COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)

col|lar|less /kɒ lə ^r ləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A collarless shirt or jacket has no collar.

col|late /kəle I t/ (collates , collating , collated ) VERB When you collate pieces of information, you gather them all together and examine them. □ [V n] Roberts has spent much of his working life collating the data on which the study was based. ● col|la|tion /kəle I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Many countries have no laws governing the collation of personal information.

col|lat|er|al /kəlæ tərəl/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft as N ] Collateral is money or property which is used as a guarantee that someone will repay a loan. [FORMAL ] □ Most people here cannot borrow from banks because they lack collateral.

col|la t|er|al da m|age N‑UNCOUNT Collateral damage is accidental injury to non-military people or damage to non-military buildings which occurs during a military operation. □ To minimize collateral damage, maximum precision in bombing was required.

col|league ◆◆◇ /kɒ liːg/ (colleagues ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your colleagues are the people you work with, especially in a professional job. □ A colleague urged him to see a psychiatrist, but Faulkner refused. SYNONYMS colleague NOUN

partner: He's a partner in a Chicago law firm.

associate: …the restaurant owner's business associates.

workmate: My workmates didn't want me to leave.

col|lect ◆◆◇ /kəle kt/ (collects , collecting , collected )

1 VERB If you collect a number of things, you bring them together from several places or from several people. □ [V n] Two young girls were collecting firewood. □ [be V -ed] 1.5 million signatures have been collected.

2 VERB If you collect things, such as stamps or books, as a hobby, you get a large number of them over a period of time because they interest you. □ [V n] One of Tony's hobbies was collecting rare birds. ● col|lect|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] □ …hobbies like stamp collecting and fishing.

3 VERB When you collect someone or something, you go and get them from the place where they are waiting for you or have been left for you. [BRIT ] □ [V n + from ] David always collects Alistair from school on Wednesdays. □ [V n] After collecting the cash, the kidnapper made his escape down the disused railway line. in AM, usually use pick up 4 VERB If a substance collects somewhere, or if something collects it, it keeps arriving over a period of time and is held in that place or thing. □ [V prep/adv] Methane gas does collect in the mines around here. □ [V n] …water tanks which collect rainwater from the house roof. [Also V ]

5 VERB If something collects light, energy, or heat, it attracts it. □ [V n] Like a telescope, it has a curved mirror to collect the sunlight.

6 VERB If you collect for a charity or for a present for someone, you ask people to give you money for it. □ [V + for ] Are you collecting for charity? □ [V n + for ] They collected donations for a fund to help military families. [Also V n]

7 VERB If you collect yourself or collect your thoughts, you make an effort to calm yourself or prepare yourself mentally. □ [V pron-refl] She paused for a moment to collect herself. □ [V n] He was grateful for a chance to relax and collect his thoughts.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] A collect call is a telephone call that is paid for by the person receiving it, not the person making it. [AM ] □ She received a collect phone call from Alaska. ● PHRASE If you call collect when you make a telephone call, the person who you are phoning pays the cost of the call and not you. [AM ] □ Should you lose your ticket, call collect on STA's helpline. in BRIT, usually use reverse the charges SYNONYMS collect VERB

1

gather: I suggest we gather enough firewood to last the night.

compile: Councils compiled a register of all adults living in their areas.

assemble: Greenpeace managed to assemble enough boats to waylay the ship at sea.

accumulate: Households accumulate wealth across a broad spectrum of assets.

round up: We've rounded up a selection of products.

3

fetch: Sylvia fetched a towel from the bathroom.

pick up: We drove to the airport the next morning to pick up Susan.

get: Go and get your daddy for me.

col|lect|able /kəle ktəb ^ə l/ also collectible ADJ A collectable object is one which is valued very highly by collectors because it is rare or beautiful. □ Many of these cushions have survived and are very collectible.

col|lect|ed /kəle kt I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] An author's collected works or letters are all their works or letters published in one book or in a set of books. □ …the collected works of Rudyard Kipling.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is collected , you mean that they are very calm and self-controlled, especially when they are in a difficult or serious situation. □ Police say she was cool and collected during her interrogation.

3 → see also collect

col|lect|ible /kəle kt I b ^ə l/ → see collectable

col|lect|ing /kəle kt I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A collecting tin or box is one that is used to collect money for charity. [BRIT ] in AM, use collection box 2 → see also collect

col|lec|tion ◆◆◇ /kəle kʃ ^ə n/ (collections )

1 N‑COUNT A collection of things is a group of similar things that you have deliberately acquired, usually over a period of time. □ [+ of ] The Art Gallery of Ontario has the world's largest collection of sculptures by Henry Moore. □ He made the mistake of leaving his valuable record collection with a former girlfriend.

2 N‑COUNT A collection of stories, poems, or articles is a number of them published in one book. □ [+ of ] The institute has assembled a collection of essays from foreign affairs experts.

3 N‑COUNT A collection of things is a group of things. □ [+ of ] Wye Lea is a collection of farm buildings that have been converted into an attractive complex.

4 N‑COUNT A fashion designer's new collection consists of the new clothes they have designed for the next season.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Collection is the act of collecting something from a place or from people. □ Money can be sent to any one of 22,000 agents worldwide for collection. □ [+ of ] …computer systems to speed up collection of information.

6 N‑COUNT If you organize a collection for charity, you collect money from people to give to charity. □ [+ for ] I asked my headmaster if he could arrange a collection for a refugee charity.

7 N‑COUNT A collection is money that is given by people in church during some Christian services.

col|le c|tion box (collection boxes ) N‑COUNT A collection box is a box or tin that is used to collect money for charity. [AM ]

col|lec|tive ◆◇◇ /kəle kt I v/ (collectives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Collective actions, situations, or feelings involve or are shared by every member of a group of people. □ It was a collective decision. □ The country's politicians are already heaving a collective sigh of relief. ● col|lec|tive|ly ADV □ The Cabinet is collectively responsible for policy.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A collective amount of something is the total obtained by adding together the amounts that each person or thing in a group has. □ Their collective volume wasn't very large. ● col|lec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ In 1968 the states collectively spent $2 billion on it.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The collective term for two or more types of thing is a general word or expression which refers to all of them. □ Social science is a collective name, covering a series of individual sciences. ● col|lec|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …other sorts of cells (known collectively as white corpuscles).

4 N‑COUNT A collective is a business or farm which is run, and often owned, by a group of people who take an equal share of any profits. [BUSINESS ] □ He will see that he is participating in all the decisions of the collective.

col|le c|tive ba r|gain|ing N‑UNCOUNT When a trade union engages in collective bargaining , it has talks with an employer about its members' pay and working conditions. [BUSINESS ]

col|le c|tive nou n (collective nouns ) N‑COUNT A collective noun is a noun such as 'family' or 'team' that refers to a group of people or things.

col|le c|tive un|co n|scious N‑SING In psychology, the collective unconscious consists of the basic ideas and images that all people are believed to share because they have inherited them.

col|lec|ti|vise /kəle kt I va I z/ → see collectivize

col|lec|tiv|ism /kəle kt I v I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Collectivism is the political belief that a country's industries and services should be owned and controlled by the state or by all the people in a country. Socialism and communism are both forms of collectivism.

col|lec|tiv|ist /kəle kt I v I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Collectivist means relating to collectivism. □ …collectivist ideals.

col|lec|ti|vize /kəle kt I va I z/ (collectivizes , collectivizing , collectivized ) in BRIT, also use collectivise VERB If farms or factories are collectivized , they are brought under state ownership and control, usually by combining a number of small farms or factories into one large one. □ [be V -ed] Most large businesses were collectivized at the start of the war. □ [V n] He forced the country to collectivize agriculture. □ [V -ed] …large collectivised farms. ● col|lec|tivi|za|tion /kəle kt I va I ze I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the collectivisation of agriculture.

col|lec|tor /kəle ktə ^r / (collectors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A collector is a person who collects things of a particular type as a hobby. □ …a stamp-collector. □ [+ of ] …a respected collector of Indian art.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can use collector to refer to someone whose job is to take something such as money, tickets, or rubbish from people. For example, a rent collector collects rent from people. □ He earned his living as a tax collector. □ …a garbage collector.

col|le c|tor's item (collector's items ) N‑COUNT A collector's item is an object which is highly valued by collectors because it is rare or beautiful.

col|lege ◆◆◇ /kɒ l I dʒ/ (colleges )

1 N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT A college is an institution where students study after they have left school. □ Their daughter Joanna is doing business studies at a local college. □ He is now a professor of economics at Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A college is one of the institutions which some British universities are divided into. □ He was educated at Balliol College, Oxford.

3 N‑COUNT At some universities in the United States, colleges are divisions which offer degrees in particular subjects. □ …a professor at the University of Florida College of Law.

4 N‑COUNT College is used in Britain in the names of some secondary schools which charge fees. □ In 1854, Cheltenham Ladies' College became the first girls' public school. COLLOCATIONS college NOUN 1

noun + college : community, further education, sixth form; art, catering, drama

adjective + college : agricultural, naval, secretarial, theological; technical

verb + college : attend; finish, leave

col|legi|ate /kəliː dʒiət/ ADJ [ADJ n] Collegiate means belonging or relating to a college or to college students. [mainly AM ] □ The 1933 national collegiate football championship was won by Michigan. □ …collegiate life.

col|lide /kəla I d/ (collides , colliding , collided )

1 VERB If two or more moving people or objects collide , they crash into one another. If a moving person or object collides with a person or object that is not moving, they crash into them. □ [V ] Two trains collided head-on in north-eastern Germany early this morning. □ [V + with ] Racing up the stairs, he almost collided with Daisy. □ [V + with ] He collided with a pine tree near the North Gate.

2 VERB If the aims, opinions, or interests of one person or group collide with those of another person or group, they are very different from each other and are therefore opposed. □ [V + with ] The aims of the negotiators in New York again seem likely to collide with the aims of the warriors in the field. □ [V ] What happens when the two interests collide will make a fascinating spectacle.

col|lie /kɒ li/ (collies ) N‑COUNT A collie or a collie dog is a dog with long hair and a long, narrow nose.

col|liery /kɒ ljəri/ (collieries ) N‑COUNT A colliery is a coal mine and all the buildings and equipment which are connected with it. [BRIT ]

col|li|sion /kəl I ʒ ^ə n/ (collisions )

1 N‑VAR A collision occurs when a moving object crashes into something. □ [+ with ] They were on their way to the Shropshire Union Canal when their van was involved in a collision with a car. □ [+ between ] I saw a head-on collision between two aeroplanes.

2 N‑COUNT A collision of cultures or ideas occurs when two very different cultures or people meet and conflict. □ [+ of ] The play represents the collision of three generations. [Also + between/with ]

col|li |sion course

1 N‑SING [usu on a N ] If two or more people or things are on a collision course , there is likely to be a sudden and violent disagreement between them. □ The two communities are now on a collision course. □ [+ with ] Britain's universities are set on a collision course with the government.

2 N‑SING [usu on a N ] If two or more people or things are on a collision course , they are likely to meet and crash into each other violently. □ [+ with ] There is an asteroid on a collision course with the Earth.

col|lo|cate (collocates , collocating , collocated ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ ləkət/. The verb is pronounced /kɒ ləke I t/. 1 N‑COUNT In linguistics, a collocate of a particular word is another word which often occurs with that word. [TECHNICAL ]

2 VERB In linguistics, if one word collocates with another, they often occur together. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V + with ] 'Detached' collocates with 'house'. [Also V ]

col|lo|ca|tion /kɒ ləke I ʃ ^ə n/ (collocations ) N‑VAR In linguistics, collocation is the way that some words occur regularly whenever another word is used. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the basic notion of collocation.

col|lo|quial /kəloʊ kwiəl/ ADJ Colloquial words and phrases are informal and are used mainly in conversation. □ …a colloquial expression. ● col|lo|qui|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ These topaz rocks are known colloquially as Killiekrankie diamonds.

col|lo|qui|al|ism /kəloʊ kwiəl I zəm/ (colloquialisms ) N‑COUNT A colloquialism is a colloquial word or phrase.

col|lude /kəluː d/ (colludes , colluding , colluded ) VERB If one person colludes with another, they co-operate with them secretly or illegally. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + with ] Several local officials are in jail on charges of colluding with the Mafia. □ [V + in ] My mother colluded in the myth of him as the swanky businessman. □ [V ] The two companies were colluding to exploit consumers. [Also pl-n V to-inf]

col|lu|sion /kəluː ʒ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] Collusion is secret or illegal co-operation, especially between countries or organizations. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ between ] He found no evidence of collusion between record companies and retailers. [Also + with ]

col|lu|sive /kəluː s I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Collusive behaviour involves secret or illegal co-operation, especially between countries or organizations. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …collusive business practices.

co|logne /kəloʊ n/ (colognes ) N‑VAR Cologne is a kind of weak perfume.

Co|lom|bian /kəlʌ mbiən/ (Colombians )

1 ADJ Colombian means belonging or relating to Colombia or its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Colombian is a Colombian citizen, or a person of Colombian origin.

co|lon /koʊ lən/ (colons )

1 N‑COUNT A colon is the punctuation mark : which you can use in several ways. For example, you can put it before a list of things or before reported speech.

2 N‑COUNT Your colon is the part of your intestine above your rectum. □ …cancer of the colon.

colo|nel ◆◇◇ /kɜː ^r n ^ə l/ (colonels ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A colonel is a senior officer in an army, air force, or the marines. □ This particular place was run by an ex-Army colonel. □ …Colonel Edward Staley.

co|lo|nial /kəloʊ niəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Colonial means relating to countries that are colonies, or to colonialism. □ …the 31st anniversary of Jamaica's independence from British colonial rule. □ …the colonial civil service.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A Colonial building or piece of furniture was built or made in a style that was popular in America in the 17th and 18th centuries. [mainly AM ] □ …the white colonial houses on the north side of the campus.

co|lo|ni|al|ism /kəloʊ niəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Colonialism is the practice by which a powerful country directly controls less powerful countries and uses their resources to increase its own power and wealth. □ …the bitter oppression of slavery and colonialism. □ It is interesting to reflect why European colonialism ended.

co|lo|ni|al|ist /kəloʊ niəl I st/ (colonialists )

1 ADJ Colonialist means relating to colonialism. □ …the European colonialist powers.

2 N‑COUNT A colonialist is a person who believes in colonialism or helps their country to get colonies. □ …rulers who were imposed on the people by the colonialists.

co|lon|ic ir|ri|ga|tion /koʊ lɒn I k I r I ge I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Colonic irrigation is a medical procedure in which a person's colon is washed by injecting water or other fluids into it.

colo|nist /kɒ lən I st/ (colonists ) N‑COUNT Colonists are the people who start a colony or the people who are among the first to live in a particular colony. □ …the early American colonists.

colo|nize /kɒ ləna I z/ (colonizes , colonizing , colonized ) in BRIT, also use colonise 1 VERB If people colonize a foreign country, they go to live there and take control of it. □ [V n] The first British attempt to colonize Ireland was in the twelfth century. □ [V -ed] For more than 400 years, we were a colonized people.

2 VERB When large numbers of animals colonize a place, they go to live there and make it their home. □ [V n] Toads are colonising the whole place.

3 VERB [usu passive] When an area is colonized by a type of plant, the plant grows there in large amounts. □ [be V -ed + by ] The area was then colonized by scrub.

col|on|nade /kɒ ləne I d/ (colonnades ) N‑COUNT A colonnade is a row of evenly-spaced columns. □ [+ with ] …a colonnade with stone pillars.

col|on|nad|ed /kɒ ləne I d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] A colonnaded building has evenly-spaced columns.

colo|ny /kɒ ləni/ (colonies )

1 N‑COUNT A colony is a country which is controlled by a more powerful country. □ He was born in Algeria, a former colony of France.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a place where a particular group of people lives as a particular kind of colony . □ …a penal colony. □ …industrial colonies.

3 N‑COUNT A colony of birds, insects, or animals is a group of them that live together. □ [+ of ] The Shetlands are famed for their colonies of sea birds.

col|or /kʌ lə ^r / → see colour

col|ora|tion /kʌ ləre I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The coloration of an animal or a plant is the colours and patterns on it. □ …plants with yellow or red coloration.

colo|ra|tu|ra /kɒ lərətʊə rə, [AM ] kʌ l-/ (coloraturas )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Coloratura is very complicated and difficult music for a solo singer, especially in opera. [TECHNICAL ]

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A coloratura is a singer, usually a woman, who is skilled at singing coloratura. [TECHNICAL ]

col|ori|za|tion /kʌ ləra I ze I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Colorization is a technique used to add colour to old black and white films. □ [+ of ] …the colorization of old film classics.

col|or|ized /kʌ ləra I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A colorized film is an old black and white film which has had colour added to it using a special technique. □ The film is available in a colorized version.

co|los|sal /kəlɒ s ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as colossal , you are emphasizing that it is very large. [EMPHASIS ] □ There has been a colossal waste of public money. □ The task they face is colossal. ● co|los|sal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ Their policies have been colossally destructive.

co|los|sus /kəlɒ səs/ (colossi /kəlɒ sa I /)

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone or something as a colossus , you think that they are extremely important and great in ability or size. [JOURNALISM , EMPHASIS ] □ …saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins. □ [+ of ] He became a colossus of the labour movement.

2 N‑COUNT A colossus is an extremely large statue.

co|los|to|my /kəlɒ stəmi/ (colostomies ) N‑COUNT A colostomy is a surgical operation in which a permanent opening from the colon is made. [MEDICAL ]

col|our ◆◆◆ /kʌ lə ^r / (colours , colouring , coloured ) in AM, use color 1 N‑COUNT The colour of something is the appearance that it has as a result of the way in which it reflects light. Red, blue, and green are colours. □ 'What colour is the car?'—'Red.'. □ Her silk dress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes. □ Judi's favourite colour is pink. □ The badges come in twenty different colours and shapes.

2 N‑VAR A colour is a substance you use to give something a particular colour. Dyes and make-up are sometimes referred to as colours . □ …The Body Shop Herbal Hair Colour. □ It is better to avoid all food colours. □ …the latest lip and eye colours.

3 VERB If you colour something, you use something such as dyes or paint to change its colour. □ [V n] Many women begin colouring their hair in their mid-30s. □ [V n] We'd been making cakes and colouring the posters. □ [V n colour] The petals can be cooked with rice to colour it yellow. ● col|our|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ They could not afford to spoil those maps by careless colouring.

4 VERB If someone colours , their face becomes redder than it normally is, usually because they are embarrassed. □ [V ] Andrew couldn't help noticing that she coloured slightly.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] Someone's colour is the colour of their skin. People often use colour in this way to refer to a person's race. [POLITENESS ] □ I don't care what colour she is. □ He acknowledged that Mr Taylor's colour and ethnic origins were utterly irrelevant in the circumstances.

6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A colour photograph, picture, or film is one that shows things in all their colours, and not just in black, white, and grey. □ There was a colour photo of me in the newspaper.

7 N‑UNCOUNT Colour is a quality that makes something especially interesting or exciting. □ She had resumed the travel necessary to add depth and colour to her novels.

8 → see also local colour

9 VERB If something colours your opinion, it affects the way that you think about something. □ [V n] The attitude of the parents must colour the way children approach school.

10 N‑PLURAL A country's national colours are the colours of its national flag. □ The Opera House is decorated with the Hungarian national colours: green, red and white.

11 N‑PLURAL People sometimes refer to the flag of a particular part of an army, navy, or air force, or the flag of a particular country as its colours . □ Troops raised the country's colors in a special ceremony. □ …the battalion's colours.

12 N‑PLURAL A sports team's colours are the colours of the clothes they wear when they play. □ I was wearing the team's colours.

13 → see also coloured , colouring

14 PHRASE If you pass a test with flying colours , you have done very well in the test. □ So far McAllister seemed to have passed all the tests with flying colors.

15 PHRASE If a film or television programme is in colour , it has been made so that you see the picture in all its colours, and not just in black, white, or grey. □ Was he going to show the film? Was it in colour?

16 PHRASE People of colour are people who belong to a race with dark skins. [POLITENESS ] □ Black communities spoke up to defend the rights of all people of color.

17 PHRASE If you see someone in their true colours or if they show their true colours , you realize what they are really like. □ The children are seeing him in his true colours for the first time now. □ The team showed their true colours by beating the league leaders.

▸ colour in PHRASAL VERB If you colour in a drawing, you give it different colours using crayons or paints. □ [V P n] Draw simple shapes for your child to colour in. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS colour NOUN 1

noun + colour : eye, hair, skin

adjective + colour : bold, bright, strong, vibrant, vivid; light, muted, neutral, pale, pastel; cool, rich, warm; dark, deep

col|our|ant /kʌ lərənt/ (colourants ) in AM, use colorant N‑COUNT A colourant is a substance that is used to give something a particular colour. □ …a new range of hair colourants.

co lour-blind in AM, use color-blind 1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is colour-blind cannot see the difference between colours, especially between red and green. □ Sixteen times as many men are colour-blind as women. ● colour-blindness N‑UNCOUNT □ What exactly is colour-blindness and how do you find out if you have it?

2 ADJ A colour-blind system or organization does not treat people differently according to their race or nationality. □ …the introduction of more colour-blind anti-poverty programmes.

co lour-co ded in AM, use color-coded ADJ Things that are colour-coded use colours to represent different features or functions. □ The contents are emptied into colour-coded buckets.

col|oured /kʌ lə ^r d/ in AM, use colored 1 ADJ Something that is coloured a particular colour is that colour. □ The illustration shows a cluster of five roses coloured apricot-orange. □ …a cheap gold-coloured bracelet.

2 ADJ Something that is coloured is a particular colour or combination of colours, rather than being just white, black, or the colour that it is naturally. □ You can often choose between plain white or coloured and patterned scarves. □ …brightly-coloured silks laid out on market stalls.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A coloured person belongs to a race of people with dark skins. [OFFENSIVE , OLD-FASHIONED ]

co l|our|fast /kʌ lə ^r fɑːst, -fæst/ in AM, use colorfast ADJ A fabric that is colourfast has a colour that will not get paler when the fabric is washed or worn.

col|our|ful /kʌ lə ^r fʊl/ in AM, use colorful 1 ADJ Something that is colourful has bright colours or a lot of different colours. □ The flowers were colourful and the scenery magnificent. □ People wore colourful clothes and seemed to be having a good time. ● col|our|ful|ly ADV □ …the sight of dozens of colourfully-dressed people.

2 ADJ A colourful story is full of exciting details. □ The story she told was certainly colourful, and extended over her life in England, Germany and Spain. □ …the country's colourful and often violent history.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A colourful character is a person who behaves in an interesting and amusing way. □ A colourful character, he likes extravagant gestures.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has had a colourful past or a colourful career, they have been involved in exciting but often slightly shocking things. □ More details surfaced of her colourful past as the story developed.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Colourful language is rude or offensive language. [POLITENESS ]

col|our|ing /kʌ lər I ŋ/ in AM, use coloring 1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The colouring of something is the colour or colours that it is. □ [+ of ] Other countries vary the coloring of their bank notes as well as their size. □ …the scenery was losing its bright colouring.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Someone's colouring is the colour of their hair, skin, and eyes. □ None of them had their father's dark colouring. □ Choose shades which tone in with your natural colouring.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Colouring is a substance that is used to give colour to food. □ A few drops of green food coloring were added.

4 → see also colour

co l|our|ing book (colouring books ) in AM, use coloring book N‑COUNT A colouring book is a book of simple drawings which children can colour in.

col|our|ist /kʌ lər I st/ (colourists ) in AM, use colorist 1 N‑COUNT A colourist is someone such as an artist or a fashion designer who uses colours in an interesting and original way.

2 N‑COUNT A colourist is a hairdresser who specializes in colouring people's hair.

col|our|less /kʌ lə ^r ləs/ in AM, use colorless 1 ADJ Something that is colourless has no colour at all. □ …a colourless, almost odourless liquid with a sharp, sweetish taste.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone's face is colourless , it is very pale, usually because they are frightened, shocked, or ill. □ Her face was colourless, and she was shaking. □ His complexion was colorless and he hadn't shaved.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Colourless people or places are dull and uninteresting. □ We hurried through the colourless little town set on the fast-flowing Nyakchu.

co l|our scheme (colour schemes ) in AM, use color scheme N‑COUNT In a room or house, the colour scheme is the way in which colours have been used to decorate it. □ …a stylish colour scheme of olive green and mustard.

co l|our su p|plement (colour supplements ) N‑COUNT A colour supplement is a colour magazine which is one of the sections of a newspaper, especially at weekends. [BRIT ] in AM, use supplement

colt /koʊ lt/ (colts ) N‑COUNT A colt is a young male horse.

colt|ish /koʊ lt I ʃ/ ADJ A young person or animal that is coltish is full of energy but clumsy or awkward, because they lack physical skill or control. □ …coltish teenagers.

col|umn ◆◇◇ /kɒ ləm/ (columns )

1 N‑COUNT A column is a tall, often decorated cylinder of stone which is built to honour someone or forms part of a building. □ …a London landmark, Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.

2 N‑COUNT A column is something that has a tall narrow shape. □ [+ of ] The explosion sent a column of smoke thousands of feet into the air.

3 N‑COUNT A column is a group of people or animals which moves in a long line. □ [+ of ] There were reports of columns of military vehicles appearing on the streets.

4 N‑COUNT On a printed page such as a page of a dictionary, newspaper, or printed chart, a column is one of two or more vertical sections which are read downwards. □ [+ of ] We had stupidly been looking at the wrong column of figures.

5 N‑COUNT In a newspaper or magazine, a column is a section that is always written by the same person or is always about the same topic. □ [+ for ] She also writes a regular column for the Times Educational Supplement.

6 → see also agony column , gossip column , personal column , spinal column , steering column

col|umn|ist /kɒ ləm I st/ (columnists ) N‑COUNT A columnist is a journalist who regularly writes a particular kind of article in a newspaper or magazine. □ [+ for ] Clarence Page is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

coma /koʊ mə/ (comas ) N‑COUNT [usu in/into N ] Someone who is in a coma is in a state of deep unconsciousness. □ She was in a coma for seven weeks.

co|ma|tose /koʊ mətoʊs/

1 ADJ A person who is comatose is in a coma. [MEDICAL ] □ The right side of my brain had been so severely bruised that I was comatose for a month.

2 ADJ [oft ADJ after v] A person who is comatose is in a deep sleep, usually because they are tired or have drunk too much alcohol. [INFORMAL ] □ Grandpa lies comatose on the sofa.

comb /koʊ m/ (combs , combing , combed )

1 N‑COUNT A comb is a flat piece of plastic or metal with narrow pointed teeth along one side, which you use to tidy your hair.

2 VERB When you comb your hair, you tidy it using a comb. □ [V n] Salvatore combed his hair carefully. □ [V -ed] Her reddish hair was cut short and neatly combed.

3 VERB If you comb a place, you search everywhere in it in order to find someone or something. □ [V n + for ] Officers combed the woods for the murder weapon. □ [V n] They fanned out and carefully combed the temple grounds.

4 VERB If you comb through information, you look at it very carefully in order to find something. □ [V + through ] Eight police officers then spent two years combing through the evidence.

5 → see also fine-tooth comb

com|bat ◆◇◇ (combats , combating or combatting , combated or combatted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mbæt/. The verb is pronounced /kəmbæ t/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Combat is fighting that takes place in a war. □ Over 16 million men had died in combat. □ Yesterday saw hand-to-hand combat in the city. □ …combat aircraft.

2 N‑COUNT A combat is a battle, or a fight between two people. □ It was the end of a long combat.

3 VERB If people in authority combat something, they try to stop it happening. □ [V n] Congress has criticised new government measures to combat crime. SYNONYMS combat NOUN 1

fighting: More than nine hundred people have died in the fighting.

war: He spent part of the war in the National Guard.

battle: …after a gun battle between police and drug traffickers.

action: 13 soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in action.

conflict: …talks aimed at ending four decades of conflict. COLLOCATIONS combat NOUN

1

adjective + combat : gladiatorial, hand-to-hand, mortal, unarmed; aerial, frontline

2

adjective + combat : ferocious, long VERB 3

combat + noun : crime, extremism, fraud, terrorism; disease, obesity

com|bat|ant /kɒ mbət ^ə nt, [AM ] kəmbæ t-/ (combatants ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A combatant is a person, group, or country that takes part in the fighting in a war. □ I have never suggested that U.N. forces could physically separate the combatants in the region. □ They come from the combatant nations.

com|bat|ive /kɒ mbət I v, [AM ] kəmbæ t I v/ ADJ A person who is combative is aggressive and eager to fight or argue. □ He conducted the meeting in his usual combative style, refusing to admit any mistakes. ● com|bat|ive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ They quickly developed a reputation for combativeness.

co m|bat trou |sers N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Combat trousers are large, loose trousers with lots of pockets. □ He was wearing black combat trousers and a hooded fleece.

com|bi|na|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ mb I ne I ʃ ^ə n/ (combinations ) N‑COUNT A combination of things is a mixture of them. □ [+ of ] …a fantastic combination of colours. □ [+ of ] …the combination of science and art. SYNONYMS combination NOUN

mix: The story is a magical mix of fantasy and reality.

mixture: They looked at him with a mixture of horror, envy, and awe.

blend: …a blend of wine and sparkling water.

compound: Honey is a compound of water, sugar, vitamins and enzymes.

fusion: His fusions of jazz, pop and African melodies have proved highly successful.

com|bi|na |tion lock (combination locks ) N‑COUNT A combination lock is a lock which can only be opened by turning a dial or a number of dials according to a particular series of letters or numbers. □ …a briefcase with combination locks.

com|bine ◆◇◇ (combines , combining , combined ) The verb is pronounced /kəmba I n/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mba I n/. 1 VERB If you combine two or more things or if they combine , they exist together. □ [V n + with ] The Church has something to say on how to combine freedom with responsibility. □ [V to-inf] Relief workers say it's worse than ever as disease and starvation combine to kill thousands. □ [V -ed] This technique combined with any other therapy is perfectly safe. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you combine two or more things or if they combine , they join together to make a single thing. □ [V n] David Jacobs was given the job of combining the data from these 19 studies into one giant study. □ [V n + with ] Combine the flour with 3 tablespoons water to make a paste. □ [V ] Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen combine chemically to form carbohydrates and fats. □ [V -ed + with ] Combined with other compounds, they created a massive dynamite-type bomb.

3 VERB If someone or something combines two qualities or features, they have both those qualities or features at the same time. □ [V n] Their system combines strong government and proportional representation. □ [V n + with ] …a clever, far-sighted lawyer who combines legal expertise with social concern. □ [V -ed] Her tale has a consciously youthful tone and storyline, combined with a sly humour.

4 VERB If someone combines two activities, they do them both at the same time. □ [V n + with ] It is possible to combine a career with being a mother. □ [V n] He will combine the two jobs over the next three years.

5 VERB If two or more groups or organizations combine or if someone combines them, they join to form a single group or organization. □ [V n] …an announcement by Steetley and Tarmac of a joint venture that would combine their operations. □ [V to-inf] Different states or groups can combine to enlarge their markets. [Also V n + with ]

6 N‑COUNT A combine is a group of people or organizations that are working or acting together. □ …an energy and chemicals combine that is Germany's fourth-biggest company. SYNONYMS combine VERB 2

mix: Mix the ingredients together slowly.

bind: These compounds bind with genetic material in the liver.

blend: Blend the butter with the sugar and beat until light and creamy.

amalgamate: The chemical companies had amalgamated into a vast conglomerate.

merge: The two countries merged into one.

com|bined /kəmba I nd/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A combined effort or attack is made by two or more groups of people at the same time. □ These refugees are looked after by the combined efforts of governments and charities.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The combined size or quantity of two or more things is the total of their sizes or quantities added together. □ After the merger, the two banks had combined assets of some $146 billion.

co m|bine ha r|vest|er (combine harvesters ) N‑COUNT A combine harvester is a large machine which is used on farms to cut, sort, and clean grain.

com|bi n|ing form (combining forms ) N‑COUNT A combining form is a word that is used, or used with a particular meaning, only when joined to another word. For example, '-legged' as in 'four-legged' and '-fold' as in 'fivefold' are combining forms.

com|bo /kɒ mboʊ/ (combos ) N‑COUNT A combo is a small group of musicians who play jazz, dance, or popular music. [INFORMAL ] □ …a new-wave rock combo.

com|bus|tible /kəmbʌ st I b ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A combustible material or gas catches fire and burns easily. [FORMAL ] □ The ability of coal to release a combustible gas has long been known.

com|bus|tion /kəmbʌ stʃən/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Combustion is the act of burning something or the process of burning. [TECHNICAL ] □ The energy is released by combustion on the application of a match.

2 → see also internal combustion engine

come ◆◆◆ /kʌ m/ (comes , coming , came ) The form come is used in the present tense and is the past participle. Come is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in this dictionary. For example, the expression 'to come to terms with something' is explained at 'term'. 1 VERB When a person or thing comes to a particular place, especially to a place where you are, they move there. □ [V prep/adv] Two police officers came into the hall. □ [V prep/adv] Come here, Tom. □ [V prep/adv] You'll have to come with us. □ [V ] We heard the train coming. □ [V ] Can I come too? □ [V v-ing prep/adv] The impact blew out some of the windows and the sea came rushing in.

2 VERB When someone comes to do something, they move to the place where someone else is in order to do it, and they do it. In British English, someone can also come and do something and in American English, someone can come do something. However, you always say that someone came and did something. □ [V to-inf] Eleanor had come to visit her. □ [V and v] Come and meet Roger. □ [V inf] I want you to come visit me.

3 VERB When you come to a place, you reach it. □ [V + to ] He came to a door that led into a passageway.

4 VERB If something comes up to a particular point or down to it, it is tall enough, deep enough, or long enough to reach that point. □ [V up prep] The water came up to my chest. □ [V down prep] I wore a large shirt of Jamie's which came down over my hips.

5 VERB If something comes apart or comes to pieces , it breaks into pieces. If something comes off or comes away , it becomes detached from something else. □ [V adv/prep] The pistol came to pieces, easily and quickly. □ [V adv/prep] The door knobs came off in our hands.

6 V‑LINK You use come in expressions such as come to an end or come into operation to indicate that someone or something enters or reaches a particular state or situation. □ [V + to ] The Communists came to power in 1944. □ [V + into ] I came into contact with very bright Harvard and Yale students. □ [V adj] Their worst fears may be coming true.

7 VERB If someone comes to do something, they do it at the end of a long process or period of time. □ [V to-inf] She said it so many times that she came to believe it.

8 VERB You can ask how something came to happen when you want to know what caused it to happen or made it possible. □ [V to-inf] How did you come to meet him?

9 VERB When a particular event or time comes , it arrives or happens. □ [V prep/adv] The announcement came after a meeting at the Home Office. □ [V ] The time has come for us to move on. □ [V ] There will come a time when the crisis will occur. ● com|ing N‑SING □ [+ of ] Most of my patients welcome the coming of summer.

10 PREP You can use come before a date, time, or event to mean when that date, time, or event arrives. For example, you can say come the spring to mean 'when the spring arrives'. □ Come the election on the 20th of May, we will have to decide.

11 VERB If a thought, idea, or memory comes to you, you suddenly think of it or remember it. □ [V + to ] He was about to shut the door when an idea came to him. □ [V to n that] Then it came to me that perhaps he did understand.

12 VERB If money or property is going to come to you, you are going to inherit or receive it. □ [V + to ] He did have pension money coming to him when the factory shut down.

13 VERB If a case comes before a court or tribunal or comes to court, it is presented there so that the court or tribunal can examine it. □ [V + before ] They were ready to explain their case when it came before the planning committee. □ [V + to ] President Cristiani expected the case to come to court within ninety days.

14 VERB If something comes to a particular number or amount, it adds up to it. □ [V + to ] Lunch came to $80.

15 VERB If someone or something comes from a particular place or thing, that place or thing is their origin, source, or starting point. □ [V + from ] Nearly half the students come from abroad. □ [V + from ] Chocolate comes from the cacao tree. □ [V + from ] The term 'claret', used to describe Bordeaux wines, may come from the French word 'clairet'.

16 VERB Something that comes from something else or comes of it is the result of it. □ [V + from ] There is a feeling of power that comes from driving fast. □ [V + of ] He asked to be transferred there some years ago, but nothing came of it.

17 VERB If someone or something comes first, next, or last, they are first, next, or last in a series, list, or competition. □ [V ] The two countries have been unable to agree which step should come next. □ [V ord] The horse had already won at Lincolnshire and come second at Lowesby.

18 VERB If a type of thing comes in a particular range of colours, forms, styles, or sizes, it can have any of those colours, forms, styles, or sizes. □ [V + in ] Bikes come in all shapes and sizes. □ [V + in ] The wallpaper comes in black and white only.

19 VERB You use come in expressions such as it came as a surprise when indicating a person's reaction to something that happens. □ [V + as ] Major's reply came as a complete surprise to the House of Commons. □ [V + as ] The arrest has come as a terrible shock.

20 VERB The next subject in a discussion that you come to is the one that you talk about next. □ [V + to ] Finally in the programme, we come to the news that the American composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein, has died. □ [V + to ] That is another matter altogether. And we shall come to that next.

21 VERB To come means to have an orgasm. [INFORMAL ]

22 → see also coming , comings and goings

23 PHRASE If you say that someone is, for example, as good as they come , or as stupid as they come , you are emphasizing that they are extremely good or extremely stupid. [EMPHASIS ] □ The new finance minister was educated at Oxford and is as traditional as they come.

24 PHRASE You can use the expression when it comes down to it or when you come down to it for emphasis, when you are giving a general statement or conclusion. [EMPHASIS ] □ When you come down to it, however, the basic problems of life have not changed.

25 PHRASE If you say that someone has it coming to them, you mean that they deserve everything bad that is going to happen to them, because they have done something wrong or are a bad person. If you say that someone got what was coming to them, you mean that they deserved the punishment or bad experience that they have had. [INFORMAL ] □ He was pleased that Brady was dead because he probably had it coming to him.

26 PHRASE You use the expression come to think of it to indicate that you have suddenly realized something, often something obvious. □ You know, when you come to think of it, this is very odd.

27 PHRASE When you refer to a time or an event to come or one that is still to come , you are referring to a future time or event. □ I hope in years to come he will reflect on his decision. □ The worst of the storm is yet to come.

28 PHRASE You can use the expression when it comes to or when it comes down to in order to introduce a new topic or a new aspect of a topic that you are talking about. □ We know we should cut down on fat but that doesn't help when it comes to eating. □ However, when it comes down to somebody that they know, they have a different feeling.

29 PHRASE You can use expressions like I know where you're coming from or you can see where she's coming from to say that you understand someone's attitude or point of view. □ To understand why they are doing it, it is necessary to know where they are coming from.

▸ come about PHRASAL VERB When you say how or when something came about , you say how or when it happened. □ [V P + through ] Any possible solution can only come about through dialogue. □ [V P ] That came about when we went to Glastonbury last year. □ [V P that] It came about that he combined his businesses.

▸ come across

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come across something or someone, you find them or meet them by chance. □ [V P n] I came across a group of children playing.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or what they are saying comes across in a particular way, they make that impression on people who meet them or are listening to them. □ [V P + as ] When sober he can come across as an extremely pleasant and charming young man. □ [V P adv] He came across very, very well.

▸ come along

1 PHRASAL VERB You tell someone to come along to encourage them in a friendly way to do something, especially to attend something. □ [V P ] There's a big press launch today and you're most welcome to come along.

2 CONVENTION You say 'come along' to someone to encourage them to hurry up, usually when you are rather annoyed with them. □ [V P ] Come along, Osmond. No sense in your standing around.

3 PHRASAL VERB When something or someone comes along , they occur or arrive by chance. □ [V P ] I waited a long time until a script came along that I thought was genuinely funny. □ [V P ] It was lucky you came along.

4 PHRASAL VERB If something is coming along , it is developing or making progress. □ [V P adv] Pentagon spokesman Williams says those talks are coming along quite well. □ [V P ] How's Ferguson coming along?

▸ come around in BRIT, also use come round 1 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes around or comes round to your house, they call there to see you. □ [V P ] Beryl came round this morning to apologize. □ [V P + to ] Quite a lot of people came round to the house.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you come around or come round to an idea, you eventually change your mind and accept it or agree with it. □ [V P + to ] It looks like they're coming around to our way of thinking. □ [V P ] She will eventually come round.

3 PHRASAL VERB When something comes around or comes round , it happens as a regular or predictable event. □ [V P ] I hope still to be in the side when the World Cup comes around next year.

4 PHRASAL VERB When someone who is unconscious comes around or comes round , they recover consciousness. □ [V P ] When I came round I was on the kitchen floor.

▸ come at PHRASAL VERB If a person or animal comes at you, they move towards you in a threatening way and try to attack you. □ [V P n + with ] He told police the man had come at him with a knife. [Also V P n]

▸ come back

1 PHRASAL VERB If something that you had forgotten comes back to you, you remember it. □ [V P + to ] I'll think of his name in a moment when it comes back to me. □ [V P ] When I thought about it, it all came back.

2 PHRASAL VERB When something comes back , it becomes fashionable again. □ [V P ] I'm glad hats are coming back.

3 → see also comeback

▸ come back to PHRASAL VERB If you come back to a topic or point, you talk about it again later. □ [V P P n] 'What does that mean please?'—'I'm coming back to that. Just write it down for the minute.'

▸ come between PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone or something comes between two people, or comes between a person and a thing, they make the relationship or connection between them less close or happy. □ [V P n] It's difficult to imagine anything coming between them.

▸ come by PHRASAL VERB To come by something means to obtain it or find it. □ [V P n] How did you come by that cheque?

▸ come down

1 PHRASAL VERB If the cost, level, or amount of something comes down , it becomes less than it was before. □ [V P ] Interest rates should come down. □ [V P + to/from ] If you buy three bottles, the bottle price comes down to £2.42. □ [V P + by ] The price of petrol is coming down by four pence a gallon.

2 PHRASAL VERB If something comes down , it falls to the ground. □ [V P ] The cold rain came down.

▸ come down on

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come down on one side of an argument, you declare that you support that side. □ [V P P n] After much quibbling, the judges came down on the side of Thornton.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you come down on someone, you punish or criticize them severely. □ [V P P n] Referees will come down hard on such cheating.

▸ come down to PHRASAL VERB If a problem, decision, or question comes down to a particular thing, that thing is the most important factor involved. □ [V P P n] Walter Crowley says the problem comes down to money. □ [V P P n] I think that it comes down to the fact that people do feel very dependent on their automobile. □ [V P P n] What it comes down to is, there are bad people out there, and somebody has to deal with them.

▸ come down with PHRASAL VERB If you come down with an illness, you get it. □ [V P P n] Thomas came down with chickenpox at the weekend.

▸ come for PHRASAL VERB If people such as soldiers or police come for you, they come to find you, usually in order to harm you or take you away, for example to prison. □ [V P n] Lotte was getting ready to fight if they came for her.

▸ come forward PHRASAL VERB If someone comes forward , they offer to do something or to give some information in response to a request for help. □ [V P ] A vital witness came forward to say that she saw Tanner wearing the boots.

▸ come in

1 PHRASAL VERB If information, a report, or a telephone call comes in , it is received. □ [V P ] Reports are now coming in of trouble at yet another jail.

2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you have some money coming in , you receive it regularly as your income. □ [V P ] She had no money coming in and no funds.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes in on a discussion, arrangement, or task, they join it. □ [V P + on ] Can I come in here too, on both points? □ [V P ] He had a designer come in and redesign the uniforms.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a new idea, fashion, or product comes in , it becomes popular or available. □ [V P ] It was just when geography was really beginning to change and lots of new ideas were coming in.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you ask where something or someone comes in , you are asking what their role is in a particular matter. □ [V P ] Rose asked again, 'But where do we come in, Henry?'

6 PHRASAL VERB When the tide comes in , the water in the sea gradually moves so that it covers more of the land.

▸ come in for PHRASAL VERB If someone or something comes in for criticism or blame, they receive it. □ [V P P n] The plans have already come in for fierce criticism in many quarters of the country.

▸ come into

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone comes into some money, some property, or a title, they inherit it. □ [V P n] My father has just come into a fortune in diamonds.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If someone or something comes into a situation, they have a role in it. □ [V P n] We don't really know where Hortense comes into all this.

▸ come off

1 PHRASAL VERB If something comes off , it is successful or effective. □ [V P ] It was a good try but it didn't quite come off.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes off worst in a contest or conflict, they are in the worst position after it. If they come off best, they are in the best position. □ [V P adv] Some Democrats still have bitter memories of how, against all odds, they came off worst during the inquiry.

3 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come off a drug or medicine, you stop taking it. □ [V P n] …people trying to come off tranquillizers.

4 CONVENTION You say 'come off it' to someone to show them that you think what they are saying is untrue or wrong. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ]

▸ come on

1 CONVENTION You say 'Come on' to someone to encourage them to do something they do not much want to do. [SPOKEN ] □ Come on Doreen, let's dance.

2 CONVENTION You say 'Come on' to someone to encourage them to hurry up. [SPOKEN ]

3 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you have an illness or a headache coming on , you can feel it starting. □ [V P ] Tiredness and fever are much more likely to be a sign of flu coming on.

4 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If something or someone is coming on well, they are developing well or making good progress. □ [V P adv] Lee is coming on very well now and it's a matter of deciding how to fit him into the team.

5 PHRASAL VERB When something such as a machine or system comes on , it starts working or functioning. □ [V P ] The central heating was coming on and the ancient wooden boards creaked.

6 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If a new season or type of weather is coming on , it is starting to arrive. □ [V P ] Winter was coming on again. □ [V P to-inf] I had two miles to go and it was just coming on to rain.

▸ come on to

1 PHRASAL VERB When you come on to a particular topic, you start discussing it. □ [V P P n] We're now looking at a smaller system but I'll come on to that later.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes on to you, they show that they are interested in starting a sexual relationship with you. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P P n] I don't think that a woman, by using make-up, is trying to come on to a man.

▸ come out

1 PHRASAL VERB When a new product such as a book or CD comes out , it becomes available to the public. □ [V P ] The book comes out this week.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a fact comes out , it becomes known to people. □ [V P ] The truth is beginning to come out about what happened. □ [V P that] It came out that he was already married.

3 PHRASAL VERB When a gay person comes out , they let people know that they are gay. □ [V P ] …the few gay men there who dare to come out. □ [V P + as ] I came out as a lesbian when I was still in my teens.

4 PHRASAL VERB To come out in a particular way means to be in the position or state described at the end of a process or event. □ [V P adv/prep] In this grim little episode, few people come out well. □ [V P adj] So what makes a good marriage? Faithfulness comes out top of the list. □ [V P + of ] Julian ought to have resigned, then he'd have come out of it with some credit.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you come out for something, you declare that you support it. If you come out against something, you declare that you do not support it. □ [V P prep/adv] Its members had come out virtually unanimously against the tests.

6 PHRASAL VERB When a group of workers comes out on strike, they go on strike. [BRIT ] □ [V P prep] On September 18 the dockers again came out on strike. in AM, use go out on strike 7 PHRASAL VERB If a photograph does not come out , it does not appear or is unclear when it is developed and printed. □ [V P ] None of her snaps came out.

8 PHRASAL VERB When the sun, moon, or stars come out , they appear in the sky. □ [V P ] Oh, look. The sun's come out.

▸ come out in PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come out in spots, you become covered with them. [BRIT ] □ [V P P n] When I changed to a new soap I came out in a terrible rash. in AM, use break out

▸ come out with PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come out with a remark, especially a surprising one, you make it. □ [V P n] Everyone who heard it just burst out laughing when he came out with it.

▸ come over

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If a feeling or desire, especially a strange or surprising one, comes over you, it affects you strongly. □ [V P n] As I entered the corridor which led to my room that eerie feeling came over me. □ [V P n] I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes over all dizzy or shy, for example, they suddenly start feeling or acting in that way. □ [V P adj] When Connie pours her troubles out to him, Joe comes over all sensitive.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone or what they are saying comes over in a particular way, they make that impression on people who meet them or are listening to them. □ [V P + as ] You come over as a capable and amusing companion.

▸ come round → see come around

▸ come through

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] To come through a dangerous or difficult situation means to survive it and recover from it. □ [V P n] The city had faced racial crisis and come through it.

2 PHRASAL VERB If a feeling or message comes through , it is clearly shown in what is said or done. □ [V P ] I hope my love for the material came through, because it is a great script.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something comes through , it arrives, especially after some procedure has been carried out. □ [V P ] The news came through at about five o'clock on election day.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you come through with what is expected or needed from you, you succeed in doing or providing it. □ [V P + on/with ] He puts his administration at risk if he doesn't come through on these promises for reform. □ [V P + for ] We found that we were totally helpless, and our women came through for us.

▸ come to PHRASAL VERB When someone who is unconscious comes to , they recover consciousness. □ [V P ] When he came to and raised his head he saw Barney.

▸ come under

1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you come under attack or pressure, for example, people attack you or put pressure on you. □ [V P n] His relationship with the KGB came under scrutiny.

2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something comes under a particular authority, it is managed or controlled by that authority. □ [V P n] The prison comes under the authority of the Security Committee.

3 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something comes under a particular heading, it is in the category mentioned. □ [V P n] The news came under the heading of human interest.

▸ come up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone comes up or comes up to you, they approach you until they are standing close to you. □ [V P ] Her cat came up and rubbed itself against their legs. □ [V P + to ] He came up to me and said: 'Come on, John.'

2 PHRASAL VERB If something comes up in a conversation or meeting, it is mentioned or discussed. □ [V P ] The subject came up at a news conference in Beijing today.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something is coming up , it is about to happen or take place. □ [V P ] We do have elections coming up.

4 PHRASAL VERB If something comes up , it happens unexpectedly. □ [V P ] I was delayed–something came up at home.

5 PHRASAL VERB If a job comes up or if something comes up for sale, it becomes available. □ [V P ] A research fellowship came up at Girton and I applied for it and got it. □ [V P + for ] The house came up for sale and the couple realised they could just about afford it.

6 PHRASAL VERB When the sun or moon comes up , it rises. □ [V P ] It will be so great watching the sun come up.

7 PHRASAL VERB In law, when a case comes up , it is heard in a court of law. □ [V P ] He is one of the reservists who will plead not guilty when their cases come up.

▸ come up against PHRASAL VERB If you come up against a problem or difficulty, you are faced with it and have to deal with it. □ [V P P n] We came up against a great deal of resistance in dealing with the case.

▸ come up for PHRASAL VERB When someone or something comes up for consideration or action of some kind, the time arrives when they have to be considered or dealt with. □ [V P P n] The TV rights contract came up for renegotiation.

▸ come upon

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come upon someone or something, you meet them or find them by chance. □ [V P n] I came upon an irresistible item at a yard sale.

2 PHRASAL VERB If an attitude or feeling comes upon you, it begins to affect you. [LITERARY ] □ [V P n] A sense of impending doom came upon all of us.

▸ come up to PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] To be coming up to a time or state means to be getting near to it. □ [V P P n] It's just coming up to ten minutes past eleven now.

▸ come up with

1 PHRASAL VERB If you come up with a plan or idea, you think of it and suggest it. □ [V P P n] Several of the members have come up with suggestions of their own.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you come up with a sum of money, you manage to produce it when it is needed. □ [V P P n] If Warren can come up with the $15 million, we'll go to London. SYNONYMS come VERB 1

arrive: Fresh groups of guests arrived.

appear: A woman appeared at the far end of the street.

reach: He did not stop until he reached the door.

turn up: Richard had turned up on Christmas Eve with Tony. USAGE come from

Don’t use a progressive form in sentences like these. Don’t say, for example, ‘ Where are you coming from? ’ or ‘ I am coming from Zambia ’. Say ‘Where do you come from ?’ or ‘I come from Zambia’.

come|back (comebacks )

1 N‑COUNT If someone such as an entertainer or sports personality makes a comeback , they return to their profession or sport after a period away. □ A British bullfighter is making a comeback at the age of 67.

2 N‑COUNT If something makes a comeback , it becomes fashionable again. □ Tight-fitting T-shirts are making a comeback.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you have no comeback when someone has done something wrong to you, there is nothing you can do to have them punished or held responsible.

co|median /kəmiː diən/ (comedians ) N‑COUNT A comedian is an entertainer whose job is to make people laugh, by telling jokes or funny stories.

co|medic /kəmiː d I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Comedic means relating to comedy. [FORMAL ] □ …a festival of comedic talent from around the world.

co|medi|enne /kəmiː die n/ (comediennes ) N‑COUNT A comedienne is a female entertainer whose job is to make people laugh, by telling jokes or funny stories.

come|down /kʌ mdaʊn/ in BRIT, also use come-down N‑SING If you say that something is a comedown , you think that it is not as good as something else that you have just done or had. □ The prospect of relegation is a comedown for a club that finished second two seasons ago.

com|edy ◆◇◇ /kɒ mədi/ (comedies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Comedy consists of types of entertainment, such as plays and films, or particular scenes in them, that are intended to make people laugh. □ He dropped out of university in Manchester to pursue a career in comedy. □ …a TV comedy series.

2 N‑COUNT A comedy is a play, film, or television programme that is intended to make people laugh.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The comedy of a situation involves those aspects of it that make you laugh. □ [+ in ] Jackie sees the comedy in her millionaire husband's thrifty habits.

4 → see also situation comedy COLLOCATIONS comedy NOUN

1

adjective + comedy : alternative, black, light; musical, physical, stand-up

2

noun + comedy : cult, hit

adjective + comedy : gentle, romantic, satirical, witty

come|ly /kʌ mli/ (comelier , comeliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A comely woman is attractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

co me-on (come-ons ) N‑COUNT A come-on is a gesture or remark which someone makes in order to encourage another person to make sexual advances to them. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ from ] He ignores come-ons from the many women who seem to find him attractive.

com|er /kʌmə ^r / (comers )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use comers to refer to people who arrive at a particular place. □ I arrived at the church at two-thirty p.m. to find some early comers outside the main door. □ The first comer was the Sultan himself.

2 → see also all-comers , latecomer , newcomer

com|et /kɒ m I t/ (comets ) N‑COUNT A comet is a bright object with a long tail that travels around the sun. □ Halley's Comet is going to come back in 2061.

come|up|pance /kʌ mʌ pəns/ also come-uppance N‑SING [usu poss N ] If you say that someone has got their comeuppance , you approve of the fact that they have been punished or have suffered for something wrong that they have done. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ The central character is a bad man who shoots people and gets his comeuppance.

com|fort ◆◇◇ /kʌ mfə ^r t/ (comforts , comforting , comforted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/for N ] If you are doing something in comfort , you are physically relaxed and contented, and are not feeling any pain or other unpleasant sensations. □ This will enable the audience to sit in comfort while watching the shows. □ The shoe has padding around the collar, heel and tongue for added comfort.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Comfort is a style of life in which you have enough money to have everything you need. □ Thanks to the success of her books, she lives in comfort.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Comfort is what you feel when worries or unhappiness stop. □ [+ to ] He welcomed the truce, but pointed out it was of little comfort to families spending Christmas without a loved one. □ He will be able to take some comfort from inflation figures due on Friday. □ He found comfort in Eva's blind faith in him.

4 → see also cold comfort

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a person, thing, or idea as a comfort , you mean that it helps you to stop worrying or makes you feel less unhappy. □ It's a comfort talking to you. □ Being able to afford a drink would be a comfort in these tough times.

6 VERB If you comfort someone, you make them feel less worried, unhappy, or upset, for example by saying kind things to them. □ [V n] Ned put his arm around her, trying to comfort her.

7 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Comforts are things which make your life easier and more pleasant, such as electrical devices you have in your home. □ She enjoys the material comforts married life has brought her. □ Electricity provides us with warmth and light and all our modern home comforts.

8 → see also creature comforts

9 PHRASE If you say that something is, for example, too close for comfort , you mean you are worried because it is closer than you would like it to be. □ The bombs fell in the sea, many too close for comfort. □ Interest rates and inflation were too high for comfort.

com|fort|able ◆◇◇ /kʌ mftəb ^ə l/

1 ADJ If a piece of furniture or an item of clothing is comfortable , it makes you feel physically relaxed when you use it, for example because it is soft. □ …a comfortable fireside chair. □ Trainers are so comfortable to wear.

2 ADJ If a building or room is comfortable , it makes you feel physically relaxed when you spend time in it, for example because it is warm and has nice furniture. □ A home should be comfortable and friendly. □ …somewhere warm and comfortable. ● com|fort|ably /kʌ mftəbli/ ADV [usu ADV -ed] □ …the comfortably-furnished living room.

3 ADJ If you are comfortable , you are physically relaxed because of the place or position you are sitting or lying in. □ Lie down on your bed and make yourself comfortable. □ She tried to manoeuvre her body into a more comfortable position. ● com|fort|ably ADV [ADV with v] □ Are you sitting comfortably? □ He would be tucked comfortably into bed.

4 ADJ If you say that someone is comfortable , you mean that they have enough money to be able to live without financial problems. □ 'Is he rich?'—'He's comfortable.' □ She came from a stable, comfortable, middle-class family. ● com|fort|ably ADV □ Cayton describes himself as comfortably well-off.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In a race, competition, or election, if you have a comfortable lead, you are likely to win it easily. If you gain a comfortable victory or majority, you win easily. □ By half distance we held a comfortable two-lap lead. □ He appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory. ● com|fort|ably ADV [ADV with v] □ They should have won comfortably, but had to settle for a draw.

6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel comfortable with a particular situation or person, you feel confident and relaxed with them. □ [+ with ] Nervous politicians might well feel more comfortable with a step-by-step approach. □ [+ with ] He liked me and I felt comfortable with him. □ [+ about ] I'll talk to them, but I won't feel comfortable about it. ● com|fort|ably ADV [ADV after v] □ They talked comfortably of their plans.

7 ADJ When a sick or injured person is said to be comfortable , they are in a stable physical condition. □ He was described as comfortable in hospital last night.

8 ADJ A comfortable life, job, or situation does not cause you any problems or worries. □ …a comfortable teaching job at a university. □ Kohl's retirement looks far from comfortable.

com|fort|ably /kʌ mftəbli/

1 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something comfortably , you do it easily. □ Only take upon yourself those things that you know you can manage comfortably. □ Three of the six have comfortably exceeded their normal life expectancy.

2 → see also comfortable

co m|fort|ably o ff ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is comfortably off , they have enough money to be able to live without financial problems. □ He had no plans to retire even though he is now very comfortably off.

com|fort|er /kʌ mfə ^r tə ^r / (comforters )

1 N‑COUNT A comforter is a person or thing that comforts you. □ He became her devoted friend and comforter.

2 N‑COUNT A comforter is a large cover filled with feathers or similar material which you put over yourself in bed instead of a sheet and blankets. [AM ] in BRIT, use duvet , quilt

co m|fort food N‑UNCOUNT If you call something comfort food , you mean it is enjoyable to eat and makes you feel happier, although it may not be very good for your health. □ For me, spaghetti bolognese is the ultimate comfort food.

com|fort|ing /kʌ mfə ^r t I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is comforting , you mean it makes you feel less worried or unhappy. □ My mother had just died and I found the book very comforting. □ In the midst of his feelings of impotence, a comforting thought arrived. ● com|fort|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □ 'Everything's under control here,' her mother said comfortingly.

co m|fort zone (comfort zones ) N‑COUNT If a situation or activity is out of your comfort zone , it does not make you feel secure, comfortable, or in control. □ I like to do things that take me out of my comfort zone.

com|frey /kʌ mfri/ N‑UNCOUNT Comfrey is a herb that is used to make drinks and medicines.

com|fy /kʌ mfi/ (comfier , comfiest ) ADJ A comfy item of clothing, piece of furniture, room, or position is a comfortable one. [INFORMAL ] □ Loose-fitting shirts are comfy. □ …a comfy chair.

com|ic /kɒ m I k/ (comics )

1 ADJ If you describe something as comic , you mean that it makes you laugh, and is often intended to make you laugh. □ The novel is comic and tragic. □ Most of these trips had exciting or comic moments.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Comic is used to describe comedy as a form of entertainment, and the actors and entertainers who perform it. □ Grodin is a fine comic actor. □ …a comic opera.

3 N‑COUNT A comic is an entertainer who tells jokes in order to make people laugh.

4 N‑COUNT A comic is a magazine that contains stories told in pictures. [mainly BRIT ] □ Joe loved to read 'Superman' comics. in AM, usually use comic book

comi|cal /kɒ m I k ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as comical , you mean that it makes you want to laugh because it seems funny or silly. □ Her expression is almost comical. □ Events took a comical turn. ● comi|cal|ly /kɒ m I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ She raised her eyebrows comically. USAGE comical

Don’t use ‘comical’ to describe things that are intended to make you laugh. Don’t say, for example, ‘ He is a great comical actor ’. You say 'He is a great comic actor.' □ The novel is both comic and tragic.

co m|ic book (comic books ) N‑COUNT A comic book is a magazine that contains stories told in pictures. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use comic

co m|ic strip (comic strips ) N‑COUNT A comic strip is a series of drawings that tell a story, especially in a newspaper or magazine.

com|ing ◆◆◆ /kʌ m I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A coming event or time is an event or time that will happen soon. □ This obviously depends on the weather in the coming months.

co m|ing of a ge

1 N‑SING When something reaches an important stage of development and is accepted by a large number of people, you can refer to this as its coming of age . □ …postwar Germany's final coming-of-age as an independent sovereign state.

2 N‑SING [with poss] Someone's coming of age is the time when they become legally an adult. □ …traditional coming-of-age ceremonies.

co m|ings and go |ings N‑PLURAL [with poss] Comings and goings refers to the way people keep arriving at and leaving a particular place. □ [+ of ] They noted the comings and goings of the journalists.

com|ma /kɒ mə/ (commas ) N‑COUNT A comma is the punctuation mark, which is used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.

com|mand ◆◇◇ /kəmɑː nd, -mæ nd/ (commands , commanding , commanded )

1 VERB If someone in authority commands you to do something, they tell you that you must do it. [mainly WRITTEN ] □ [V n to-inf] He commanded his troops to attack. □ [V with quote] 'Get in your car and follow me,' he commanded. □ [V that] He commanded that roads be built to link castles across the land. □ [V n with quote] 'Don't panic,' I commanded myself. [Also V n] ● N‑VAR Command is also a noun. □ The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop. □ …the note of command in his voice.

2 VERB [no cont] If you command something such as respect or obedience, you obtain it because you are popular, famous, or important. □ [V n] …an excellent physician who commanded the respect of all his colleagues.

3 VERB If an army or country commands a place, they have total control over it. □ [V n] Yemen commands the strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. ● N‑UNCOUNT Command is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the struggle for command of the air.

4 VERB An officer who commands part of an army, navy, or air force is responsible for controlling and organizing it. □ [V n] …the French general who commands the U.N. troops in the region. □ [V ] He didn't just command. He personally fought in several heavy battles. ● N‑UNCOUNT Command is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He took command of 108 Squadron.

5 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] In the armed forces, a command is a group of officers who are responsible for organizing and controlling part of an army, navy, or air force. □ He had authorisation from the military command to retaliate.

6 N‑COUNT In computing, a command is an instruction that you give to a computer.

7 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has command of a situation, they have control of it because they have, or seem to have, power or authority. □ [+ of ] Mr Baker would take command of the campaign. □ It was his senior partner who was in command.

8 N‑UNCOUNT Your command of something, such as a foreign language, is your knowledge of it and your ability to use this knowledge. □ [+ of ] His command of English was excellent.

9 → see also high command , second-in-command

10 PHRASE If you have a particular skill or particular resources at your command , you have them and can use them fully. [FORMAL ] □ She sought revenge with all the skills at her command.

com|man|dant /kɒ məndænt/ (commandants ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commandant is an army officer in charge of a particular place or group of people.

com|ma nd eco no|my (command economies ) N‑COUNT In a command economy , business activities and the use of resources are decided by the government, and not by market forces. [BUSINESS ] □ …the Czech Republic's transition from a command economy to a market system.

com|man|deer /kɒ mənd I ə ^r / (commandeers , commandeering , commandeered )

1 VERB If the armed forces commandeer a vehicle or building owned by someone else, they officially take charge of it so that they can use it. □ [V n] The soldiers commandeered vehicles in the capital and occupied the television station. □ [V -ed] They drove in convoy round the city in commandeered cars.

2 VERB To commandeer something owned by someone else means to take charge of it so that you can use it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] The hijacker commandeered the plane on a domestic flight.

com|mand|er ◆◇◇ /kəmɑː ndə ^r , -mæ nd-/ (commanders )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commander is an officer in charge of a military operation or organization. □ The commander and some of the men had been released. □ …Commander Bob Marks.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commander is an officer in the Royal Navy or the U.S. Navy. COLLOCATIONS commander NOUN 1

noun + commander : army; battalion, brigade, platoon, section, squadron

adjective + commander : military, naval; senior, supreme; rebel

comma nder-in-chie f (commanders-in-chief ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commander-in-chief is a senior officer who is in charge of all the forces in a particular area. □ [+ of ] He was to be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

com|mand|ing /kəmɑː nd I ŋ, -mæ nd-/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you are in a commanding position or situation, you are in a strong or powerful position or situation. □ Right now you're in a more commanding position than you have been for ages. □ The French vessel has a commanding lead.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as commanding , you mean that they are powerful and confident. [APPROVAL ] □ Lovett was a tall, commanding man with a waxed gray moustache. □ The voice at the other end of the line was serious and commanding.

3 → see also command

com|ma nd|ing o f|fic|er (commanding officers ) N‑COUNT A commanding officer is an officer who is in charge of a military unit. □ He got permission from his commanding officer to join me.

com|mand|ment /kəmɑː ndmənt, -mæ nd-/ (commandments ) N‑COUNT The Ten Commandments are the ten rules of behaviour which, according to the Old Testament of the Bible, people should obey.

com|man|do /kəmɑː ndoʊ, -mæ nd-/ (commandos or commandoes )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A commando is a group of soldiers who have been specially trained to carry out surprise attacks. □ [+ of ] …a small commando of marines. □ The hostages were freed in the commando raid.

2 N‑COUNT A commando is a soldier who is a member of a commando.

com|ma nd per|fo r|mance (command performances ) N‑COUNT A command performance is a special performance of a play or show which is given for a head of state.

com|ma nd post (command posts ) N‑COUNT A command post is a place from which a commander in the army controls and organizes his forces.

com|memo|rate /kəme məre I t/ (commemorates , commemorating , commemorated ) VERB To commemorate an important event or person means to remember them by means of a special action, ceremony, or specially-created object. □ [V n] One room contained a gallery of paintings commemorating great moments in baseball history. ● com|memo|ra|tion /kəme məre I ʃ ^ə n/ (commemorations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …a part of Jews' commemoration of Passover.

com|memo|ra|tive /kəme mərət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] A commemorative object or event is intended to make people remember a particular event or person. □ The Queen unveiled a commemorative plaque.

com|mence /kəme ns/ (commences , commencing , commenced ) VERB When something commences or you commence it, it begins. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] The academic year commences at the beginning of October. □ [V n] They commenced a systematic search. □ [V to-inf] The hunter knelt beside the animal carcass and commenced to skin it. [Also V v-ing]

com|mence|ment /kəme nsmənt/ (commencements )

1 N‑UNCOUNT The commencement of something is its beginning. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] All should be at least 16 years of age at the commencement of this course.

2 N‑VAR [usu N n] Commencement is a ceremony at a university, college, or high school at which students formally receive their degrees or diplomas. [AM ] in BRIT, use graduation

com|mend /kəme nd/ (commends , commending , commended )

1 VERB If you commend someone or something, you praise them formally. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + for/on ] I commended her for that action. □ [V n + for/on ] I commend Ms. Orth on writing such an informative article. □ [be V -ed + for ] The book was widely commended for its candour. □ [V n] The reports commend her bravery. □ [be V -ed + by ] His actions were commended by the Jury. ● com|men|da|tion /kɒ mende I ʃ ^ə n/ (commendations ) N‑COUNT □ [+ from ] The Company received a commendation from the Royal Society of Arts.

2 VERB If someone commends a person or thing to you, they tell you that you will find them good or useful. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + to ] I can commend it to him as a realistic course of action.

com|mend|able /kəme ndəb ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as commendable , you approve of it or are praising it. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ Mr Sparrow has acted with commendable speed.

com|men|su|rate /kəme nsərət/ ADJ [ADJ n] If the level of one thing is commensurate with another, the first level is in proportion to the second. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] Employees are paid salaries commensurate with those of teachers. [Also + to ]

com|ment ◆◆◇ /kɒ ment/ (comments , commenting , commented )

1 VERB If you comment on something, you give your opinion about it or you give an explanation for it. □ [V + on ] Stratford police refuse to comment on whether anyone has been arrested. □ [V ] You really can't comment till you know the facts. □ [V with quote] 'I'm always happy with new developments,' he commented. □ [V that] Stuart commented that this was very true.

2 N‑VAR A comment is something that you say which expresses your opinion of something or which gives an explanation of it. □ He made his comments at a news conference in Amsterdam. □ There's been no comment so far from police about the allegations. □ The Prime Minister, who is abroad, was not available for comment.

3 N‑SING If an event or situation is a comment on something, it reveals something about that thing, usually something bad. □ [+ on ] He argues that family problems are typically a comment on some unresolved issues in the family.

4 CONVENTION People say ' no comment ' as a way of refusing to answer a question, usually when it is asked by a journalist. □ No comment. I don't know anything. COLLOCATIONS comment VERB 1

comment + adverb : publicly NOUN 2

adjective + comment : derogatory, inappropriate, negative, offensive, unacceptable; racist, sexist; positive, upbeat; unhelpful

com|men|tary /kɒ məntri, [AM ] -teri/ (commentaries )

1 N‑VAR A commentary is a description of an event that is broadcast on radio or television while the event is taking place. □ He gave the listening crowd a running commentary. □ [+ on ] That programme will include live commentary on the England–Ireland game.

2 N‑COUNT A commentary is an article or book which explains or discusses something. □ [+ on ] Mr Rich will be writing a twice-weekly commentary on American society and culture.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Commentary is discussion or criticism of something. □ The show mixed comedy with social commentary.

com|men|tate /kɒ mənte I t/ (commentates , commentating , commentated ) VERB To commentate means to give a radio or television commentary on an event. □ [V + on ] They are in Sweden to commentate on the European Championships. □ [V + for ] He commentates for the BBC.

com|men|ta|tor ◆◇◇ /kɒ mənte I tə ^r / (commentators )

1 N‑COUNT A commentator is a broadcaster who gives a radio or television commentary on an event. □ …a sports commentator.

2 N‑COUNT A commentator is someone who often writes or broadcasts about a particular subject. □ …a political commentator. □ [+ on ] A. M. Babu is a commentator on African affairs.

com|merce ◆◇◇ /kɒ mɜː ^r s/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Commerce is the activities and procedures involved in buying and selling things. □ They have made their fortunes from industry and commerce.

2 → see also chamber of commerce SYNONYMS commerce NOUN 1

trade: The ministry had direct control over every aspect of foreign trade.

business: Jennifer has an impressive academic and business background.

transaction: Those are the business transactions that count.

com|mer|cial ◆◆◇ /kəmɜː ^r ʃ ^ə l/ (commercials )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Commercial means involving or relating to the buying and selling of goods. □ Docklands in its heyday was a major centre of industrial and commercial activity. □ Attacks were reported on police, vehicles and commercial premises.

2 ADJ Commercial organizations and activities are concerned with making money or profits, rather than, for example, with scientific research or providing a public service. □ The NHS adopted a more commercial and businesslike financial framework. □ Conservationists are concerned over the effect of commercial exploitation of forests. □ Whether the project will be a commercial success is still uncertain. ● com|mer|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, ADV with v] □ They abandoned the project, saying it was not commercially viable. □ Insulin is produced commercially from animals.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A commercial product is made to be sold to the public. □ They are the leading manufacturer in both defence and commercial products. ● com|mer|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ It was the first commercially available machine to employ artificial intelligence.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A commercial vehicle is a vehicle used for carrying goods, or passengers who pay.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Commercial television and radio are paid for by the broadcasting of advertisements, rather than by the government. □ He got a job as a programme controller for the local commercial radio station.

6 ADJ Commercial is used to describe something such as a film or a type of music that it is intended to be popular with the public, and is not very original or of high quality. □ There's a feeling among a lot of people that music has become too commercial.

7 N‑COUNT A commercial is an advertisement that is broadcast on television or radio. SYNONYMS commercial ADJ 2

profitable: It was profitable for them to produce large amounts of food.

saleable: Something that is saleable is easy to sell to people.

marketable: …telling them how to turn their prize research projects into marketable products.

com|me r|cial ba nk (commercial banks ) N‑COUNT A commercial bank is a bank which makes short-term loans using money from current or checking accounts. [BUSINESS ]

com|me r|cial brea k (commercial breaks ) N‑COUNT A commercial break is the interval during a commercial television programme, or between programmes, during which advertisements are shown.

com|mer|cial|ism /kəmɜː ^r ʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Commercialism is the practice of making a lot of money from things without caring about their quality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Koons has engrossed himself in a world of commercialism that most modern artists disdain.

com|mer|cial|ize /kəmɜː ^r ʃəla I z/ (commercializes , commercializing , commercialized ) in BRIT, also use commercialise VERB If something is commercialized , it is used or changed in such a way that it makes money or profits, often in a way that people disapprove of. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed] It seems such a pity that a distinguished name should be commercialized in such a manner. □ [V n] Federal agencies should commercialize research. ● com|mer|cial|ized ADJ □ Rock'n'roll has become so commercialized and safe since punk. ● com|mer|ciali|za|tion /kəmɜː ^r ʃəla I ze I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the commercialization of Christmas.

com|mie /kɒ mi/ (commies ) N‑COUNT A commie is the same as a communist . [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

com|mis|er|ate /kəm I zəre I t/ (commiserates , commiserating , commiserated ) VERB If you commiserate with someone, you show them pity or sympathy when something unpleasant has happened to them. □ [V + with ] When I lost, he commiserated with me.

com|mis|sari|at /kɒ m I seə riət/ (commissariats ) N‑COUNT A commissariat is a military department that is in charge of food supplies.

com|mis|sary /kɒ m I səri, [AM ] -seri/ (commissaries ) N‑COUNT A commissary is a shop that provides food and equipment in a place such as a military camp or a prison. [AM ]

com|mis|sion ◆◆◇ /kəm I ʃ ^ə n/ (commissions , commissioning , commissioned )

1 VERB If you commission something or commission someone to do something, you formally arrange for someone to do a piece of work for you. □ [V n] The Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a study into low-input farming. □ [V n to-inf] You can commission them to paint something especially for you. □ [V -ed] …specially commissioned reports. ● N‑VAR Commission is also a noun. □ Parliament has set up a commission to investigate football-related violence.

2 N‑COUNT A commission is a piece of work that someone is asked to do and is paid for. □ Just a few days ago, I finished a commission.

3 N‑VAR [oft on N ] Commission is a sum of money paid to a salesperson for every sale that he or she makes. If a salesperson is paid on commission , the amount they receive depends on the amount they sell. □ The salesmen work on commission only. □ He also got a commission for bringing in new clients.

4 N‑UNCOUNT If a bank or other company charges commission , they charge a fee for providing a service, for example for exchanging money or issuing an insurance policy. [BUSINESS ] □ Sellers pay a fixed commission fee.

5 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A commission is a group of people who have been appointed to find out about something or to control something. □ The authorities have been asked to set up a commission to investigate the murders. □ …the Press Complaints Commission.

6 N‑COUNT If a member of the armed forces receives a commission , he or she becomes an officer. □ [+ as ] He accepted a commission as a naval officer.

7 PHRASE If something, for example a ship or a piece of equipment, is out of commission , it is broken and cannot be used until it is repaired. □ The operator expects the ship to be out of commission until the end of September.

8 → see also High Commission

com|mis|sion|er ◆◇◇ /kəm I ʃənə ^r / (commissioners ) also Commissioner

1 N‑COUNT A commissioner is an important official in a government department or other organization. □ …the European Commissioner for External Affairs. □ …police commissioner.

2 → see also High Commissioner

com|mit ◆◆◇ /kəm I t/ (commits , committing , committed )

1 VERB If someone commits a crime or a sin, they do something illegal or bad. □ [V n] I have never committed any crime. □ [V n] This is a man who has committed murder.

2 VERB If someone commits suicide , they deliberately kill themselves. □ [V n] There are unconfirmed reports he tried to commit suicide.

3 VERB If you commit money or resources to something, you decide to use them for a particular purpose. □ [V n + to/for ] They called on Western nations to commit more money to the poorest nations. □ [V n] He should not commit American troops without the full consent of Congress.

4 VERB If you commit yourself to something, you say that you will definitely do it. If you commit yourself to someone, you decide that you want to have a long-term relationship with them. □ [V pron-refl + to ] They could not commit themselves to any definite course of action. □ [V pron-refl] I'd like us to be closer but I don't want to commit myself too soon. □ [V + to ] You don't have to commit to anything over the phone. [Also V n + to ] ● com|mit|ted ADJ □ [+ to ] He said the government remained committed to peace. □ …a committed socialist.

5 VERB If you do not want to commit yourself on something, you do not want to say what you really think about it or what you are going to do. □ [V pron-refl + on ] It isn't their diplomatic style to commit themselves on such a delicate issue. □ [V pron-refl] She didn't want to commit herself one way or the other.

6 VERB [usu passive] If someone is committed to a hospital, prison, or other institution, they are officially sent there for a period of time. □ [be V -ed + to ] Arthur's drinking caused him to be committed to a psychiatric hospital. [Also be V -ed]

7 VERB [usu passive] In the British legal system, if someone is committed for trial , they are sent by magistrates to stand trial in a crown court. □ [be V -ed + for ] He is expected to be committed for trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

8 VERB If you commit something to paper or to writing, you record it by writing it down. If you commit something to memory, you learn it so that you will remember it. □ [V n + to ] She had not committed anything to paper about it. □ [V n + to ] I'll repeat that so you can commit it to memory.

com|mit|ment ◆◆◇ /kəm I tmənt/ (commitments )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Commitment is a strong belief in an idea or system. □ [+ to ] …commitment to the ideals of Bolshevism.

2 N‑COUNT A commitment is something which regularly takes up some of your time because of an agreement you have made or because of responsibilities that you have. □ Work commitments forced her to uproot herself and her son from Reykjavik.

3 N‑COUNT [usu N to-inf] If you make a commitment to do something, you promise that you will do it. [FORMAL ] □ We made a commitment to keep working together. □ [+ to ] They made a commitment to peace.

4 N‑VAR Commitment is the process of officially sending someone to a prison or to hospital. [AM ] in BRIT, use committal SYNONYMS commitment NOUN

1

dedication: We admire her dedication to the cause of humanity.

loyalty: I have sworn an oath of loyalty to the monarchy.

devotion: …devotion to the cause of the people and to socialism.

2

duty: I carried out my duties conscientiously.

responsibility: …programmes to help employees balance work and family responsibilities.

obligation: When teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it.

com|mit|tal /kəm I t ^ə l/ (committals ) N‑VAR Committal is the process of officially sending someone to a prison or to hospital. [BRIT ] □ [+ to ] …his committal to prison. □ …committal proceedings. in AM, use commitment

com|mit|tee ◆◆◆ /kəm I ti/ (committees ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A committee is a group of people who meet to make decisions or plans for a larger group or organization that they represent. □ [+ of ] …a committee of ministers. □ He sat on the firm's management committee. COLLOCATIONS committee NOUN

noun + committee : executive, management; ethics, finance

adjective + committee : advisory, consultative, disciplinary; congressional, ministerial, parliamentary; judicial, scientific, technical

verb + committee : appoint, establish, form, set up; appear before; chair, serve on, sit on

com|mode /kəmoʊ d/ (commodes )

1 N‑COUNT A commode is a movable piece of furniture shaped like a chair, which has a large pot below or inside it. It is used as a toilet, especially by people who are too ill to be able to walk easily. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑COUNT A commode is a toilet. [AM ]

com|mo|di|ous /kəmoʊ diəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A commodious room or house is large and has a lot of space. [WRITTEN ]

com|mod|ity /kəmɒ d I ti/ (commodities ) N‑COUNT A commodity is something that is sold for money. [BUSINESS ] □ The government increased prices on several basic commodities like bread and meat.

com|mo|dore /kɒ mədɔː ^r / (commodores ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A commodore is an officer of senior rank in the navy, especially the British Royal Navy.

com|mon ◆◆◆ /kɒ mən/ (commoner , commonest , commons )

1 ADJ If something is common , it is found in large numbers or it happens often. □ His name was Hansen, a common name in Norway. □ Oil pollution is the commonest cause of death for seabirds. □ It was common practice for prisoners to carve objects from animal bones to pass the time. ● com|mon|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.

2 ADJ If something is common to two or more people or groups, it is done, possessed, or used by them all. □ Moldavians and Romanians share a common language. □ [+ to ] Such behaviour is common to all young people.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] When there are more animals or plants of a particular species than there are of related species, then the first species is called common . □ …the common house fly.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Common is used to indicate that someone or something is of the ordinary kind and not special in any way. □ Common salt is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Common decency or common courtesy is the decency or courtesy which most people have. You usually talk about this when someone has not shown these characteristics in their behaviour to show your disapproval of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He didn't have the common courtesy to ask permission.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use common to describe knowledge, an opinion, or a feeling that is shared by people in general. □ It is common knowledge that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. ● com|mon|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □ A little adolescent rebellion is commonly believed to be healthy.

7 ADJ If you describe someone or their behaviour as common , you mean that they show a lack of taste, education, and good manners. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She might be a little common at times, but she was certainly not boring.

8 N‑COUNT A common is an area of grassy land, usually in or near a village or small town, where the public is allowed to go. □ We are warning women not to go out on to the common alone. □ …Wimbledon Common.

9 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Commons is the same as the House of Commons . The members of the House of Commons can also be referred to as the Commons . □ The Prime Minister is to make a statement in the Commons this afternoon. □ The Commons has spent over three months on the bill.

10 → see also lowest common denominator

11 PHRASE If two or more things have something in common , they have the same characteristic or feature. □ The oboe and the clarinet have got certain features in common. □ [+ with ] In common with most Italian lakes, access to the shores of Orta is restricted.

12 PHRASE If two or more people have something in common , they share the same interests or experiences. □ [+ with ] He had very little in common with his sister.

13 common ground → see ground

14 the common touch → see touch USAGE common

Don’t use a that -clause after common . Don’t say, for example, ‘It is quite common that motorists fall asleep while driving ’. You say ‘It is quite common for motorists to fall asleep while driving’. □ It is common for a child to become temporarily deaf after an ear infection.

com|mon|al|ity /kɒmənæ l I ti/ (commonalities ) N‑VAR Commonality is used to refer to a feature or purpose that is shared by two or more people or things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] We don't have the same commonality of interest. □ [+ between ] There is an amazing number of commonalities between systems.

co m|mon co ld (common colds ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The common cold is a mild illness. If you have it, your nose is blocked or runny and you have a sore throat or a cough.

co m|mon cu r|ren|cy N‑UNCOUNT If you say that an idea or belief has become common currency , you mean it is widely used and accepted. □ The story that she was trapped in a loveless marriage became common currency.

co m|mon de|no mi|na|tor (common denominators )

1 N‑COUNT In mathematics, a common denominator is a number which can be divided exactly by all the denominators in a group of fractions.

2 N‑COUNT A common denominator is a characteristic or attitude that is shared by all members of a group of people. □ I think the only common denominator of success is hard work.

3 → see also lowest common denominator

com|mon|er /kɒ mənə ^r / (commoners ) N‑COUNT In countries which have a nobility, commoners are the people who are not members of the nobility. □ It's only the second time a potential heir to the throne has married a commoner.

co m|mon la nd (common lands ) N‑UNCOUNT Common land is land which everyone is allowed to use.

co m|mon la w also common-law

1 N‑UNCOUNT Common law is the system of law which is based on judges' decisions and on custom rather than on written laws. □ Canadian libel law is based on English common law.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A common law relationship is regarded as a marriage because it has lasted a long time, although no official marriage contract has been signed. □ …his common law wife.

co m|mon ma r|ket (common markets )

1 N‑COUNT A common market is an organization of countries who have agreed to trade freely with each other and make common decisions about industry and agriculture. [BUSINESS ] □ …the Central American Common Market.

2 N‑PROPER The Common Market is the former name of the European Union .

co m|mon nou n (common nouns ) N‑COUNT A common noun is a noun such as 'tree', 'water', or 'beauty' that is not the name of one particular person or thing. Compare proper noun .

co mmon-or-ga rden also common or garden ADJ [ADJ n] You can use common-or-garden to describe something you think is ordinary and not special in any way. [mainly BRIT ] □ It's not just a common-or-garden phone! in AM, use garden-variety

common|place /kɒ mənple I s/ (commonplaces )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is commonplace , it happens often or is often found, and is therefore not surprising. □ Foreign vacations have become commonplace.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A commonplace is a remark or opinion that is often expressed and is therefore not original or interesting. □ It is a commonplace to say that movies can manipulate public taste.

co m|mon room (common rooms ) also common-room N‑COUNT A common room is a room in a university or school where people can sit, talk, and relax. [mainly BRIT ]

co m|mon se nse also commonsense N‑UNCOUNT Your common sense is your natural ability to make good judgments and to behave in a practical and sensible way. □ Use your common sense. □ …a common-sense approach.

co m|mon sto ck

1 N‑UNCOUNT Common stock refers to the shares in a company that are owned by people who have a right to vote at the company's meetings and to receive part of the company's profits after the holders of preferred stock have been paid. [AM , BUSINESS ] □ The company priced its offering of 2.7 million shares of common stock at 20 cents a share.

2 → see also preferred stock

common|wealth ◆◇◇ /kɒ mənwelθ/

1 N‑PROPER The Commonwealth is an organization consisting of the United Kingdom and most of the countries that were previously under its rule.

2 N‑COUNT Commonwealth is used in the official names of some countries, groups of countries, or parts of countries. □ [+ of ] …the Commonwealth of Australia. □ [+ of ] …the Commonwealth of Independent States, which replaced the Soviet Union.

com|mo|tion /kəmoʊ ʃ ^ə n/ (commotions ) N‑VAR A commotion is a lot of noise, confusion, and excitement. □ He heard a commotion outside.

comms /kɒ mz/ N‑PLURAL Comms is an abbreviation for communications . [INFORMAL ] □ …comms software.

com|mu|nal /kɒ mjʊn ^ə l, [AM ] kəmjuː n ^ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Communal means relating to particular groups in a country or society. □ Communal violence broke out in different parts of the country. □ …inter-communal relations.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use communal to describe something that is shared by a group of people. □ The inmates ate in a communal dining room. □ …communal ownership. ● com|mu|nal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ Meals are taken communally in the dining room.

com|mune (communes , communing , communed ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mjuːn/. The verb is pronounced /kəmjuː n/. 1 N‑COUNT A commune is a group of people who live together and share everything. □ Mack lived in a commune.

2 N‑COUNT In France and some other countries, a commune is a town, village, or area which has its own council.

3 VERB If you say that someone is communing with an animal or spirit, or with nature, you mean that they appear to be communicating with it. [LITERARY ] □ [V + with ] She would happily trot behind him as he set off to commune with nature.

com|mu|ni|cable /kəmjuː n I kəb ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A communicable disease is one that can be passed on to other people. [MEDICAL ]

com|mu|ni|cant /kəmjuː n I kənt/ (communicants ) N‑COUNT A communicant is a person in the Christian church who receives communion. [FORMAL ]

com|mu|ni|cate ◆◇◇ /kəmjuː n I ke I t/ (communicates , communicating , communicated )

1 VERB If you communicate with someone, you share or exchange information with them, for example by speaking, writing, or using equipment. You can also say that two people communicate . □ [V + with ] My natural mother has never communicated with me. □ [V + with ] A person who cannot speak can use a speech synthesizer to communicate with hearing people. □ [V ] They communicated in sign language. ● com|mu|ni|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ with ] I have had no direct communication with my colleagues. □ [+ between ] …use of the radio telephone for communication between controllers and pilots.

2 VERB If you communicate information, a feeling, or an idea to someone, you let them know about it. □ [V n + to ] They successfully communicate their knowledge to others. □ [V n] People must communicate their feelings.

3 VERB If one person communicates with another, they successfully make each other aware of their feelings and ideas. You can also say that two people communicate . □ [V + with ] He was never good at communicating with the players. □ [V + with ] Family therapy showed us how to communicate with each other. □ [V ] …considerate individuals who can communicate and work in a team. ● com|mu|ni|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ between ] There was a tremendous lack of communication between us. □ …communication skills. [Also + with ] ● com|mu|ni|ca|tor (communicators ) N‑COUNT □ She's a good communicator.

com|mu|ni|ca|tion ◆◇◇ /kəmjuː n I ke I ʃ ^ə n/ (communications )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Communications are the systems and processes that are used to communicate or broadcast information, especially by means of electricity or radio waves. □ …a communications satellite. □ …communications equipment.

2 N‑COUNT A communication is a message. [FORMAL ] □ [+ from ] The ambassador has brought with him a communication from the President.

3 → see also communicate

com|mu|ni|ca|tive /kəmjuː n I kət I v/

1 ADJ Someone who is communicative talks to people, for example about their feelings, and tells people things. □ She has become a lot more tolerant and communicative.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Communicative means relating to the ability to communicate. □ We have a very communicative approach to teaching languages.

com|mun|ion /kəmjuː njən/ (communions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Communion with nature or with a person is the feeling that you are sharing thoughts or feelings with them. □ [+ with ] …communion with nature.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Communion is the Christian ceremony in which people eat bread and drink wine in memory of Christ's death. □ Most villagers took communion only at Easter.

com|mu|ni|qué /kəmjuː n I ke I , [AM ] -ke I / (communiqués ) N‑COUNT A communiqué is an official statement or announcement. [FORMAL ] □ The communiqué said military targets had been hit.

com|mun|ism /kɒ mjʊn I zəm/ also Communism N‑UNCOUNT Communism is the political belief that all people are equal and that workers should control the means of producing things. □ …the ultimate triumph of communism in the world.

com|mun|ist ◆◆◇ /kɒ mjʊn I st/ (communists )

1 N‑COUNT A communist is someone who believes in communism.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Communist means relating to communism. □ …the Communist Party.

com|mu|nity ◆◆◆ /kəmjuː n I ti/ (communities )

1 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The community is all the people who live in a particular area or place. □ He's well liked by people in the community. □ The growth of such vigilante gangs has worried community leaders, police and politicians.

2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A particular community is a group of people who are similar in some way. □ The police haven't really done anything for the black community in particular. □ …the business community.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Community is friendship between different people or groups, and a sense of having something in common. □ Two of our greatest strengths are diversity and community. COLLOCATIONS community NOUN 2

noun + community : faith, immigrant, minority; arts, business, farming, fishing, mining

adjective + community : gay; Christian, Jewish, Muslim; Aboriginal, Asian, black, ethnic, Indian; close-knit, thriving, vibrant; broad, entire, international, local, whole; medical, scientific

verb + community : benefit, help, serve SYNONYMS community NOUN 1

society: …the complexities of South African society.

public: The poll is a test of the public's confidence in the government.

population: …the local population.

com|mu |nity cen|tre (community centres ) in AM, use community center N‑COUNT A community centre is a place that is specially provided for the people, groups, and organizations in a particular area, where they can go in order to meet one another and do things.

com|mu |nity co l|lege (community colleges ) N‑COUNT A community college is a local college where students from the surrounding area can take courses in practical or academic subjects. [AM ]

com|mu |nity po|li c|ing N‑UNCOUNT Community policing is a system in which police officers work only in one particular area of the community, so that everyone knows them.

com|mu |nity se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT Community service is unpaid work that criminals sometimes do as a punishment instead of being sent to prison. □ He was sentenced to 140 hours' community service.

com|mute /kəmjuː t/ (commutes , commuting , commuted )

1 VERB If you commute , you travel a long distance every day between your home and your place of work. □ [V + to/from ] Mike commutes to London every day. □ [V + between ] McLaren began commuting between Paris and London. □ [V ] He's going to commute. ● com|mut|er (commuters ) N‑COUNT □ The number of commuters to London has dropped by 100,000. □ …a commuter train. ● com|mut|ing N‑UNCOUNT

2 N‑COUNT A commute is the journey that you make when you commute. [mainly AM ] □ The average Los Angeles commute is over 60 miles a day.

3 VERB [usu passive] If a death sentence or prison sentence is commuted to a less serious punishment, it is changed to that punishment. □ [be V -ed + to ] His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. □ [be V -ed] Prison sentences have been commuted.

com|mu t|er belt (commuter belts ) N‑COUNT A commuter belt is the area surrounding a large city, where many people who work in the city live. □ …people who live in the commuter belt around the capital.

com|pact (compacts , compacting , compacted ) The adjective and verb are pronounced /kəmpæ kt/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpækt/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compact things are small or take up very little space. You use this word when you think this is a good quality. [APPROVAL ] □ …my compact office in Washington. □ …the new, more compact Czech government. ● com|pact|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The very compactness of the cottage made it all the more snug and appealing.

2 ADJ A compact person is small but strong. □ He was compact, probably no taller than me.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A compact cassette, camera, or car is a small type of cassette, camera, or car.

4 VERB To compact something means to press it so that it becomes more solid. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The Smith boy was compacting the trash. □ [be V -ed + by ] The soil settles and is compacted by the winter rain.

co m|pact di sc (compact discs ) in AM, also use compact disk N‑COUNT [oft on N ] Compact discs are small shiny discs that contain music or computer information. The abbreviation CD is also used.

com|pan|ion /kəmpæ njən/ (companions ) N‑COUNT A companion is someone who you spend time with or who you are travelling with. □ Fred had been her constant companion for the last six years of her life. □ I asked my travelling companion what he thought of the situation. WORD HISTORY companion

A companion was originally someone you liked enough to share a meal with. The Latin word companio consists of the roots com- , meaning 'with' or 'together', and panis , meaning 'bread'.

com|pan|ion|able /kəmpæ njənəb ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe a person as companionable , you mean they are friendly and pleasant to be with. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] ● com|pan|ion|ably /kəmpæ njənəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ They walked companionably back to the house.

com|pan|ion|ship /kəmpæ njənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Companionship is having someone you know and like with you, rather than being on your own. □ I depended on his companionship and on his judgment.

com|pan|ion|way /kəmpæ njənwe I / (companionways ) N‑COUNT A companionway is a staircase or ladder that leads from one deck to another on a ship.

com|pa|ny ◆◆◆ /kʌ mpəni/ (companies )

1 N‑COUNT A company is a business organization that makes money by selling goods or services. □ Sheila found some work as a secretary in an insurance company. □ …the Ford Motor Company.

2 N‑COUNT A company is a group of opera singers, dancers, or actors who work together. □ …the Phoenix Dance Company.

3 N‑COUNT A company is a group of soldiers that is usually part of a battalion or regiment, and that is divided into two or more platoons. □ The division will consist of two tank companies and one infantry company.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Company is having another person or other people with you, usually when this is pleasant or stops you feeling lonely. □ 'I won't stay long.'—'No, please. I need the company'. □ [+ of ] Ross had always enjoyed the company of women. □ I'm not in the mood for company.

5 → see also joint-stock company , public company

6 PHRASE If you say that someone is in good company , you mean that they should not be ashamed of a mistake or opinion, because it is shared by many others, or by someone important or successful. □ If you find it difficult to cope with your family you are in good company because most people feel the same.

7 PHRASE If you have company , you have a visitor or friend with you. □ He didn't say he had had company.

8 PHRASE When you are in company , you are with a person or group of people. □ When they were in company she always seemed to dominate the conversation.

9 PHRASE If you feel, believe, or know something in company with someone else, you both feel, believe, or know it. [FORMAL ] □ Saudi Arabia, in company with some other Gulf oil states, is concerned to avoid any repetition of the two oil price shocks of the 1970s.

10 PHRASE If you keep someone company , you spend time with them and stop them feeling lonely or bored. □ Why don't you stay here and keep Emma company?

11 PHRASE If you keep company with a person or with a particular kind of person, you spend a lot of time with them. □ He keeps company with all sorts of lazy characters.

12 PHRASE If two or more people part company , they go in different directions after going in the same direction together. [WRITTEN ] □ The three of them parted company at the bus stop. [Also + with ]

13 PHRASE If you part company with someone, you end your association with them, often because of a disagreement. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] The tennis star has parted company with his Austrian trainer. □ We have agreed to part company after differences of opinion. SYNONYMS company NOUN 1

business: The company was a family business.

firm: The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.

corporation: …multi-national corporations.

concern: If not a large concern, the nursery was at least a successful one.

multinational: …multinationals such as Ford and IBM.

co m|pa|ny ca r (company cars ) N‑COUNT A company car is a car which an employer gives to an employee to use as their own, usually as a benefit of having a particular job, or because their job involves a lot of travelling. [BUSINESS ]

co m|pa|ny se c|re|tary (company secretaries ) N‑COUNT A company secretary is a person whose job within a company is to keep the legal affairs, accounts, and administration in order. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

com|pa|rable /kɒ mpərəb ^ə l/

1 ADJ Something that is comparable to something else is roughly similar, for example in amount or importance. □ …paying the same wages to men and women for work of comparable value. □ [+ to ] Farmers were meant to get an income comparable to that of townspeople. □ [+ with ] The risk it poses is comparable with smoking just one cigarette every year.

2 ADJ If two or more things are comparable , they are of the same kind or are in the same situation, and so they can reasonably be compared. □ In other comparable countries real wages increased much more rapidly. □ By contrast, the comparable figure for the Netherlands is 16 per cent.

com|para|tive /kəmpæ rət I v/ (comparatives )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use comparative to show that you are judging something against a previous or different situation. For example, comparative calm is a situation which is calmer than before or calmer than the situation in other places. □ …those who manage to reach the comparative safety of Fendel. □ The task was accomplished with comparative ease. ● com|para|tive|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □ …a comparatively small nation. □ …children who find it comparatively easy to make and keep friends.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A comparative study is a study that involves the comparison of two or more things of the same kind. □ …a comparative study of the dietary practices of people from various regions. □ …a professor of English and comparative literature.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, the comparative form of an adjective or adverb shows that something has more of a quality than something else has. For example, 'bigger' is the comparative form of 'big', and 'more quickly' is the comparative form of 'quickly'. Compare superlative . ● N‑COUNT Comparative is also a noun. □ [+ of ] The comparative of 'pretty' is 'prettier'.

com|pare ◆◇◇ /kəmpeə ^r / (compares , comparing , compared )

1 VERB When you compare things, you consider them and discover the differences or similarities between them. □ [V n] Compare the two illustrations in Fig 60. □ [V n + with ] Was it fair to compare independent schools with state schools? □ [V n + to ] Note how smooth the skin of the upper arm is, then compare it to the skin on the elbow.

2 to compare notes → see note

3 VERB If you compare one person or thing to another, you say that they are like the other person or thing. □ [V n + to/with ] Some commentators compared his work to that of James Joyce. □ [V n + to/with ] I can only compare the experience to falling in love.

4 VERB If one thing compares favourably with another, it is better than the other thing. If it compares unfavourably, it is worse than the other thing. □ [V adv + with ] Our road safety record compares favourably with that of other European countries. □ [V adv] How do the two techniques compare in terms of application?

5 VERB [usu with neg] If you say that something does not compare with something else, you mean that it is much worse. □ [V + with ] The flowers here do not compare with those at home.

6 → see also compared

com|pared ◆◆◇ /kəmpeə ^r d/

1 PHRASE If you say, for example, that one thing is large or small compared with another or compared to another, you mean that it is larger or smaller than the other thing. □ [+ with ] The room was light and lofty compared with our Tudor ones. □ [+ with ] Columbia was a young city compared to venerable Charleston.

2 PHRASE You talk about one situation or thing compared with another or compared to another when contrasting the two situations or things. □ [V -ed + to ] In 1800 Ireland's population was nine million, compared to Britain's 16 million.

com|pari|son ◆◇◇ /kəmpæ r I sən/ (comparisons )

1 N‑VAR When you make a comparison , you consider two or more things and discover the differences between them. □ [+ of ] …a comparison of the British and German economies. □ [+ between ] Its recommendations are based on detailed comparisons between the public and private sectors. □ There are no previous statistics for comparison.

2 N‑COUNT When you make a comparison , you say that one thing is like another in some way. □ It is demonstrably an unfair comparison. □ [+ of ] The comparison of her life to a sea voyage simplifies her experience.

3 PHRASE If you say, for example, that something is large or small in comparison with , in comparison to , or by comparison with something else, you mean that it is larger or smaller than the other thing. □ The amount of carbon dioxide released by burning coal is small in comparison. □ [+ with ] Those places are modern by comparison with Tresillian. [Also + to ]

4 PHRASE If you say there is no comparison between one thing and another, you mean that you think the first thing is much better than the second, or very different from it. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ between ] There is no comparison between such a player and the ordinary casual participant.

com|part|ment /kəmpɑː ^r tmənt/ (compartments )

1 N‑COUNT A compartment is one of the separate spaces into which a railway carriage is divided. □ On the way home we shared our first-class compartment with a group of businessmen.

2 N‑COUNT A compartment is one of the separate parts of an object that is used for keeping things in. □ [+ of ] …the secret compartment of my jewel box.

3 → see also glove compartment

com|part|men|tal|ize /kɒ mpɑː ^r tme ntəla I z/ (compartmentalizes , compartmentalizing , compartmentalized ) in BRIT, also use compartmentalise VERB To compartmentalize something means to divide it into separate sections. □ [V n] Men often compartmentalized their lives and don't mix their personal and professional lives. [Also V n + into ] ● com|part|men|tal|ized ADJ □ …the compartmentalised world of Japanese finance.

com|pass /kʌ mpəs/ (compasses )

1 N‑COUNT A compass is an instrument that you use for finding directions. It has a dial and a magnetic needle that always points to the north. □ We had to rely on a compass and a lot of luck to get here.

2 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Compasses are a hinged V-shaped instrument that you use for drawing circles.

com|pas|sion /kəmpæ ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Compassion is a feeling of pity, sympathy, and understanding for someone who is suffering. □ [+ from ] Elderly people need time and compassion from their physicians.

com|pas|sion|ate /kəmpæ ʃ ^ə nət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as compassionate , you mean that they feel or show pity, sympathy, and understanding for people who are suffering. [APPROVAL ] □ My father was a deeply compassionate man. □ She has a wise, compassionate face.

com|pa s|sion|ate lea ve N‑UNCOUNT Compassionate leave is time away from your work that your employer allows you for personal reasons, especially when a member of your family dies or is seriously ill. [BUSINESS ]

co m|pass point (compass points ) N‑COUNT A compass point is one of the 32 marks on the dial of a compass that show direction, for example north, south, east, and west.

com|pat|ible /kəmpæ t I b ^ə l/

1 ADJ If things, for example systems, ideas, and beliefs, are compatible , they work well together or can exist together successfully. □ [+ with ] Free enterprise, he argued, was compatible with Russian values and traditions. □ Marriage and the life I live just don't seem compatible. ● com|pat|ibil|ity /kəmpæ t I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ with ] National courts can freeze any law while its compatibility with European legislation is being tested. [Also + of/between ]

2 ADJ If you say that you are compatible with someone, you mean that you have a good relationship with them because you have similar opinions and interests. □ Mildred and I are very compatible. She's interested in the things that interest me. [Also + with ] ● com|pat|ibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ As a result of their compatibility, Haig and Fraser were able to bring about wide-ranging reforms.

3 ADJ If one make of computer or computer equipment is compatible with another make, especially IBM, they can be used together and can use the same software. [COMPUTING ]

com|pat|ri|ot /kəmpæ triət, [AM ] -pe I t-/ (compatriots ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your compatriots are people from your own country. □ Chris Robertson of Australia beat his compatriot Chris Dittmar in the final.

com|pel /kəmpe l/ (compels , compelling , compelled )

1 VERB If a situation, a rule, or a person compels you to do something, they force you to do it. □ [V n to-inf] …the introduction of legislation to compel cyclists to wear a helmet. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Drivers are compelled by law to have insurance. [Also V n]

2 PHRASE If you feel compelled to do something, you feel that you must do it, because it is the right thing to do. □ I felt morally compelled to help.

com|pel|ling /kəmpe l I ŋ/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A compelling argument or reason is one that convinces you that something is true or that something should be done. □ A compelling answer was provided in the final session from two different sources.

2 ADJ If you describe something such as a film or book, or someone's appearance, as compelling , you mean you want to keep looking at it or reading it because you find it so interesting. □ …a frighteningly violent yet compelling film.

com|pen|dium /kəmpe ndiəm/ (compendiums ) N‑COUNT A compendium is a short but detailed collection of information, usually in a book. □ [+ of ] The Roman Catholic Church has issued a compendium of its teachings.

com|pen|sate /kɒ mpənse I t/ (compensates , compensating , compensated )

1 VERB To compensate someone for money or things that they have lost means to pay them money or give them something to replace that money or those things. □ [be V -ed + for ] To ease financial difficulties, farmers could be compensated for their loss of subsidies. [Also V n]

2 VERB If you compensate for a lack of something or for something you have done wrong, you do something to make the situation better. □ [V + for ] The company agreed to keep up high levels of output in order to compensate for supplies lost. □ [V ] She would then feel guilt for her anger and compensate by doing even more for the children.

3 VERB Something that compensates for something else balances it or reduces its effects. □ [V + for ] MPs say it is crucial that a system is found to compensate for inflation.

4 VERB If you try to compensate for something that is wrong or missing in your life, you try to do something that removes or reduces the harmful effects. □ [V + for ] Nothing could ever compensate for the pain of being separated from her children.

com|pen|sa|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpənse I ʃ ^ə n/ (compensations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Compensation is money that someone who has experienced loss or suffering claims from the person or organization responsible, or from the state. □ [+ for ] He received one year's salary as compensation for loss of office. □ The court ordered him to pay £300 compensation.

2 N‑VAR If something is some compensation for something bad that has happened, it makes you feel better. □ [+ for ] Helen gained some compensation for her earlier defeat by winning the final open class. □ There are compensations in moving to the north-east where the quality of life is excellent.

com|pen|sa|tory /kɒ mpənse I təri, [AM ] kəmpe nsətɔːri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compensatory payments involve money paid as compensation. [FORMAL ] □ The jury awarded $11.2 million in compensatory damages.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compensatory measures are designed to help people who have special problems or disabilities. [FORMAL ] □ Money should be spent on compensatory programmes for deprived children.

com|pere /kɒ mpeə ^r / (comperes , compering , compered )

1 N‑COUNT A compere is the person who introduces the people taking part in a radio or television show or a live show. [BRIT ] in AM, use emcee 2 VERB The person who comperes a show introduces the people who take part in it. [BRIT ] □ [V n] Sarita Sagharwal compered the programme. □ [V ] They asked Paul to compere. in AM, use emcee

com|pete ◆◇◇ /kəmpiː t/ (competes , competing , competed )

1 VERB When one firm or country competes with another, it tries to get people to buy its own goods in preference to those of the other firm or country. You can also say that two firms or countries compete . □ [V + with ] Its products compete with own-label desserts in most supermarkets. □ [V + with ] The stores compete with each other for increased market shares. □ [V + for ] Banks and building societies are competing fiercely for business. □ [V ] The American economy, and its ability to compete abroad, was slowing down according to the report. [Also V ]

2 VERB If you compete with someone for something, you try to get it for yourself and stop the other person getting it. You can also say that two people compete for something. □ [V + with/for ] Kangaroos compete with sheep and cattle for sparse supplies of food and water. □ [V + with ] Schools should not compete with each other or attempt to poach pupils. □ [V + for ] More than 2300 candidates from 93 political parties are competing for 486 seats.

3 VERB If you compete in a contest or a game, you take part in it. □ [V prep] He will be competing in the London–Calais–London race. □ [V ] It is essential for all players who wish to compete that they earn computer ranking points.

4 → see also competing SYNONYMS compete VERB 1

challenge: We challenged a team who called themselves 'College Athletes'.

contest: He quickly won his party's nomination to contest the elections.

vie: The two are vying for the support of New York voters.

rival: The image quality obviously cannot rival that of more expensive models.

com|pe|tence /kɒ mp I təns/ N‑UNCOUNT Competence is the ability to do something well or effectively. □ [+ as ] His competence as an economist had been reinforced by his successful fight against inflation.

com|pe|ten|cy /kɒ mp I tənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Competency means the same as competence . □ …managerial competency.

com|pe|tent /kɒ mp I tənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is competent is efficient and effective. □ He was a loyal, distinguished and very competent civil servant. □ …a competent performance. ● com|pe|tent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The government performed competently in the face of multiple challenges.

2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you are competent to do something, you have the skills, abilities, or experience necessary to do it well. □ Most adults do not feel competent to deal with a medical emergency involving a child.

com|pet|ing /kəmpiː t I ŋ/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Competing ideas, requirements, or interests cannot all be right or satisfied at the same time. □ They talked about the competing theories of the origin of life. □ …the competing demands of work and family.

2 → see also compete

com|pe|ti|tion ◆◆◇ /kɒ mp I t I ʃ ^ə n/ (competitions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Competition is a situation in which two or more people or groups are trying to get something which not everyone can have. □ [+ for ] There's been some fierce competition for the title. □ Young painters enjoyed the support and stimulating competition of peers.

2 N‑SING The competition is the person or people you are competing with. □ I have to change my approach, the competition is too good now.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Competition is an activity involving two or more firms, in which each firm tries to get people to buy its own goods in preference to the other firms' goods. □ The deal would have reduced competition in the commuter-aircraft market. □ [+ from ] Clothing stores also face heavy competition from factory outlets.

4 N‑UNCOUNT The competition is the goods that a rival organization is selling. □ The American aerospace industry has been challenged by some stiff competition.

5 N‑VAR A competition is an event in which many people take part in order to find out who is best at a particular activity. □ …a surfing competition. □ He will be banned from international competition for four years. COLLOCATIONS competition NOUN

1

adjective + competition : fierce, intense, stiff, tough

3

verb + competition : increase, introduce, promote

5

verb + competition : hold, organize, run; enter

com|peti|tive ◆◇◇ /kəmpe t I t I v/

1 ADJ Competitive is used to describe situations or activities in which people or firms compete with each other. □ Only by keeping down costs will America maintain its competitive advantage over other countries. □ Japan is a highly competitive market system. □ Universities are very competitive for the best students. ● com|peti|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ He's now back up on the slopes again, skiing competitively.

2 ADJ A competitive person is eager to be more successful than other people. □ He has always been ambitious and fiercely competitive. □ I'm a very competitive person and I was determined not be beaten. ● com|peti|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ They worked hard together, competitively and under pressure. ● com|peti|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ I can't stand the pace, I suppose, and the competitiveness, and the unfriendliness.

3 ADJ Goods or services that are at a competitive price or rate are likely to be bought, because they are less expensive than other goods of the same kind. □ Homes for sale at competitive prices will secure interest from serious purchasers. ● com|peti|tive|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □ …a number of early Martin and Gibson guitars, which were competitively priced. ● com|peti|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] It is only on the world market that we can prove the competitiveness and quality of our goods.

com|peti|tor ◆◇◇ /kəmpe t I tə ^r / (competitors )

1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A company's competitors are companies who are trying to sell similar goods or services to the same people. □ The bank isn't performing as well as some of its competitors.

2 N‑COUNT A competitor is a person who takes part in a competition or contest. □ Herbert Blocker of Germany, one of the oldest competitors, won the individual silver medal.

com|pi|la|tion /kɒ mp I le I ʃ ^ə n/ (compilations )

1 N‑COUNT A compilation is a book, CD, or programme that contains many different items that have been gathered together, usually ones which have already appeared in other places. □ [+ of ] His latest album release is a compilation of his jazz works over the past decade.

2 → see also compile

com|pile /kəmpa I l/ (compiles , compiling , compiled ) VERB When you compile something such as a report, book, or programme, you produce it by collecting and putting together many pieces of information. □ [V n] The book took 10 years to compile. □ [V -ed] A report compiled by the Fed's Philadelphia branch described the economy as weak.

com|pil|er /kəmpa I lə ^r / (compilers )

1 N‑COUNT A compiler is someone who compiles books, reports, or lists of information.

2 N‑COUNT A compiler is a computer program which converts language that people can use into a code that the computer can understand. [COMPUTING ]

com|pla|cen|cy /kəmple I s ^ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Complacency is being complacent about a situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] …a worrying level of complacency about the risks of infection from sexually transmitted diseases. □ [+ on ] She warned that there was no room for complacency on inflation.

com|pla|cent /kəmple I s ^ə nt/ ADJ A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] We cannot afford to be complacent about our health. □ …the Chancellor's complacent attitude towards the far-right's activities.

com|plain ◆◆◇ /kəmple I n/ (complains , complaining , complained )

1 VERB If you complain about a situation, you say that you are not satisfied with it. □ [V that] Miners have complained bitterly that the government did not fulfill their promises. □ [V + about/of ] The American couple complained about the high cost of visiting Europe. □ [V + to ] They are liable to face more mistreatment if they complain to the police. □ [V ] People should complain when they consider an advert offensive. □ [V with quote] 'I do everything you ask of me,' he complained.

2 VERB If you complain of pain or illness, you say that you are feeling pain or feeling ill. □ [V + of ] He complained of a headache.

com|plain|ant /kəmple I nənt/ (complainants ) N‑COUNT A complainant is a person who starts a court case in a court of law. [LEGAL ]

com|plain|er /kəmple I nə ^r / (complainers ) N‑COUNT A complainer is someone who complains a lot about their problems or about things they do not like. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was a terrible complainer–always moaning about something.

com|plaint ◆◇◇ /kəmple I nt/ (complaints )

1 N‑VAR A complaint is a statement in which you express your dissatisfaction with a particular situation. □ [+ about ] There's been a record number of complaints about the standard of service on Britain's railways. □ People have been reluctant to make formal complaints to the police.

2 N‑COUNT A complaint is a reason for complaining. □ My main complaint is that we can't go out on the racecourse anymore.

3 N‑COUNT You can refer to an illness as a complaint , especially if it is not very serious. □ Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families. SYNONYMS complaint NOUN 1

protest: The unions called a two-hour strike in protest at the railway authority's announcement.

objection: I have no objection to banks making money.

grumble: My grumble is with the structure and organization of the material.

criticism: …unfair criticism of his tactics.

com|plai|sant /kəmple I z ^ə nt/ ADJ If you are complaisant , you are willing to accept what other people are doing without complaining. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

com|ple|ment (complements , complementing , complemented ) The verb is pronounced /kɒ mpl I ment/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpl I mənt/. 1 VERB If one thing complements another, it goes well with the other thing and makes its good qualities more noticeable. □ [V n] Nutmeg, parsley and cider all complement the flavour of these beans well.

2 VERB If people or things complement each other, they are different or do something different, which makes them a good combination. □ [V n] There will be a written examination to complement the practical test. □ [V n] We complement one another perfectly.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a complement to something else complements it. □ [+ to ] The green wallpaper is the perfect complement to the old pine of the dresser.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The complement of things or people that something has is the number of things or people that it normally has, which enable it to function properly. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Each ship had a complement of around a dozen officers and 250 men.

5 N‑COUNT In grammar, the complement of a link verb is an adjective group or noun group which comes after the verb and describes or identifies the subject. For example, in the sentence 'They felt very tired', 'very tired' is the complement. In 'They were students', 'students' is the complement.

com|ple|men|tary /kɒ mpl I me ntri/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ to n] Complementary things are different from each other but make a good combination. [FORMAL ] □ To improve the quality of life through work, two complementary strategies are necessary. □ [+ to ] He has done experiments complementary to those of Eigen. ● com|ple|men|ta|rity /kɒ mpl I mentæ r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ between ] …the complementarity between public and private authorities.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Complementary medicine refers to ways of treating patients which are different from the ones used by most Western doctors, for example acupuncture and homoeopathy. □ …combining orthodox treatment with a wide range of complementary therapies.

com|ple|men|ta|tion /kɒ mpl I mente I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] In linguistics, a complementation pattern of a verb, noun, or adjective is the patterns that typically follow it. [TECHNICAL ]

com|plete ◆◆◆ /kəmpliː t/ (completes , completing , completed )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use complete to emphasize that something is as great in extent, degree, or amount as it possibly can be. [EMPHASIS ] □ The rebels had taken complete control. □ It shows a complete lack of understanding by management. □ The resignation came as a complete surprise. □ He was the complete opposite of Raymond. ● com|plete|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □ Dozens of flats had been completely destroyed. □ …something completely different.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use complete to emphasize that you are referring to the whole of something and not just part of it. [EMPHASIS ] □ A complete tenement block was burnt to the ground. □ The job sheets eventually filled a complete book.

3 ADJ If something is complete , it contains all the parts that it should contain. □ The list may not be complete. □ …a complete dinner service. ● com|plete|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the accuracy and completeness of the information obtained.

4 VERB [no cont] To complete a set or group means to provide the last item that is needed to make it a full set or group. □ [V n] …the stickers needed to complete the collection.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] The complete works of a writer are all their books or poems published together in one book or as a set of books. □ …the Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

6 PHRASE If one thing comes complete with another, it has that thing as an extra or additional part. □ [+ with ] The diary comes complete with a gold-coloured ballpoint pen.

7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is complete , it has been finished. □ The work of restoring the farmhouse is complete. □ It'll be two years before the process is complete.

8 VERB If you complete something, you finish doing, making, or producing it. □ [V n] Peter Mayle has just completed his first novel. □ [get n V -ed] …the rush to get the stadiums completed on time. ● com|ple|tion /kəmpliː ʃ ^ə n/ (completions ) N‑VAR □ The project is nearing completion. □ House completions for the year should be up from 1,841 to 2,200.

9 VERB [no cont] If you complete something, you do all of it. □ [V n] She completed her degree in two years. □ [V n] This book took years to complete.

10 VERB If you complete a form or questionnaire, you write the answers or information asked for in it. □ [V n] Simply complete the coupon below. □ [V -ed] Use the enclosed envelope to return your completed survey.

com|plex ◆◆◇ /kɒ mpleks/ (complexes ) The adjective is pronounced /kəmple ks/ in American English. 1 ADJ Something that is complex has many different parts, and is therefore often difficult to understand. □ …in-depth coverage of today's complex issues. □ …a complex system of voting. □ …her complex personality. □ …complex machines.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a complex sentence contains one or more subordinate clauses as well as a main clause. Compare compound , simple .

3 N‑COUNT A complex is a group of buildings designed for a particular purpose, or one large building divided into several smaller areas. □ …plans for constructing a new stadium and leisure complex. □ [+ of ] …a complex of offices and flats.

4 N‑COUNT If someone has a complex about something, they have a mental or emotional problem relating to it, often because of an unpleasant experience in the past. □ [+ about ] I have never had a complex about my height. □ …a deranged attacker, driven by a persecution complex.

5 → see also guilt complex , inferiority complex

com|plex|ion /kəmple kʃ ^ə n/ (complexions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] When you refer to someone's complexion , you are referring to the natural colour or condition of the skin on their face. □ She had short brown hair and a pale complexion.

2 N‑COUNT The complexion of something is its general nature or character. [FORMAL ] □ But surely this puts a different complexion on things.

com|plex|ities /kəmple ks I tiz/ N‑PLURAL The complexities of something are the many complicated factors involved in it. □ The issue is surrounded by legal complexities.

com|plex|ity /kəmple ks I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Complexity is the state of having many different parts connected or related to each other in a complicated way. □ …a diplomatic tangle of great complexity. □ [+ of ] …the increasing complexity of modern weapon systems.

com|pli|ance /kəmpla I əns/ N‑UNCOUNT Compliance with something, for example a law, treaty, or agreement means doing what you are required or expected to do. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] The company says it is in full compliance with U.S. labor laws.

com|pli|ant /kəmpla I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is compliant , you mean they willingly do what they are asked to do. [FORMAL ] □ …a docile and compliant workforce.

com|pli|cate /kɒ mpl I ke I t/ (complicates , complicating , complicated ) VERB To complicate something means to make it more difficult to understand or deal with. □ [V n] The day's events, he said, would only complicate the task of the peacekeeping forces. □ [V n] To complicate matters further, everybody's vitamin requirements vary.

com|pli|cat|ed ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpl I ke I t I d/ ADJ If you say that something is complicated , you mean it has so many parts or aspects that it is difficult to understand or deal with. □ The situation in Lebanon is very complicated. □ …a very complicated voting system.

com|pli|ca|tion /kɒ mpl I ke I ʃ ^ə n/ (complications )

1 N‑COUNT A complication is a problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with. □ [+ to ] The age difference was a complication to the relationship. □ An added complication is the growing concern for the environment.

2 N‑COUNT A complication is a medical problem that occurs as a result of another illness or disease. □ [+ of ] Blindness is a common complication of diabetes. □ [+ from ] He died of complications from a heart attack.

com|plic|it /kəmpl I s I t/ ADJ If someone is complicit in a crime or unfair activity, they are involved in it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ in ] He did not witness her execution, yet he and the others are complicit in her death.

com|plic|ity /kəmpl I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Complicity is involvement with other people in an illegal activity or plan. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] Recently a number of policemen were sentenced to death for their complicity in the murder. □ [+ with ] He is accused of complicity with the leader of the coup.

com|pli|ment (compliments , complimenting , complimented ) The verb is pronounced /kɒ mpl I ment/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpl I mənt/. 1 N‑COUNT A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done. □ He has never paid me a compliment. □ I try to graciously accept both compliments and criticism.

2 VERB If you compliment someone, you pay them a compliment. □ [V n + on ] They complimented me on the way I looked each time they saw me. [Also V n]

3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to your compliments when you want to express thanks, good wishes, or respect to someone in a formal way. [POLITENESS ] □ [+ to ] My compliments to the chef.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone returns the compliment , you mean that they do the same thing to someone else as that person has done to them. □ They entertained us splendidly and it's time we returned the compliment.

5 PHRASE If you say that you are giving someone something with your compliments , you are saying in a polite and fairly formal way that you are giving it to them, especially as a gift or a favour. [POLITENESS ] □ Please give this to your boss with my compliments.

com|pli|men|tary /kɒ mpl I me ntri/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are complimentary about something, you express admiration for it. □ The staff have been very complimentary, and so have the customers. □ We often get complimentary remarks regarding the cleanliness of our patio.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A complimentary seat, ticket, or book is given to you free. □ He had complimentary tickets to take his wife to see the movie.

com|ply /kəmpla I / (complies , complying , complied ) VERB If someone or something complies with an order or set of rules, they are in accordance with what is required or expected. □ [V + with ] The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire. □ [V ] There are calls for his resignation, but there is no sign yet that he will comply. [Also V to n]

com|po|nent ◆◇◇ /kəmpoʊ nənt/ (components )

1 N‑COUNT The components of something are the parts that it is made of. □ [+ of ] Enriched uranium is a key component of a nuclear weapon. □ The management plan has four main components. □ They were automotive component suppliers to motor manufacturers.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] The component parts of something are the parts that make it up. □ First we have to break the system down into its component parts. □ They manufacture component parts for engines.

com|port /kəmpɔː ^r t/ (comports , comporting , comported ) VERB If you comport yourself in a particular way, you behave in that way. [FORMAL ] □ [V pron-refl prep/adv] He comports himself with modesty.

com|pose /kəmpoʊ z/ (composes , composing , composed )

1 VERB The things that something is composed of are its parts or members. The separate things that compose something are the parts or members that form it. □ [be V -ed + of ] The force would be composed of troops from NATO countries. □ [V n] Protein molecules compose all the complex working parts of living cells. □ [V -ed] They agreed to form a council composed of leaders of the rival factions.

2 VERB When someone composes a piece of music, they write it. □ [V n] Vivaldi composed a large number of very fine concertos. □ [V ] Cale also uses electronic keyboards to compose.

3 VERB If you compose something such as a letter, poem, or speech, you write it, often using a lot of concentration or skill. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He started at once to compose a reply to Anna. □ [V -ed] The document composed in Philadelphia transformed the confederation of sovereign states into a national government.

4 VERB If you compose yourself or if you compose your features, you succeed in becoming calm after you have been angry, excited, or upset. □ [V pron-refl] She quickly composed herself as the car started off. □ [V n] Then he composed his features, took Godwin's hand awkwardly and began to usher him from the office.

com|posed /kəmpoʊ zd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is composed , they are calm and able to control their feelings. □ Laura was very calm and composed.

com|pos|er /kəmpoʊ zə ^r / (composers ) N‑COUNT A composer is a person who writes music, especially classical music.

com|po|site /kɒ mpəz I t, [AM ] kəmpɑː z I t/ (composites ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A composite object or item is made up of several different things, parts, or substances. □ …composite pictures with different faces superimposed over one another. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Composite is also a noun. □ [+ of ] Spain is a composite of diverse traditions and people.