack on a young man's character. ● vi|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'He deserved to die,' said Penelope viciously.
vi |cious ci r|cle (vicious circles ) or vicious cycle N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vicious circle is a problem or difficult situation that has the effect of creating new problems which then cause the original problem or situation to occur again. □ Anxiety produces physical symptoms, and the two feed each other in a vicious circle.
vi|cis|si|tudes /v I s I s I tjuːdz, [AM ] -tuːdz/ N‑PLURAL You use vicissitudes to refer to changes, especially unpleasant ones, that happen to someone or something at different times in their life or development. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Whatever the vicissitudes of her past life, Jill now seems to have come through.
vic|tim ◆◆◇ /v I kt I m/ (victims )
1 N‑COUNT A victim is someone who has been hurt or killed. □ Not all the victims survived. □ [+ of ] Statistically, our chances of being the victims of violent crime are remote.
2 N‑COUNT A victim is someone who has suffered as a result of someone else's actions or beliefs, or as a result of unpleasant circumstances. □ [+ of ] He was a victim of racial prejudice. □ Infectious diseases are spreading among many of the flood victims.
3 PHRASE If you fall victim to something or someone, you suffer as a result of them, or you are killed by them. □ In the early 1960s, Blyton fell victim to Alzheimer's disease.
vic|tim|ize ◆◇◇ /v I kt I ma I z/ (victimizes , victimizing , victimized ) in BRIT, also use victimise VERB If someone is victimized , they are deliberately treated unfairly. □ [be V -ed] He felt the students had been victimized because they'd voiced opposition to the government. [Also V n] ● vic|timi|za|tion /v I kt I ma I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …society's cruel victimization of women.
vic|tim|less /v I kt I mləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A victimless crime is a crime which is considered to be less serious than other crimes because nobody suffers directly as a result of it. [JOURNALISM ] □ …the so-called victimless crime of prostitution.
vi c|tim sup|po rt N‑UNCOUNT Victim support is the giving of help and advice to people who are victims of crime. □ When the attack took place, there were no victim support schemes.
vic|tor /v I ktə r / (victors ) N‑COUNT The victor in a battle or contest is the person who wins. [LITERARY ]
Vic|to|rian /v I ktɔː riən/ (Victorians )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Victorian means belonging to, connected with, or typical of Britain in the middle and last parts of the 19th century, when Victoria was Queen. □ We have a lovely old Victorian house. □ …The Early Victorian Period.
2 ADJ You can use Victorian to describe people who have old-fashioned attitudes, especially about good behaviour and morals. □ Victorian values are much misunderstood. □ My grandfather was very Victorian.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The Victorians were the British people who lived in the time of Queen Victoria.
Vic|to|ri|ana /v I ktɔː riɑː nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Interesting or valuable objects made in the time of Queen Victoria are sometimes referred to as Victoriana .
vic|to|ri|ous /v I ktɔː riəs/ ADJ You use victorious to describe someone who has won a victory in a struggle, war, or competition. □ It has been a season in which he has been on the victorious side just three times.
vic|to|ry ◆◆◇ /v I ktəri/ (victories )
1 N‑VAR A victory is a success in a struggle, war, or competition. □ Union leaders are heading for victory in their battle over workplace rights. □ [+ over ] He led the team to victory over France.
2 PHRASE If you say that someone has won a moral victory , you mean that although they have officially lost a contest or dispute, they have succeeded in showing they are right about something. □ She said her party had won a moral victory.
video ◆◆◇ /v I dioʊ/ (videos , videoing , videoed )
1 N‑COUNT A video is a film or television programme recorded digitally (or in the past on tape) for people to watch on a television set. □ …the makers of films and videos.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Video is the system of recording films and events either digitally or (in the past) on tape. □ She has watched the race on video. □ …manufacturers of audio and video equipment.
3 N‑COUNT A video is a machine used in the past to record television programmes and play videos on a television set. [mainly BRIT ] □ He'd set the video for 8.00. in AM, usually use VCR 4 VERB If you video an event, you record it on video. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n] She had been videoing the highlights of the tournament. in AM, usually use tape 5 N‑UNCOUNT Video is a system by which you can see television images or films on your computer, rather than on a television set.
vi deo ca mera (video cameras ) N‑COUNT A video camera is a camera that you used in the past to record events to watch later on video.
vi deo cas|se tte (video cassettes ) N‑COUNT In the past, a video cassette was a cassette containing videotape, on which you could record or watch moving pictures and sounds.
vi deo-co nference (video-conferences ) N‑COUNT A video-conference is a meeting that takes place using video conferencing. [BUSINESS ]
video con|fer|enc|ing /v I dioʊ kɒ nfrəns I ŋ/ also video-conferencing , videoconferencing N‑UNCOUNT Video conferencing is a system that enables people in various places around the world to have a meeting by seeing and hearing each other on a screen. [BUSINESS ]
vi deo di a|ry (video diaries ) N‑COUNT A video diary is a film that someone makes of the things that happen to them over a period of time, which they upload to a website.
vi deo game (video games ) N‑COUNT A video game is a computer game that you play by using controls or buttons to move images on a screen.
video|tape /v I dioʊte I p/ also video tape N‑UNCOUNT Videotape is magnetic tape that is used to record moving pictures and sounds to be shown on television.
vie /va I / (vies , vying , vied ) VERB If one person or thing is vying with another for something, the people or things are competing for it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + with ] California is vying with other states to capture a piece of the growing communications market. □ [V to-inf] Four rescue plans are vying to save the zoo. □ [V + for ] In hospitals, business plans vie with patients for doctors' attention. □ [V + for ] The two are vying for the support of New York voters.
view ◆◆◆ /vjuː / (views , viewing , viewed )
1 N‑COUNT [N that] Your views on something are the beliefs or opinions that you have about it, for example whether you think it is good, bad, right, or wrong. □ [+ on ] Neither of them had strong views on politics. □ My own view is absolutely clear. What I did was right. □ You should also make your views known to your local MP.
2 N‑SING Your view of a particular subject is the way that you understand and think about it. □ [+ of ] The drama takes an idealistic, even a naive view of the subject. □ [+ of ] The whole point was to get away from a Christian-centred view of religion.
3 VERB If you view something in a particular way, you think of it in that way. □ [V n + as ] First-generation Americans view the United States as a land of golden opportunity. □ [V n + with ] Abigail's mother Linda views her daughter's talent with a mixture of pride and worry. □ [V n with adv] We would view favourably any sensible suggestion for maintaining the business. [Also V n + in ]
4 N‑COUNT The view from a window or high place is everything which can be seen from that place, especially when it is considered to be beautiful. □ [+ from ] The view from our window was one of beautiful green countryside.
5 N‑SING If you have a view of something, you can see it. □ [+ of ] He stood up to get a better view of the blackboard.
6 N‑UNCOUNT You use view in expressions to do with being able to see something. For example, if something is in view , you can see it. If something is in full view of everyone , everyone can see it. □ She was lying there in full view of anyone who walked by. □ A group of riders came into view on the dirt road.
7 VERB If you view something, you look at it for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They came back to view the house again.
8 VERB If you view a television programme, video, or film, you watch it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We have viewed the footage of the incident. □ [V -ing] 'Elizabeth R', a TV portrait of the Queen, had record viewing figures.
9 N‑UNCOUNT View refers to the way in which a piece of text or graphics is displayed on a computer screen. [COMPUTING ] □ To see the current document in full-page view, click the Page Zoom Full button.
10 PHRASE If you take a dim view or a poor view of someone or something, you disapprove of them or have a low opinion of them. □ They took a dim view of local trade unionists.
11 PHRASE You use in my view when you want to indicate that you are stating a personal opinion, which other people might not agree with. □ In my view, things won't change.
12 PHRASE You use in view of when you are taking into consideration facts that have just been mentioned or are just about to be mentioned. □ In view of the fact that Hobson was not a trained economist, his achievements were remarkable.
13 PHRASE If you have something in view , you are aware of it and your actions are aimed towards it. □ They have very clear career aims in view. □ Ackroyd worked out this whole plot with one objective in view.
14 PHRASE If you take the long view , you consider what is likely to happen in the future over a long period, rather than thinking only about things that are going to happen soon. □ Some investors are taking the long view. [Also + of ]
15 PHRASE If something such as a work of art is on view , it is shown in public for people to look at. □ A significant exhibition of contemporary sculpture will be on view at the Portland Gallery.
16 PHRASE If you do something with a view to doing something else, you do it because you hope it will result in that other thing being done. □ He has called a meeting of all parties, with a view to forming a government.
view|er ◆◇◇ /vjuː ə r / (viewers )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Viewers are people who watch television, or who are watching a particular programme on television. □ These programmes are each watched by around 19 million viewers every week.
2 N‑COUNT A viewer is someone who is looking carefully at a picture or other interesting object. □ …the relationship between the art object and the viewer.
view|finder /vjuː fa I ndə r / (viewfinders ) N‑COUNT A viewfinder is a small square of glass in a camera that you look through in order to see what you are going to photograph.
view|point /vjuː pɔ I nt/ (viewpoints )
1 N‑COUNT Someone's viewpoint is the way that they think about things in general, or the way they think about a particular thing. □ The novel is shown from the girl's viewpoint.
2 N‑COUNT A viewpoint is a place from which you can get a good view of something. □ You have to know where to stand for a good viewpoint.
vig|il /v I dʒ I l/ (vigils ) N‑COUNT A vigil is a period of time when people remain quietly in a place, especially at night, for example because they are praying or are making a political protest. □ Protesters are holding a twenty-four hour vigil outside the socialist party headquarters. ● PHRASE If someone keeps a vigil or keeps vigil somewhere, they remain there quietly for a period of time, especially at night, for example because they are praying or are making a political protest. □ She kept a vigil at Patrick's bedside.
vigi|lant /v I dʒ I lənt/ ADJ Someone who is vigilant gives careful attention to a particular problem or situation and concentrates on noticing any danger or trouble that there might be. □ He warned the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. ● vigi|lance N‑UNCOUNT □ Democracy is fragile and will not survive without constant vigilance.
vigi|lan|te /v I dʒ I læ nti/ (vigilantes ) N‑COUNT Vigilantes are people who organize themselves into an unofficial group to protect their community and to catch and punish criminals. □ …vigilante patrols.
vi|gnette /v I nje t/ (vignettes ) N‑COUNT A vignette is a short description, picture, or piece of acting which expresses very clearly and neatly the typical characteristics of the thing that it represents. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The book is an excellent vignette of some of the major debates in science.
vig|or|ous /v I gərəs/
1 ADJ Vigorous physical activities involve using a lot of energy, usually to do short and repeated actions. □ Very vigorous exercise can increase the risk of heart attacks. □ African dance is vigorous, but full of subtlety. ● vig|or|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ He shook his head vigorously.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A vigorous person does things with great energy and enthusiasm. A vigorous campaign or activity is done with great energy and enthusiasm. □ Sir Robert was a strong and vigorous politician. □ …a vigorous campaign against GM food. ● vig|or|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The police vigorously denied that excessive force had been used.
vig|our /v I gə r / in AM, use vigor N‑UNCOUNT Vigour is physical or mental energy and enthusiasm. □ His body lacks the bounce and vigour of a normal two-year-old.
Vi|king /va I k I ŋ/ (Vikings ) N‑COUNT The Vikings were men who sailed from Scandinavia and attacked villages in most parts of north-western Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
vile /va I l/ (viler , vilest ) ADJ If you say that someone or something is vile , you mean that they are very unpleasant. □ She was in too vile a mood to work.
vili|fy /v I l I fa I / (vilifies , vilifying , vilified ) VERB If you are vilified by someone, they say or write very unpleasant things about you, so that people will have a low opinion of you. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + for ] His lawyer was vilified for representing him. □ [be V -ed] He was vilified, hounded, and forced into exile by the FBI. [Also V n, V n + as ] ● vili|fi|ca|tion /v I l I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Clare did not deserve the vilification she had been subjected to.
vil|la /v I lə/ (villas ) N‑COUNT A villa is a fairly large house, especially one that is used for holidays in Mediterranean countries.
vil|lage ◆◆◇ /v I l I dʒ/ (villages ) N‑COUNT A village consists of a group of houses, together with other buildings such as a church and a school, in a country area. □ He lives quietly in the country in a village near Lahti. □ …the village school.
vil|lag|er /v I l I dʒə r / (villagers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You refer to the people who live in a village, especially the people who have lived there for most or all of their lives, as the villagers . □ Soon the villagers couldn't afford to buy food for themselves.
vil|lain /v I lən/ (villains )
1 N‑COUNT A villain is someone who deliberately harms other people or breaks the law in order to get what he or she wants.
2 N‑COUNT The villain in a novel, film, or play is the main bad character.
vil|lain|ous /v I lənəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A villainous person is very bad and willing to harm other people or break the law in order to get what he or she wants. □ …her villainous father.
vil|lainy /v I ləni/ N‑UNCOUNT Villainy is very bad or criminal behaviour. [FORMAL ] □ They justify every villainy in the name of high ideals.
vinai|grette /v I n I gre t/ (vinaigrettes ) N‑VAR Vinaigrette is a dressing made by mixing oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs, which is put on salad.
vin|di|cate /v I nd I ke I t/ (vindicates , vindicating , vindicated ) VERB If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated , they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The director said he had been vindicated by the experts' report. [Also V n] ● vin|di|ca|tion /v I nd I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □ [+ of ] He called the success a vindication of his party's free-market economic policy.
vin|dic|tive /v I nd I kt I v/ ADJ If you say that someone is vindictive , you are critical of them because they deliberately try to upset or cause trouble for someone who they think has done them harm. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a vindictive woman desperate for revenge against the man who loved and left her. ● vin|dic|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …a dishonest person who is operating completely out of vindictiveness.
vine /va I n/ (vines ) N‑VAR A vine is a plant that grows up or over things, especially one which produces grapes.
vin|egar /v I n I gə r / (vinegars ) N‑VAR Vinegar is a sharp-tasting liquid, usually made from sour wine or malt, which is used to make things such as salad dressing.
vin|egary /v I n I gəri/ ADJ If something has a vinegary taste or smell, it tastes or smells of vinegar. □ The salads taste too vinegary.
vine|yard /v I njə r d/ (vineyards ) N‑COUNT A vineyard is an area of land where grape vines are grown in order to produce wine. You can also use vineyard to refer to the set of buildings in which the wine is produced.
vin|tage /v I nt I dʒ/ (vintages )
1 N‑COUNT The vintage of a good quality wine is the year and place that it was made before being stored to improve it. You can also use vintage to refer to the wine that was made in a certain year. □ This wine is from one of the two best vintages of the decade in this region.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Vintage wine is good quality wine that has been stored for several years in order to improve its quality. □ If you can buy only one case at auction, it should be vintage port.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Vintage cars or aeroplanes are old but are admired because they are considered to be the best of their kind. □ The museum will have a permanent exhibition of 60 vintage cars.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use vintage to describe something which is the best and most typical of its kind. □ This is vintage comedy at its best.
vint|ner /v I ntnə r / (vintners )
1 N‑COUNT A vintner is someone whose job is to buy and sell wine. [FORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT A vintner is someone who grows grapes and makes wine. [FORMAL ]
vi|nyl /va I n I l/ (vinyls )
1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Vinyl is a strong plastic used for making things such as floor coverings and furniture. □ …a modern vinyl floor covering. □ …a reclining chair upholstered in shiny blue vinyl.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] You can use vinyl to refer to records, especially in contrast to cassettes or compact discs. □ The shop sold 20% of its music on vinyl.
viol /va I əl/ (viols ) N‑VAR Viols are a family of musical instruments that are made of wood and have six strings. You play the viol with a bow while sitting down.
vio|la /vioʊ lə/ (violas ) N‑VAR A viola is a musical instrument with four strings that is played with a bow. It is like a violin, but is slightly larger and can play lower notes.
vio|late ◆◇◇ /va I əle I t/ (violates , violating , violated )
1 VERB If someone violates an agreement, law, or promise, they break it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They went to prison because they violated the law. ● vio|la|tion /va I əle I ʃ ə n/ (violations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] To deprive the boy of his education is a violation of state law. □ [+ of ] He was in violation of his contract. ● vio|la|tor (violators ) N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] …a government which is a known violator of human rights.
2 VERB If you violate someone's privacy or peace, you disturb it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] These men were violating her family's privacy.
3 VERB If someone violates a special place, for example a grave, they damage it or treat it with disrespect. □ [V n] Detectives are still searching for those who violated the graveyard. ● vio|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The violation of the graves is not the first such incident. SYNONYMS violate VERB 1
break: We didn't know we were breaking the law.
infringe: The jury ruled that he had infringed no rules.
disobey: He urged the soldiers to disobey orders if asked to fire on civilian targets.
breach: The newspaper breached the code of conduct on privacy.
contravene: He said the article did not contravene the industry's code of conduct.
vio|lence ◆◆◇ /va I ələns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Violence is behaviour which is intended to hurt, injure, or kill people. □ Twenty people were killed in the violence. □ They threaten them with violence.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you do or say something with violence , you use a lot of force and energy in doing or saying it, often because you are angry. [LITERARY ] □ The violence in her tone gave Alistair a shock. SYNONYMS violence NOUN 1
brutality: Her experience of men was of domination and brutality.
savagery: …the sheer savagery of war.
terrorism: They were accused of terrorism.
brute force: He used brute force to take control.
vio|lent ◆◇◇ /va I ələnt/
1 ADJ If someone is violent , or if they do something which is violent , they use physical force or weapons to hurt, injure, or kill other people. □ A quarter of current inmates have committed violent crimes. □ …violent anti-government demonstrations. □ Sometimes the men get violent. ● vio|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Some opposition activists have been violently attacked.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A violent event happens suddenly and with great force. □ A violent explosion seemed to jolt the whole ground. ● vio|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ A nearby volcano erupted violently, sending out a hail of molten rock and boiling mud.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as violent , you mean that it is said, done, or felt very strongly. □ Violent opposition to the plan continues. □ He had violent stomach pains. □ …an outburst of violent emotion. ● vio|lent|ly ADV □ He was violently scolded.
4 ADJ A violent death is painful and unexpected, usually because the person who dies has been murdered. □ …an innocent man who had met a violent death. ● vio|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …a girl who had died violently nine years earlier.
5 ADJ A violent film or television programme contains a lot of scenes which show violence. □ It was the most violent film that I have ever seen. SYNONYMS violent ADJ
1
bloodthirsty: They were savage and bloodthirsty.
brutal: He was the victim of a very brutal murder.
vicious: He suffered a vicious attack by a gang of white youths.
savage: This was a savage attack on a defenceless young girl.
aggressive: Some children are much more aggressive than others.
2
devastating: The city of Ormac took the full force of the winds and devastating floods.
raging: The field trip involved crossing a raging torrent.
wild: The wild weather did not deter some people from swimming in the sea.
vio|let /va I əl I t/ (violets )
1 N‑COUNT A violet is a small plant that has purple or white flowers in the spring.
2 COLOUR Something that is violet is a bluish-purple colour. □ The light was beginning to drain from a violet sky.
3 PHRASE If you say that someone is no shrinking violet , you mean that they are not at all shy. □ When it comes to expressing himself he is no shrinking violet.
vio|lin /va I əl I n/ (violins ) N‑VAR A violin is a musical instrument. Violins are made of wood and have four strings. You play the violin by holding it under your chin and moving a bow across the strings. □ Lizzie used to play the violin.
vio|lin|ist /va I əl I n I st/ (violinists ) N‑COUNT A violinist is someone who plays the violin.
VIP /viː a I piː / (VIPs ) N‑COUNT A VIP is someone who is given better treatment than ordinary people because they are famous, influential, or important. VIP is an abbreviation for 'very important person'.
vi|per /va I pə r / (vipers ) N‑COUNT A viper is a small poisonous snake found mainly in Europe.
vi|ral /va I ə rəl/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A viral disease or infection is caused by a virus. □ …a 65-year-old patient suffering from severe viral pneumonia.
2 ADJ A viral film clip, story, or message is one that spreads quickly because people share it on social media and send it to each other. □ [go +ADJ ] The Facebook post soon went viral. □ …viral videos.
vir|gin /vɜː r dʒ I n/ (virgins )
1 N‑COUNT A virgin is someone who has never had sex. □ I was a virgin until I was thirty years old.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use virgin to describe something such as land that has never been used or spoiled. □ Within 40 years there will be no virgin forest left.
3 PHRASE If you say that a situation is virgin territory , you mean that you have no experience of it and it is completely new for you.
4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] You can use virgin to describe someone who has never done or used a particular thing before. □ Until he appeared in 'In the Line of Fire', the actor had been an action-movie virgin.
vir|gin|al /vɜː r dʒ I n ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as virginal , you mean that they look young and innocent, as if they have had no experience of sex. □ Somehow she'd always been a child in his mind, pure and virginal.
2 ADJ Something that is virginal looks new and clean, as if it has not been used or spoiled. □ …abandoning worn-out land to cultivate virginal pasture.
vir|gin|ity /və r dʒ I n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Virginity is the state of never having had sex. □ She lost her virginity when she was 20. ● PHRASE When you lose your virginity , you have sex for the first time.
Vir|go /vɜː r goʊ/ (Virgos )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Virgo is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a young woman. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of August and the 22nd of September come under this sign.
2 N‑COUNT A Virgo is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Virgo.
vir|ile /v I ra I l, [AM ] -r ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe a man as virile , you mean that he has the qualities that a man is traditionally expected to have, such as strength and sexual power. □ He wanted his sons to become strong, virile, and athletic like himself. ● vi|ril|ity /v I r I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Children are also considered proof of a man's virility.
2 ADJ Something that is described as virile is considered to be very strong and forceful. [LITERARY ] □ …Prokofiev's most virile, aggressive music.
vir|tual /vɜː r tʃuəl/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use virtual to indicate that something is so nearly true that for most purposes it can be regarded as true. □ Argentina came to a virtual standstill while the game was being played. □ …conditions of virtual slavery.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Virtual objects and activities are generated by a computer to simulate real objects and activities. [COMPUTING ] □ The site provided a virtual meeting place for activists. ● vir|tu|al|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ People speculate about virtuality systems, but we're already working on it.
vir|tu|al|ly ◆◇◇ /vɜː r tʃuəli/ ADV You can use virtually to indicate that something is so nearly true that for most purposes it can be regarded as true. □ Virtually all cooking was done over coal-fired ranges. □ It would have been virtually impossible to research all the information. SYNONYMS virtually ADV
practically: He'd known the old man practically all his life.
almost: He was almost as tall as Pete, but skinnier.
nearly: Several times Thorne nearly fell.
vi r|tual me mo|ry N‑UNCOUNT Virtual memory is a computing technique in which you increase the size of a computer's memory by arranging or storing the data in it in a different way. [COMPUTING ]
vi r|tual re|a l|ity N‑UNCOUNT Virtual reality is an environment which is produced by a computer and seems very like reality to the person experiencing it. [COMPUTING ]
vi r|tual sto r|age N‑UNCOUNT Virtual storage is the same as virtual memory . [COMPUTING ]
vir|tue /vɜː r tʃuː/ (virtues )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Virtue is thinking and doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. □ She could have established her own innocence and virtue easily enough.
2 N‑COUNT A virtue is a good quality or way of behaving. □ His virtue is patience. □ Humility is considered a virtue.
3 N‑COUNT The virtue of something is an advantage or benefit that it has, especially in comparison with something else. □ [+ in ] There was no virtue in returning to Calvi the way I had come.
4 PHRASE You use by virtue of to explain why something happens or is true. [FORMAL ] □ The article stuck in my mind by virtue of one detail.
5 PHRASE If you make a virtue of something, you pretend that you did it because you chose to, although in fact you did it because you had to. □ The movie makes a virtue out of its economy.
vir|tu|os|ity /vɜː r tʃuɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The virtuosity of someone such as an artist or sports player is their great skill. □ At that time, his virtuosity on the trumpet had no parallel in jazz.
vir|tuo|so /vɜː r tʃuoʊ zoʊ/ (virtuosos or virtuosi /vɜː r tʃuoʊ zi/)
1 N‑COUNT A virtuoso is someone who is extremely good at something, especially at playing a musical instrument. □ He was gaining a reputation as a remarkable virtuoso.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A virtuoso performance or display shows great skill. □ England's football fans were hoping for a virtuoso performance against Cameroon.
vir|tu|ous /vɜː r tʃuəs/
1 ADJ A virtuous person behaves in a moral and correct way. □ Louis was shown as an intelligent, courageous and virtuous family man.
2 ADJ If you describe someone as virtuous , you mean that they have done what they ought to do and feel very pleased with themselves, perhaps too pleased. □ I cleaned the flat, which left me feeling virtuous. ● vir|tu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ 'I've already done that,' said Ronnie virtuously.
vi r|tu|ous ci r|cle N‑SING If you describe a situation as a virtuous circle , you mean that once one good thing starts happening, other good things happen, which cause the first thing to continue happening. □ Exercise creates its own virtuous circle. You feel so good you want to continue. □ [+ of ] …a virtuous circle of investment and growth.
viru|lence /v I rjʊləns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Virulence is great bitterness and hostility. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The virulence of the café owner's anger had appalled her.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The virulence of a disease or poison is its ability to harm or kill people or animals. □ Medical authorities were baffled, both as to its causes and its virulence.
viru|lent /v I rjʊlənt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Virulent feelings or actions are extremely bitter and hostile. [FORMAL ] □ Now he faces virulent attacks from the Italian media. ● viru|lent|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □ The talk was virulently hostile to the leadership.
2 ADJ A virulent disease or poison is extremely powerful and dangerous. □ A very virulent form of the disease appeared in Belgium.
vi|rus ◆◇◇ /va I ə rəs/ (viruses )
1 N‑COUNT A virus is a kind of germ that can cause disease. □ There are many different strains of flu virus.
2 N‑COUNT In computer technology, a virus is a program that introduces itself into a system, altering or destroying the information stored in the system. [COMPUTING ]
visa /viː zə/ (visas ) N‑COUNT A visa is an official document, or a stamp put in your passport, which allows you to enter or leave a particular country. □ His visitor's visa expired. □ …an exit visa. □ …a tightening of U.S. visa requirements.
vis|age /v I z I dʒ/ (visages ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's visage is their face. [LITERARY ] □ …his milky-white innocent visage.
vis-à-vis /viː z ɑː viː / PREP You use vis-à-vis when you are considering a relationship or comparison between two things or quantities. [FORMAL ] □ Each currency is given a value vis-à-vis the other currencies.
vis|cera /v I sərə/ N‑PLURAL Viscera are the large organs inside the body, such as the heart, liver, and stomach. [MEDICAL ]
vis|cer|al /v I sərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Visceral feelings are feelings that you feel very deeply and find it difficult to control or ignore, and that are not the result of thought. [LITERARY ] □ …the sheer visceral joy of being alive.
vis|cose /v I skoʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Viscose is a smooth artificial fabric. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a black viscose floral dress. in AM, usually use rayon
vis|cos|ity /v I skɒ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Viscosity is the quality that some liquids have of being thick and sticky. □ [+ of ] …the viscosity of the paint.
vis|count /va I kaʊnt/ (viscounts ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A viscount is a British nobleman who is below an earl and above a baron in rank. □ …a biography of Viscount Mourne.
vis|count|ess /va I kaʊnt I s/ (viscountesses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A viscountess is the wife of a viscount or a woman who holds the same position as a viscount.
vis|cous /v I skəs/ ADJ A viscous liquid is thick and sticky. □ …dark, viscous blood.
vise /va I s/ → see vice 3
vis|ibil|ity /v I z I b I l I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Visibility means how far or how clearly you can see in particular weather conditions. □ Visibility was poor.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the visibility of something such as a situation or problem, you mean how much it is seen or noticed by other people. □ …the global visibility of the protests.
vis|ible ◆◇◇ /v I z I b ə l/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is visible , it can be seen. □ The warning lights were clearly visible. □ [+ to ] They found a bacterium visible to the human eye. [Also + from ]
2 ADJ You use visible to describe something or someone that people notice or recognize. □ The most visible sign of the intensity of the crisis is unemployment. □ He was making a visible effort to control himself. ● vis|ibly /v I z I bli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ They emerged visibly distressed and weeping.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] In economics, visible earnings are the money that a country makes as a result of producing goods, rather than from services such as banking and tourism. [BUSINESS ] □ In the U.K. visible imports have traditionally been greater than visible exports. SYNONYMS visible ADJ 1
perceptible: Pasternak gave him a barely perceptible smile.
noticeable: It is noticeable that women do not have the rivalry that men have.
observable: Mars is too faint and too low in the sky to be observable.
vi|sion ◆◇◇ /v I ʒ ə n/ (visions )
1 N‑COUNT Your vision of a future situation or society is what you imagine or hope it would be like, if things were very different from the way they are now. □ [+ of ] I have a vision of a society that is free of exploitation and injustice. □ [+ of ] That's my vision of how the world could be.
2 N‑COUNT If you have a vision of someone in a particular situation, you imagine them in that situation, for example because you are worried that it might happen, or hope that it will happen. □ [+ of ] He had a vision of Cheryl, slumped on a plastic chair in the waiting-room. □ [+ of ] Maybe you had visions of being surrounded by happy, smiling children.
3 N‑COUNT A vision is the experience of seeing something that other people cannot see, for example in a religious experience or as a result of madness or taking drugs. □ It was on 24th June 1981 that young villagers first reported seeing the Virgin Mary in a vision.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Your vision is your ability to see clearly with your eyes. □ It causes blindness or serious loss of vision.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Your vision is everything that you can see from a particular place or position. □ Jane blocked Cross's vision and he could see nothing.
6 → see also tunnel vision SYNONYMS vision NOUN 1
idea: My idea of physical perfection is to be very slender.
dream: My dream is to have a house in the country.
fantasy: …fantasies of romance and true love.
vi|sion|ary /v I ʒənri, [AM ] -neri/ (visionaries )
1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a visionary , you mean that they have strong, original ideas about how things might be different in the future, especially about how things might be improved. □ An entrepreneur is more than just a risk taker. He is a visionary.
2 ADJ You use visionary to describe the strong, original ideas of a visionary. □ …the visionary architecture of Etienne Boulleé.
vis|it ◆◆◆ /v I z I t/ (visits , visiting , visited )
1 VERB If you visit someone, you go to see them and spend time with them. □ [V n] He wanted to visit his brother in Worcester. □ [V ] Bill would visit on weekends. ● N‑COUNT Visit is also a noun. □ Helen had recently paid him a visit.
2 VERB If you visit a place, you go there for a short time. □ [V n] He'll be visiting four cities including Cagliari in Sardinia. □ [V n] Caroline visited all the big stores. □ [V -ing] …a visiting truck driver. ● N‑COUNT Visit is also a noun. □ I paid a visit to my local print shop.
3 VERB If you visit a website, you look at it. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] For details visit our website at www.cobuild.collins.co.uk.
4 VERB If you visit a professional person such as a doctor or lawyer, you go and see them in order to get professional advice. If they visit you, they come to see you in order to give you professional advice. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n] If necessary, the patient can then visit his doctor for further advice. ● N‑COUNT Visit is also a noun. □ [+ from ] You may have regular home visits from a neonatal nurse.
▸ visit with PHRASAL VERB If you visit with someone, you go to see them and spend time with them. [AM ] □ [V P n] I visited with him in San Francisco. SYNONYMS visit VERB 1
call on: Sofia was intending to call on Miss Kitts.
stop by: I'll stop by to see Leigh before going home.
look up: She looked up some friends of bygone years.
vis|ita|tion /v I z I te I ʃ ə n/ (visitations )
1 N‑COUNT A visitation is an event in which God or another non-human being seems to appear to someone or contact them. □ [+ from ] The young people have claimed almost daily visitations from the Virgin Mary.
2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer humorously to a visit from someone, especially from someone in authority, as a visitation . □ [+ from ] They had another visitation from Essex police.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Visitation is the act of officially visiting someone. [FORMAL ] □ House-to-house visitation has been carried on, under the regulations of the General Board of Health. □ I had visitation rights.
vi s|it|ing fi re|man (visiting firemen ) N‑COUNT A visiting fireman is an important visitor, who gets special treatment. [AM ]
visi|tor ◆◇◇ /v I z I tə r / (visitors ) N‑COUNT A visitor is someone who is visiting a person or place. □ [+ from ] The other day we had some visitors from Switzerland. □ [+ to ] As a student I lived in Oxford, but was a frequent visitor to Belfast.
vi|sor /va I zə r / (visors )
1 N‑COUNT A visor is a movable part of a helmet which can be pulled down to protect a person's eyes or face. □ He pulled on a battered old crash helmet with a scratched visor.
2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A visor is a piece of plastic or other material fixed above the windscreen inside a car, which can be turned down to protect the driver's eyes from bright sunshine.
vis|ta /v I stə/ (vistas )
1 N‑COUNT A vista is a view from a particular place, especially a beautiful view from a high place. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ of ] From my bedroom window I looked out on a crowded vista of hills and rooftops.
2 N‑COUNT A vista is a vision of a situation or of a range of possibilities. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] These uprisings come from desperation and a vista of a future without hope.
vis|ual /v I ʒuəl/ (visuals )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Visual means relating to sight, or to things that you can see. □ …the graphic visual depiction of violence. □ …music, film, dance, and the visual arts. ● visu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □ The colours we see visually affect us.
2 N‑COUNT A visual is something such as a picture, diagram, or piece of film that is used to show or explain something. □ Remember you want your visuals to reinforce your message, not detract from what you are saying.
vi s|ual ai d (visual aids ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Visual aids are things that you can look at, such as a film, model, map, or slides, to help you understand something or to remember information.
visu|al|ize /v I ʒuəla I z/ (visualizes , visualizing , visualized ) in BRIT, also use visualise VERB If you visualize something, you imagine what it is like by forming a mental picture of it. □ [V n] Susan visualized her wedding day and saw herself walking down the aisle on her father's arm. □ [V n prep] He could not visualize her as old. □ [V n v-ing] She visualized him stomping to his car, the picture of self-righteousness. □ [V wh] It was hard to visualize how it could have been done. ● visu|ali|za|tion /v I ʒuəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (visualizations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …a perfect visualization of reality.
vi|tal ◆◇◇ /va I t ə l/
1 ADJ If you say that something is vital , you mean that it is necessary or very important. □ The port is vital to supply relief to millions of drought victims. □ Nick Wileman is a school caretaker so it is vital that he gets on well with young people. □ After her release, she was able to give vital information about her kidnapper. ● vi|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ Lesley's career in the church is vitally important to her.
2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as vital , you mean that they are very energetic and full of life. □ They are both very vital people and a good match.
vi|tal|ity /va I tæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has vitality , you mean that they have great energy and liveliness. □ Without continued learning, graduates will lose their intellectual vitality.
vi |tal si gns N‑PLURAL The vital signs of a seriously ill person are the things such as their blood pressure and temperature which show that they are alive.
vi |tal sta|ti s|tics
1 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] The vital statistics of a population are statistics such as the number of births, deaths, or marriages which take place in it.
2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] Someone's vital statistics , especially a woman's, are the measurements of their body at certain points, for example at their chest, waist, and hips.
vita|min ◆◇◇ /v I təm I n, [AM ] va I t-/ (vitamins ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Vitamins are substances that you need in order to remain healthy, which are found in food or can be eaten in the form of pills. □ Butter, margarine, and oily fish are all good sources of vitamin D.
vi|ti|ate /v I ʃie I t/ (vitiates , vitiating , vitiated ) VERB If something is vitiated , its effectiveness is spoiled or weakened. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The Commission's handling of its finances is vitiated by error and fraud. □ [V n] But this does not vitiate his scholarship.
vit|re|ous /v I triəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vitreous means made of glass or resembling glass. [TECHNICAL ]
vit|ri|ol /v I trioʊl/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to what someone says or writes as vitriol , you disapprove of it because it is full of bitterness and hate, and so causes a lot of distress and pain. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The vitriol he hurled at members of the press knew no bounds.
vit|ri|ol|ic /v I triɒ l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's language or behaviour as vitriolic , you disapprove of it because it is full of bitterness and hate, and so causes a lot of distress and pain. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ There was a vicious and vitriolic attack on him in one of the Sunday newspapers two weeks ago.
vitro /viː troʊ/ → see in vitro
vi|tu|pera|tion /v I tjuː pəre I ʃ ə n, [AM ] va I tuː p-/ N‑UNCOUNT Vituperation is language that is full of hate, anger, or insults. [FORMAL ]
vi|tu|pera|tive /v I tjuː pərət I v, [AM ] va I tuː p-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Vituperative remarks are full of hate, anger, or insults. [FORMAL ] □ He is often the victim of vituperative remarks concerning his wealth. □ …one of journalism's most vituperative critics.
viva /va I və/ (vivas ) N‑COUNT A viva is a university examination in which a student answers questions in speech rather than writing. [BRIT ]
vi|va|cious /v I ve I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as vivacious , you mean that they are lively, exciting, and attractive. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □ She's beautiful, vivacious, and charming.
vi|vac|ity /v I væ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has vivacity , you mean that they are lively, exciting, and attractive. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ]
viv|id /v I v I d/
1 ADJ If you describe memories and descriptions as vivid , you mean that they are very clear and detailed. □ People of my generation who lived through World War II have vivid memories of confusion and incompetence. □ On Wednesday night I had a very vivid dream which really upset me. ● viv|id|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ I can vividly remember the feeling of panic.
2 ADJ Something that is vivid is very bright in colour. □ …a vivid blue sky. ● viv|id|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □ …vividly coloured birds.
vivi|sec|tion /v I v I se kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Vivisection is the practice of using live animals for scientific experiments. □ …a fierce opponent of vivisection.
vix|en /v I ks ə n/ (vixens ) N‑COUNT A vixen is a female fox.
viz. viz. is used in written English to introduce a list of specific items or examples. □ The school offers two modules in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, viz. Principles and Methods of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
vlog /vlɒ g, [AM ] vlɔː g/ (vlogs ) N‑COUNT A vlog is a set of videos that someone regularly posts on the internet in which they record their thoughts or experiences or talk about a subject. □ He has his own lifestyle vlog. ● vlog|ger (vloggers ) N‑COUNT □ Zoe Suggs is a beauty vlogger known as Zoella. ● vlog|ging N‑UNCOUNT □ He is a Youtube vlogging sensation.
V -neck (V-necks ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A V-neck or a V-neck sweater is a sweater with a neck that is in the shape of the letter V.
vo|cabu|lary /voʊkæ bjʊləri, [AM ] -leri/ (vocabularies )
1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Your vocabulary is the total number of words you know in a particular language. □ His speech is immature, his vocabulary limited.
2 N‑SING The vocabulary of a language is all the words in it. □ …a new word in the German vocabulary.
3 N‑VAR The vocabulary of a subject is the group of words that are typically used when discussing it. □ [+ of ] …the vocabulary of natural science.
vo|cal /voʊ k ə l/
1 ADJ You say that people are vocal when they speak forcefully about something that they feel strongly about. □ [+ in ] He has been very vocal in his displeasure over the results. □ A public inquiry earlier this year produced vocal opposition from residents. ● vo|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ Both these proposals were resisted by the developed countries, most vocally by the United States.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Vocal means involving the use of the human voice, especially in singing. □ …a wider range of vocal styles. ● vo|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Vocally, it is often a very accomplished performance.
vo |cal co rds also vocal chords N‑PLURAL Your vocal cords are the part of your throat that vibrates when you speak.
vo|cal|ist /voʊ kəl I st/ (vocalists ) N‑COUNT A vocalist is a singer who sings with a pop group.
vo|cal|ize /voʊ kəla I z/ (vocalizes , vocalizing , vocalized ) in BRIT, also use vocalise 1 VERB If you vocalize a feeling or an idea, you express it in words. □ [V n] Archbishop Hunthausen also vocalized his beliefs that women and homosexuals should be more active in the church.
2 VERB When you vocalize a sound, you use your voice to make it, especially by singing it. □ [V n] In India and Bali, students learn to vocalize music before ever picking up instruments. [Also V ]
vo|cals /voʊ k ə lz/ N‑PLURAL In a pop song, the vocals are the singing, in contrast to the playing of instruments. □ She started out singing backing vocals for her brother.
vo|ca|tion /voʊke I ʃ ə n/ (vocations )
1 N‑VAR If you have a vocation , you have a strong feeling that you are especially suited to do a particular job or to fulfil a particular role in life, especially one which involves helping other people. □ It could well be that he has a real vocation. □ Diana was convinced of her vocation to provide support for her pupils.
2 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] If you refer to your job or profession as your vocation , you feel that you are particularly suited to it. □ Her vocation is her work as an actress.
vo|ca|tion|al /voʊke I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Vocational training and skills are the training and skills needed for a particular job or profession. □ …a course designed to provide vocational training in engineering. ● vo|ca|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □ …a variety of vocationally oriented courses.
voca|tive /vɒ kət I v/ (vocatives ) N‑COUNT A vocative is a word such as 'darling' or 'madam' which is used to address someone or attract their attention. [TECHNICAL ]
vo|cif|er|ous /vəs I fərəs, [AM ] voʊs-/ ADJ If you describe someone as vociferous , you mean that they speak with great energy and determination, because they want their views to be heard. □ He was a vociferous opponent of Conservatism. ● vo|cif|er|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ He vociferously opposed the state of emergency imposed by the government.
vod|ka /vɒ dkə/ (vodkas ) N‑VAR Vodka is a strong, clear, alcoholic drink.
vogue /voʊ g/
1 N‑SING If there is a vogue for something, it is very popular and fashionable. □ [+ for ] Despite the vogue for so-called health teas, there is no evidence that they are any healthier.
2 PHRASE If something is in vogue , is very popular and fashionable. If it comes into vogue , it becomes very popular and fashionable. □ Pale colours are much more in vogue than autumnal bronzes and coppers. □ …the hippie-ethnic look which came into vogue in the late 60s.
voice ◆◆◇ /vɔ I s/ (voices , voicing , voiced )
1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N , adj N ] When someone speaks or sings, you hear their voice . □ Miriam's voice was strangely calm. □ 'The police are here,' she said in a low voice. □ There was a sound of loud voices from the kitchen.
2 N‑COUNT Someone's voice is their opinion on a particular topic and what they say about it. □ [+ of ] What does one do when a government simply refuses to listen to the voice of the opposition?
3 N‑SING If you have a voice in something, you have the right to express an opinion on it. □ [+ in ] The people themselves must be an important voice in the debate.
4 VERB If you voice something such as an opinion or an emotion, you say what you think or feel. □ [V n] Some scientists have voiced concern that the disease could be passed on to humans. □ [V -ed] This is a criticism frequently voiced by opponents.
5 N‑SING In grammar, if a verb is in the active voice , the person who performs the action is the subject of the verb. If a verb is in the passive voice , the thing or person affected by the action is the subject of the verb.
6 PHRASE If you give voice to an opinion, a need, or a desire, you express it aloud. □ …a community radio run by the Catholic Church which gave voice to the protests of the slum-dwellers.
7 PHRASE If someone tells you to keep your voice down , they are asking you to speak more quietly. □ Keep your voice down, for goodness sake.
8 PHRASE If you lose your voice , you cannot speak for a while because of an illness. □ I had to be careful not to get a sore throat and lose my voice.
9 PHRASE If you raise your voice , you speak more loudly. If you lower your voice , you speak more quietly. □ He raised his voice for the benefit of the other two women. □ She'd lowered her voice until it was barely audible.
10 PHRASE If you say something at the top of your voice , you say it as loudly as possible. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Damn!' he yelled at the top of his voice.
11 PHRASE If a number of people say something with one voice , they all express the same opinion about something. □ This would enable the community to speak with one voice in world affairs.
voi ce box (voice boxes ) N‑COUNT Your voice box is the top part of the tube that leads from your throat to your lungs, which contains your vocal cords.
voiced /vɔ I st/ ADJ A voiced speech sound is one that is produced with vibration of the vocal cords. [TECHNICAL ]
voice|less /vɔ I sləs/ ADJ A voiceless speech sound is one that is produced without vibration of the vocal cords. [TECHNICAL ]
voi ce mail N‑UNCOUNT Voice mail is a system of sending messages over the phone. Calls are answered by a machine which connects you to the person you want to leave a message for, and they can listen to their messages later.
voi ce-over (voice-overs ) also voiceover N‑COUNT The voice-over of a film, television programme, or advertisement consists of words which are spoken by someone who is not seen. □ 89% of advertisements had a male voice-over.
void /vɔ I d/ (voids , voiding , voided )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a situation or a feeling as a void , you mean that it seems empty because there is nothing interesting or worthwhile about it. □ [+ in ] His death has left a void in the cricketing world which can never be filled.
2 N‑COUNT You can describe a large or frightening space as a void . □ He stared into the dark void where the battle had been fought.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Something that is void or null and void is officially considered to have no value or authority. □ The original elections were declared void by the former military ruler. □ The agreement will be considered null and void.
4 ADJ If you are void of something, you do not have any of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] He rose, his face void of emotion as he walked towards the door.
5 VERB To void something means to officially say that it is not valid. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The Supreme Court threw out the confession and voided his conviction for murder.
voile /vɔ I l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Voile is thin material which is used for making women's clothing, for example dresses, blouses, and scarves.
vol. (vols ) Vol. is used as a written abbreviation for volume when you are referring to one or more books in a series of books.
vola|tile /vɒ ləta I l, [AM ] -t ə l/
1 ADJ A situation that is volatile is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly. □ The international oil markets have been highly volatile since the early 1970s. ● vola|til|ity /vɒ lət I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] He is keen to see a general reduction in arms sales given the volatility of the region.
2 ADJ If someone is volatile , their mood often changes quickly. □ He has a volatile temper.
3 ADJ A volatile liquid or substance is one that will quickly change into a gas. [TECHNICAL ] □ It's thought that the blast occurred when volatile chemicals exploded.
vol|can|ic /vɒlkæ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Volcanic means coming from or created by volcanoes. □ Over 200 people have been killed by volcanic eruptions.
vol|ca|no /vɒlke I noʊ/ (volcanoes ) N‑COUNT A volcano is a mountain from which hot melted rock, gas, steam, and ash from inside the Earth sometimes burst. □ The volcano erupted last year killing about 600 people.
vole /voʊ l/ (voles )
1 N‑COUNT A vole is a small animal that looks like a mouse but has very small ears and a short tail. Voles usually live in fields or near rivers.
2 → see also water vole
vo|li|tion /vəl I ʃ ə n, [AM ] voʊl-/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Your volition is the power you have to decide something for yourself. [FORMAL ] □ We like to think that everything we do and everything we think is a product of our volition.
2 PHRASE If you do something of your own volition , you do it because you have decided for yourself that you will do it and not because someone else has told you to do it. [FORMAL ] □ Makin said Mr Coombes had gone to the police of his own volition.
vol|ley /vɒ li/ (volleys , volleying , volleyed )
1 VERB In sport, if someone volleys the ball, they hit it before it touches the ground. □ [V n prep/adv] He volleyed the ball spectacularly into the far corner of the net. □ [V ] McNeil volleyed more effectively in the second set. ● N‑COUNT Volley is also a noun. □ She hit most of the winning volleys.
2 N‑COUNT A volley of gunfire is a lot of bullets that travel through the air at the same time. □ [+ of ] It's still not known how many died in the volleys of gunfire.
volley|ball /vɒ libɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Volleyball is a game in which two teams hit a large ball with their hands backwards and forwards over a high net. If you allow the ball to touch the ground, the other team wins a point.
volt /voʊ lt/ (volts ) N‑COUNT A volt is a unit used to measure the force of an electric current.
volt|age /voʊ lt I dʒ/ (voltages ) N‑VAR The voltage of an electrical current is its force measured in volts. □ The systems are getting smaller and using lower voltages. □ …high-voltage power lines.
volte-face /vɒ lt fɑː s/ (volte-faces ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone's behaviour is a volte-face , you mean that they have changed their opinion or decision completely, so that it is the opposite of what it was before. [FORMAL ] □ The day's events were a remarkable volte-face.
vol|uble /vɒ ljʊb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone is voluble , you mean that they talk a lot with great energy and enthusiasm. [FORMAL ] □ She was voluble with excitement. □ Bert is a voluble, gregarious man. ● vol|ubly /vɒ ljʊbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ In the next booth along, he could see an elderly lady, talking volubly.
vol|ume ◆◆◇ /vɒ ljuːm/ (volumes )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The volume of something is the amount of it that there is. □ [+ of ] Senior officials will be discussing how the volume of sales might be reduced. □ [+ of ] …the sheer volume of traffic and accidents.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The volume of an object is the amount of space that it contains or occupies. □ When egg whites are beaten they can rise to seven or eight times their original volume.
3 N‑COUNT A volume is a book. [FORMAL ] □ …a 125-page volume.
4 N‑COUNT A volume is one book in a series of books. □ [+ of ] …the first volume of his autobiography.
5 N‑COUNT A volume is a collection of several issues of a magazine, for example all the issues for one year. □ [+ of ] …bound volumes of the magazine.
6 N‑UNCOUNT The volume of a radio, television, or sound system is the loudness of the sound it produces. □ He turned down the volume. □ [+ of ] He came to complain about the volume of the music.
7 PHRASE If something such as an action speaks volumes about a person or thing, it gives you a lot of information about them. □ [+ about ] What you wear speaks volumes about you. SYNONYMS volume NOUN 1
amount: He needs that amount of money to survive.
quantity: …a small quantity of water.
size: Iraq itself has oil reserves second in size only to Saudi Arabia's.
vo|lu|mi|nous /vəluː m I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is voluminous is very large or contains a lot of things. [FORMAL ] □ The FBI kept a voluminous file on Pablo Picasso.
vol|un|tary ◆◇◇ /vɒ ləntri, [AM ] -teri/
1 ADJ Voluntary actions or activities are done because someone chooses to do them and not because they have been forced to do them. □ Attention is drawn to a special voluntary course in Commercial French. □ The scheme, due to begin next month, will be voluntary. ● vol|un|tar|ily /vɒ ləntrəli, [AM ] -ter I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □ I would only leave here voluntarily if there was a big chance to work abroad.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Voluntary work is done by people who are not paid for it, but who do it because they want to do it. □ He'd been working at the local hostel on a voluntary basis.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A voluntary worker is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it. □ Apna Arts has achieved more with voluntary workers in three years than most organisations with paid workers have achieved in ten. □ We depend solely upon our voluntary helpers.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] A voluntary organization is controlled and organized by the people who have chosen to work for it, often without being paid, rather than receiving help or money from the government. □ Some local authorities and voluntary organizations also run workshops for people with disabilities. SYNONYMS voluntary ADJ 1
optional: A holiday isn't an optional extra. In this stressful, frantic world it's a must.
discretionary: Magistrates were given wider discretionary powers.
vol|un|teer ◆◇◇ /vɒ lənt I ə r / (volunteers , volunteering , volunteered )
1 N‑COUNT A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it. □ She now helps in a local school as a volunteer three days a week. □ Mike was a member of the local volunteer fire brigade.
2 N‑COUNT A volunteer is someone who offers to do a particular task or job without being forced to do it. □ Right. What I want now is two volunteers to come down to the front.
3 VERB If you volunteer to do something, you offer to do it without being forced to do it. □ [V to-inf] Aunt Mary volunteered to clean up the kitchen. □ [V + for ] He volunteered for the army in 1939. □ [V + as ] She volunteered as a nurse in a soldiers' rest-home. □ [V n] He's volunteered his services as a chauffeur. [Also V ]
4 VERB If you volunteer information, you tell someone something without being asked. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The room was quiet; no one volunteered any further information. □ [V with quote] 'They were both great supporters of Franco,' Ryle volunteered. □ [V that] The next week, Phillida volunteered that they were getting on better.
5 N‑COUNT A volunteer is someone who chooses to join the armed forces, especially during a war, as opposed to someone who is forced to join by law. □ They fought as volunteers with the rebels.
vo|lup|tu|ous /vəlʌ ptʃuəs/ ADJ If you describe a woman as voluptuous , you mean that she has large breasts and hips and is considered attractive in a sexual way. □ …a voluptuous, well-rounded lady with glossy black hair.
vom|it /vɒ m I t/ (vomits , vomiting , vomited )
1 VERB If you vomit , food and drink comes back up from your stomach and out through your mouth. □ [V ] Any product made from cow's milk made him vomit. □ [V n] She began to vomit blood a few days before she died. □ [V n with up ] He vomited up all he had just eaten. ● vom|it|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting may accompany migraine.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Vomit is partly digested food and drink that has come back up from someone's stomach and out through their mouth.
voo|doo /vuː duː/ N‑UNCOUNT Voodoo is a form of religion involving magic which is practised by some people in the West Indies, especially Haiti.
vo|ra|cious /vəre I ʃəs, [AM ] vɔːr-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person, or their appetite for something, as voracious , you mean that they want a lot of something. [LITERARY ] □ Joseph Smith was a voracious book collector. □ …the band's voracious appetite for fun. ● vo|ra|cious|ly ADV □ He read voraciously.
vor|tex /vɔː r teks/ (vortexes or vortices /vɔː r t I siːz/)
1 N‑COUNT A vortex is a mass of wind or water that spins round so fast that it pulls objects down into its empty centre. □ The polar vortex is a system of wintertime winds.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a situation as a vortex , you feel that you are being forced into it without being able to prevent it. □ This decision propelled her into a vortex from which there seemed no escape.
vote ◆◆◆ /voʊ t/ (votes , voting , voted )
1 N‑COUNT A vote is a choice made by a particular person or group in a meeting or an election. □ He walked to the local polling centre to cast his vote. □ The government got a massive majority–well over 400 votes. □ Mr Reynolds was re-elected by 102 votes to 60.
2 N‑COUNT A vote is an occasion when a group of people make a decision by each person indicating his or her choice. The choice that most people support is accepted by the group. □ [+ on ] Why do you think we should have a vote on that? □ They took a vote and decided not to do it.
3 N‑SING The vote is the total number of votes or voters in an election, or the number of votes received or cast by a particular group. □ Opposition parties won about fifty-five per cent of the vote.
4 N‑SING If you have the vote in an election, or have a vote in a meeting, you have the legal right to indicate your choice. □ Before that, women did not have a vote at all.
5 VERB When you vote , you indicate your choice officially at a meeting or in an election, for example by raising your hand or writing on a piece of paper. □ [V ] Two-thirds of the electorate had the chance to vote in these elections. □ [V prep] It seems many people would vote for the government, if there was a new leader. □ [V to-inf] The residents of Leningrad voted to restore the city's original name of St Petersburg. □ [V by n to-inf/prep] The board of trustees voted by majority vote to remove the director. □ [V num + for ] The council voted 9:8 for a five percent tax increase. ● vot|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Voting began about two hours ago.
6 VERB If you vote a particular political party or leader, or vote yes or no , you make that choice with the vote that you have. □ [V n] 52.5% of those questioned said they'd vote Labour. □ [V yes ] A single candidate is put forward and the people vote yes or no. [Also V no ]
7 VERB If people vote someone a particular title, they choose that person to have that title. □ [V n n] His class voted him the man 'who had done the most for Yale.'.
8 → see also block vote
9 PHRASE If you vote with your feet , you show that you do not support something by leaving the place where it is happening or leaving the organization that is supporting it. □ Thousands of citizens are already voting with their feet, and leaving the country.
10 PHRASE If you say ' I vote that ' a particular thing should happen, you are suggesting that this is what should happen. [INFORMAL ] □ I vote that we all go to Holland immediately.
11 PHRASE One man one vote or one person one vote is a system of voting in which every person in a group or country has the right to cast their vote, and in which each individual's vote is counted and has equal value. □ We have a democratic voting system of one man one vote.
▸ vote in PHRASAL VERB If people vote in a particular person or political party, they give enough votes to that person or party in an official election for them to hold a position of power. □ [V n P ] If he fails, then he will have little excuse in the eyes of those who voted him in. □ [V P n] The members of the national assembly will vote in a prime minister by a simple majority.
▸ vote out PHRASAL VERB If people vote out a particular person or political party, they give that person or party so few votes in an official election that they no longer hold a position of power. □ [V n P ] And if the President doesn't make things better, other voters say, we'll vote him out, too. □ [V n P + of ] They cannot join forces to vote her out of office. □ [V P n] And of course we all know we can vote out our councillors. SYNONYMS vote NOUN 1
poll: Polls show that the European treaty has gained support in Denmark.
election: …the first fully free elections for more than fifty years.
ballot: The result of the ballot will not be known for two weeks.
referendum: Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.
vo te of co n|fi|dence (votes of confidence )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of confidence is a vote in which members of a group are asked to indicate that they still support the person or group in power, usually the government. □ [+ in ] The Prime Minister lost a vote of confidence in Parliament.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of confidence is something that you say or do which shows that you approve of or support a person or a group. □ [+ in ] The merger represented a vote of confidence in Internet stocks.
vo te of no co n|fi|dence (votes of no confidence ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of no confidence is a vote in which members of a group are asked to indicate that they do not support the person or group in power, usually the government. □ [+ in ] The opposition has called for a vote of no confidence in the government.
vo te of tha nks (votes of thanks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A vote of thanks is an official speech in which the speaker formally thanks a person for doing something. □ [+ to ] I would like to propose a vote of thanks to our host.
vot|er ◆◆◇ /voʊ tə r / (voters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Voters are people who have the legal right to vote in elections, or people who are voting in a particular election. □ Austrian voters went to the polls this weekend to elect a successor to the President.
vouch /vaʊ tʃ/ (vouches , vouching , vouched )
▸ vouch for
1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that you can or will vouch for someone, you mean that you can guarantee their good behaviour. □ [V P n] Kim's mother agreed to vouch for Maria and get her a job.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that you can vouch for something, you mean that you have evidence from your own personal experience that it is true or correct. □ [V P n] He cannot vouch for the accuracy of the story.
vouch|er /vaʊ tʃə r / (vouchers ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A voucher is a ticket or piece of paper that can be used instead of money to pay for something. □ …gift vouchers.
vouch|safe /vaʊ tʃse I f/ (vouchsafes , vouchsafing , vouchsafed ) VERB If you are vouchsafed something or it is vouchsafed to you, you are given or granted it. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed n] As we approached the summit, we were vouchsafed a rare vision. □ [V n n] Eric gritted his teeth and vouchsafed them a few more drops of brandy. □ [V n] 'He drives like a madman,' was all the information he vouchsafed. [Also V n + to ]
vow /vaʊ / (vows , vowing , vowed )
1 VERB If you vow to do something, you make a serious promise or decision that you will do it. □ [V to-inf] While many models vow to go back to college, few do. □ [V that] I solemnly vowed that someday I would return to live in Europe. □ [V with quote] 'I'll kill him,' she vowed. □ [V n] They have vowed a quick and decisive response.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf, N that] A vow is a serious promise or decision to do a particular thing. □ I made a silent vow to be more careful in the future.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Vows are a particular set of serious promises, such as the promises two people make when they are getting married. □ [+ of ] He had broken his vow of poverty.
vow|el /vaʊ əl/ (vowels ) N‑COUNT A vowel is a sound such as the ones represented in writing by the letters 'a', 'e' 'i', 'o' and 'u', which you pronounce with your mouth open, allowing the air to flow through it. Compare consonant . □ The vowel in words like 'my' and 'thigh' is not very difficult.
vox pop /vɒ ks pɒ p/ (vox pops ) N‑VAR In a radio or television programme, a vox pop is an item consisting of a series of short interviews with ordinary members of the public. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ]
voy|age /vɔ I I dʒ/ (voyages , voyaging , voyaged )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A voyage is a long journey on a ship or in a spacecraft. □ …the first space shuttle voyage to be devoted entirely to astronomy.
2 VERB To voyage to a place means to travel there, especially by sea. [FORMAL ] □ [V prep/adv] They voyaged across the North Sea in longboats. ● voy|ag|er (voyagers ) N‑COUNT □ [+ to ] …fifteenth-century voyagers to the lands now called America and the Caribbean. ● voy|ag|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Our boat would not have been appropriate for ocean voyaging.
vo|yeur /vwa I ɜː r , [AM ] vɔ I -/ (voyeurs )
1 N‑COUNT A voyeur is someone who gets sexual pleasure from secretly watching other people having sex or taking their clothes off.
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