COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)

com|po|si|tion /kɒ mpəz I ʃ ^ə n/ (compositions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about the composition of something, you are referring to the way in which its various parts are put together and arranged. □ [+ of ] Television has transformed the size and composition of audiences. □ Forests vary greatly in composition from one part of the country to another.

2 N‑COUNT The compositions of a composer, painter, or other artist are the works of art that they have produced. □ Mozart's compositions are undoubtedly amongst the world's greatest.

3 N‑COUNT A composition is a piece of written work that children write at school.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Composition is the technique or skill involved in creating a work of art. □ He taught the piano, organ and composition.

com|po|si|tion|al /kɒ mpəz I ʃən ^ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Compositional refers to the way composers and artists use their skills or techniques in their work. [TECHNICAL ] □ …Mozart's compositional style.

com|posi|tor /kəmpɒ z I tə ^r / (compositors ) N‑COUNT A compositor is a person who arranges the text and pictures of a book, magazine, or newspaper before it is printed.

com|post /kɒ mpɒst, [AM ] -poʊst/ (composts , composting , composted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Compost is a mixture of decayed plants and vegetable waste which is added to the soil to help plants grow. □ …a small compost heap.

2 N‑VAR Compost is specially treated soil that you buy and use to grow seeds and plants in pots.

3 VERB To compost things such as unwanted bits of plants means to make them into compost. □ [V n] Cut down and compost spent cucumbers, tomatoes and other crops.

com|po|sure /kəmpoʊ ʒə ^r / N‑UNCOUNT Composure is the appearance or feeling of calm and the ability to control your feelings. [FORMAL ] □ For once Dimbleby lost his composure. It was all he could do to stop tears of mirth falling down his cheeks.

com|pote /kɒ mpoʊt/ (compotes ) N‑VAR Compote is fruit stewed with sugar or in syrup.

com|pound (compounds , compounding , compounded ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpaʊnd/. The verb is pronounced /kəmpaʊ nd/. 1 N‑COUNT A compound is an enclosed area of land that is used for a particular purpose. □ Police fired on them as they fled into the embassy compound. □ …a military compound.

2 N‑COUNT In chemistry, a compound is a substance that consists of two or more elements. □ Organic compounds contain carbon in their molecules.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is a compound of different things, it consists of those things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Salt in its essential form is a compound of sodium and chlorine.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Compound is used to indicate that something consists of two or more parts or things. □ …a tall shrub with shiny compound leaves. □ …the compound microscope.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a compound noun, adjective, or verb is one that is made up of two or more words, for example 'fire engine', 'bottle-green', and 'force-feed'.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a compound sentence is one that is made up of two or more main clauses. Compare complex , simple .

7 VERB To compound a problem, difficulty, or mistake means to make it worse by adding to it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Additional bloodshed and loss of life will only compound the tragedy. □ [be V -ed + by ] The problem is compounded by the medical system here.

com|pound|ed /kəmpaʊ nd I d/ ADJ If something is compounded of different things, it is a mixture of those things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …an emotion oddly compounded of pleasure and bitterness.

co m|pound fra c|ture (compound fractures ) N‑COUNT A compound fracture is a fracture in which the broken bone sticks through the skin.

co m|pound i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT Compound interest is interest that is calculated both on an original sum of money and on interest which has previously been added to the sum. Compare simple interest . [BUSINESS ]

com|pre|hend /kɒ mpr I he nd/ (comprehends , comprehending , comprehended ) VERB If you cannot comprehend something, you cannot understand it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] I just cannot comprehend your attitude. □ [V ] Whenever she failed to comprehend she invariably laughed.

com|pre|hen|sible /kɒ mpr I he ns I b ^ə l/ ADJ Something that is comprehensible can be understood. [FORMAL ] □ He spoke abruptly, in barely comprehensible Arabic.

com|pre|hen|sion /kɒ mpr I he nʃ ^ə n/ (comprehensions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Comprehension is the ability to understand something. [FORMAL ] □ This was utterly beyond her comprehension.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Comprehension is full knowledge and understanding of the meaning of something. [FORMAL ] □ They had the same expression of dawning comprehension, surprise, and relief.

3 N‑VAR When pupils do comprehension , they do an exercise to find out how well they understand a piece of spoken or written language.

com|pre|hen|sive ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpr I he ns I v/ (comprehensives )

1 ADJ Something that is comprehensive includes everything that is needed or relevant. □ The Rough Guide to Nepal is a comprehensive guide to the region.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a comprehensive is a state school in which children of all abilities are taught together. □ …Birmingham's inner-city comprehensives. □ She taught French at Cheam Comprehensive in South London. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Comprehensive is also an adjective. □ He left comprehensive school at the age of 16. SYNONYMS comprehensive ADJ 1

thorough: This very thorough survey goes back to 1784.

full: Full details will be sent to you once your application is accepted.

complete: The list may not be complete.

wide: The brochure offers a wide choice of hotels, apartments and holiday homes.

extensive: The facilities available are very extensive.

com|pre|hen|sive|ly /kɒ mpr I he ns I vli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] Something that is done comprehensively is done thoroughly. □ England were comprehensively beaten by South Africa.

com|press (compresses , compressing , compressed ) The verb is pronounced /kəmpre s/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpres/. 1 VERB When you compress something or when it compresses , it is pressed or squeezed so that it takes up less space. □ [V n] Poor posture, sitting or walking slouched over, compresses the body's organs. □ [V ] Air will compress but the brake fluid won't. ● com|pres|sion /kəmpre ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The compression of the wood is easily achieved.

2 VERB If you compress something such as a piece of writing or a description, you make it shorter. □ [V -ed] All those three books are compacted and compressed into one book.

3 VERB [usu passive] If an event is compressed into a short space of time, it is given less time to happen than normal or previously. □ [be V -ed + into ] The four debates will be compressed into an unprecedentedly short eight-day period. □ [be V -ed] Some courses such as engineering had to be compressed.

4 N‑COUNT A compress is a pad of wet or dry cloth pressed on part of a patient's body to reduce fever. □ Sore throats may be relieved by cold compresses.

com|pressed /kəmpre st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Compressed air or gas is squeezed into a small space or container and is therefore at a higher pressure than normal. It is used especially as a source of power for machines.

com|pres|sor /kəmpre sə ^r / (compressors ) N‑COUNT A compressor is a machine or part of a machine that squeezes gas or air and makes it take up less space.

com|prise /kəmpra I z/ (comprises , comprising , comprised )

1 VERB If you say that something comprises or is comprised of a number of things or people, you mean it has them as its parts or members. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] MCC's main committee comprises 18 members. □ [be V -ed + of ] The task force is comprised of congressional leaders and cabinet heads. □ [V -ed] A crowd comprised of the wives and children of scientists staged a demonstration.

2 VERB The things or people that comprise something are the parts or members that form it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Women comprise 44% of hospital medical staff.

com|pro|mise ◆◇◇ /kɒ mprəma I z/ (compromises , compromising , compromised )

1 N‑VAR A compromise is a situation in which people accept something slightly different from what they really want, because of circumstances or because they are considering the wishes of other people. □ [+ between ] Encourage your child to reach a compromise between what he wants and what you want. □ The government's policy of compromise is not universally popular.

2 VERB If you compromise with someone, you reach an agreement with them in which you both give up something that you originally wanted. You can also say that two people or groups compromise . □ [V + over ] The government has compromised with its critics over monetary policies. □ [V + on ] 'Nine,' said I. 'Nine thirty,' tried he. We compromised on 9.15. □ [V + on ] Israel had originally wanted $1 billion in aid, but compromised on the $650 million. [Also pl-n V , V (non-recip)]

3 VERB If someone compromises themselves or compromises their beliefs, they do something which damages their reputation for honesty, loyalty, or high moral principles. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V pron-refl] He compromised himself by accepting a bribe. □ [V n] He would rather shoot himself than compromise his principles. SYNONYMS compromise NOUN 1

give and take: …a happy relationship where there's a lot of give and take.

concession: The King made major concessions to end the confrontation with his people.

trade-off: The newspaper's headline indicates that there was a trade-off at the summit. VERB 2

concede: The government conceded some of their demands.

meet halfway: The Democrats are willing to meet the president halfway.

trade off: They might trade off information for a reduced sentence.

com|pro|mis|ing /kɒ mprəma I z I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe information or a situation as compromising , you mean that it reveals an embarrassing or guilty secret about someone. □ How had this compromising picture come into the possession of the press?

comp|trol|ler /kəntroʊ lə ^r / (comptrollers ) N‑COUNT A comptroller is someone who is in charge of the accounts of a business or a government department; used mainly in official titles. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ of ] It's not every day that a new comptroller of Her Majesty's Household is appointed.

com|pul|sion /kəmpʌ lʃ ^ə n/ (compulsions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A compulsion is a strong desire to do something, which you find difficult to control. □ He felt a sudden compulsion to drop the bucket and run.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone uses compulsion in order to get you to do something, they force you to do it, for example by threatening to punish you if you do not do it. □ Students learn more when they were in class out of choice rather than compulsion.

com|pul|sive /kəmpʌ ls I v/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use compulsive to describe people or their behaviour when they cannot stop doing something wrong, harmful, or unnecessary. □ …a compulsive liar. □ He was a compulsive gambler and often heavily in debt. ● com|pul|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ John is compulsively neat and clean, he's terrified of germs.

2 ADJ If a book or television programme is compulsive , it is so interesting that you do not want to stop reading or watching it. □ The second series of this drama has been explosive, compulsive viewing. ● com|pul|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …a series of compulsively readable novels.

com|pul|so|ry /kəmpʌ lsəri/ ADJ If something is compulsory , you must do it or accept it, because it is the law or because someone in a position of authority says you must. □ In East Germany, learning Russian was compulsory. □ Many young men are trying to get away from compulsory military conscription. ● com|pul|so|ri|ly /kəmpʌ lsər I li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Five of the company's senior managers have been made compulsorily redundant.

com|punc|tion /kəmpʌ ŋkʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has no compunction about doing something, you mean that they do it without feeling ashamed or guilty. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He has no compunction about relating how he killed his father.

com|pu|ta|tion /kɒ mpjʊte I ʃ ^ə n/ (computations ) N‑VAR Computation is mathematical calculation. □ The discrepancies resulted from different methods of computation. □ He took a few notes and made computations.

com|pu|ta|tion|al /kɒ mpjʊte I ʃən ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Computational means using computers. □ …the limits of the computational methods available 50 years ago.

com|pute /kəmpjuː t/ (computes , computing , computed ) VERB To compute a quantity or number means to calculate it. □ [V n] I tried to compute the cash value of the ponies and horse boxes.

com|put|er ◆◆◇ /kəmpjuː tə ^r / (computers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft by/on N ] A computer is an electronic machine that can store and deal with large amounts of information. □ The data are then fed into a computer. □ The car was designed by computer.

2 → see also personal computer COLLOCATIONS computer NOUN 1

noun + computer : desktop, home, laptop, tablet

adjective + computer : handheld, personal, portable; powerful, sophisticated

verb + computer : operate, program, run, use; install, reboot, restart, upgrade; hack, infect

com|put|er|ate /kəmpjuː tərət/ ADJ If someone is computerate , they have enough skill and knowledge to be able to use a computer.

com|pu t|er game (computer games ) N‑COUNT A computer game is a game that you play on a computer or on a small portable piece of electronic equipment.

com|put|er|ize /kəmpjuː təra I z/ (computerizes , computerizing , computerized ) in BRIT, also use computerise VERB To computerize a system, process, or type of work means to arrange for a lot of the work to be done by computer. □ [V n] We need to computerize everything that's done by hand at the moment. □ [V ] Many hospitals say they simply can't afford to computerize. ● com|put|eri|za|tion /kəmpjuː təra I ze I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …the benefits of computerization.

com|put|er|ized /kəmpjuː təra I zd/ in BRIT, also use computerised 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A computerized system, process, or business is one in which the work is done by computer. □ The National Cancer Institute now has a computerized system that can quickly provide information. □ …the most highly-computerized businesses.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Computerized information is stored on a computer. □ Computerized data bases are proliferating fast. □ The public registry in Panama City keeps computerized records of all companies.

compu ter-li terate ADJ If someone is computer-literate , they have enough skill and knowledge to be able to use a computer. □ We look for applicants who are numerate, computer-literate and energetic self-starters.

com|pu|ting /kəmpjuː t I ŋ/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Computing is the activity of using a computer and writing programs for it. □ Courses range from cookery to computing.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Computing means relating to computers and their use. □ Many graduates are employed in the electronics and computing industries.

com|rade /kɒ mre I d, [AM ] -ræd/ (comrades ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your comrades are your friends, especially friends that you share a difficult or dangerous situation with. [LITERARY ] □ Unlike so many of his comrades he survived the war.

co mrade-in-a rms (comrades-in-arms ) also comrade in arms N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A comrade-in-arms is someone who has worked for the same cause or purpose as you and has shared the same difficulties and dangers. □ …Deng Xiaoping, Mao's long-time comrade-in-arms.

com|rade|ly /kɒ mre I dli, [AM ] -ræd-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in a comradely way, you are being pleasant and friendly to other people. [FORMAL ] □ They worked in comradely silence.

com|rade|ship /kɒ mre I dʃ I p, [AM ] -ræd-/ N‑UNCOUNT Comradeship is friendship between a number of people who are doing the same work or who share the same difficulties or dangers. □ [+ of ] …the comradeship of his fellow soldiers.

con /kɒ n/ (cons , conning , conned )

1 VERB If someone cons you, they persuade you to do something or believe something by telling you things that are not true. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n + of/out of ] He claimed that the businessman had conned him of £10,000. □ [V n + into ] White conned his way into a job as a warehouseman. □ [be V -ed] The British motorist has been conned by the government. [Also V n]

2 N‑COUNT A con is a trick in which someone deceives you by telling you something that is not true. [INFORMAL ] □ Slimming snacks that offer miraculous weight loss are a con.

3 N‑COUNT A con is the same as a convict . [INFORMAL ]

4 → see also mod cons

5 pros and cons → see pro

Con

1 N‑TITLE Con is the written abbreviation for constable , when it is part of a police officer's title. [BRIT ] □ …Det Con Terence Woodwiss.

2 Con is the written abbreviation for conservative . [BRIT ] □ This issue could be resolved with a further debate with leaders of the Greens, SNP and Ukip, and no Lib, Lab or Con.

co n art|ist (con artists ) N‑COUNT A con artist is someone who tricks other people into giving them their money or property.

conc. Conc. is the written abbreviation for concessionary . [BRIT ] □ The guided tours cost £4 (conc. £3.50).

con|cat|ena|tion /kɒnkæ təne I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT A concatenation of things or events is their occurrence one after another, because they are linked. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the Internet, the world's biggest concatenation of computing power.

con|cave /kɒ nke I v, kɒnke I v/ ADJ A surface that is concave curves inwards in the middle. □ …a concave stomach.

con|ceal /kənsiː l/ (conceals , concealing , concealed )

1 VERB If you conceal something, you cover it or hide it carefully. □ [V n] Frances decided to conceal the machine behind a hinged panel. □ [V -ed] Five people were arrested for carrying concealed weapons.

2 VERB If you conceal a piece of information or a feeling, you do not let other people know about it. □ [V n] Robert could not conceal his relief. □ [V n + from ] She knew at once that he was concealing something from her.

3 VERB If something conceals something else, it covers it and prevents it from being seen. □ [V n] …a pair of carved Indian doors which conceal a built-in cupboard.

con|ceal|ment /kənsiː lmənt/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Concealment is the state of being hidden or the act of hiding something. □ [+ of ] …the concealment of weapons.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The concealment of information or a feeling involves keeping it secret. □ [+ of ] His concealment of his true motives was masterly. □ [+ of ] I think there was deliberate concealment of relevant documents.

con|cede ◆◇◇ /kənsiː d/ (concedes , conceding , conceded )

1 VERB If you concede something, you admit, often unwillingly, that it is true or correct. □ [V that] Bess finally conceded that Nancy was right. □ [V with quote] 'Well,' he conceded, 'I do sometimes mumble a bit.' □ [V n] Mr. Chapman conceded the need for Nomura's U.S. unit to improve its trading skills. [Also V n n]

2 VERB If you concede something to someone, you allow them to have it as a right or privilege. □ [V n] The government conceded the right to establish independent trade unions. □ [V n + to ] The French subsequently conceded full independence to Laos. [Also V n n]

3 VERB If you concede something, you give it to the person who has been trying to get it from you. □ [V n] The strike ended after the government conceded some of their demands.

4 VERB In sport, if you concede goals or points, you are unable to prevent your opponent from scoring them. [BRIT ] □ [V n + to ] They conceded four goals to Leeds United. □ [V n] Luton conceded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. in AM, use give up 5 VERB If you concede a game, contest, or argument, you end it by admitting that you can no longer win. □ [V n + to ] Reiner, 56, has all but conceded the race to his rival. □ [V n] Alain Prost finished third and virtually conceded the world championship.

6 VERB If you concede defeat, you accept that you have lost a struggle. □ [V n] Airtours conceded defeat in its attempt to take control of holiday industry rival Owners Abroad. □ [V n] He happily conceded the election.

con|ceit /kənsiː t/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Conceit is very great pride in your abilities or achievements that other people feel is too great. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Pamela knew she was a good student, and that was not just a conceit.

con|ceit|ed /kənsiː t I d/ ADJ If you say that someone is conceited , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they are far too proud of their abilities or achievements. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I thought him conceited and arrogant.

con|ceiv|able /kənsiː vəb ^ə l/ ADJ If something is conceivable , you can imagine it or believe it. □ It is just conceivable that a single survivor might be found.

con|ceive /kənsiː v/ (conceives , conceiving , conceived )

1 VERB If you cannot conceive of something, you cannot imagine it or believe it. □ [V + of ] I just can't even conceive of that quantity of money. □ [V + of ] He was immensely ambitious but unable to conceive of winning power for himself. [Also V that]

2 VERB If you conceive something as a particular thing, you consider it to be that thing. □ [V n + as ] The ancients conceived the Earth as afloat in water. □ [V + of ] We conceive of the family as being in a constant state of change. □ [V + of ] Elvis conceived of himself as a ballad singer.

3 VERB If you conceive a plan or idea, you think of it and work out how it can be done. □ [V n] She had conceived the idea of a series of novels. □ [V + of ] He conceived of the first truly portable computer in 1968.

4 VERB When a woman conceives , she becomes pregnant. □ [V ] Women, he says, should give up alcohol before they plan to conceive. □ [V n] A mother who already has non-identical twins is more likely to conceive another set of twins.

con|cen|trate ◆◇◇ /kɒ ns ^ə ntre I t/ (concentrates , concentrating , concentrated )

1 VERB If you concentrate on something, or concentrate your mind on it, you give all your attention to it. □ [V + on ] It was up to him to concentrate on his studies and make something of himself. □ [V ] At work you need to be able to concentrate. □ [V n + on ] This helps you to be aware of time and concentrates your mind on the immediate task.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something is concentrated in an area, it is all there rather than being spread around. □ [be V -ed + in ] Most development has been concentrated in and around cities. [Also be V -ed adv]

3 N‑VAR Concentrate is a liquid or substance from which water has been removed in order to make it stronger, or to make it easier to store. □ …orange juice made from concentrate.

4 PHRASE If you say that an unpleasant fact or situation concentrates someone's mind , you mean that it makes them think clearly, because they are aware of the serious consequences if they do not. □ A term in prison will concentrate his mind wonderfully. SYNONYMS concentrate VERB 1

pay attention: I didn't pay any attention at first.

con|cen|trat|ed /kɒ ns ^ə ntre I t I d/

1 ADJ A concentrated liquid has been increased in strength by having water removed from it. □ Sweeten dishes sparingly with honey, or concentrated apple or pear juice.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A concentrated activity is directed with great intensity in one place. □ …a more concentrated effort to reach out to troubled kids.

con|cen|tra|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ ns ^ə ntre I ʃ ^ə n/ (concentrations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Concentration on something involves giving all your attention to it. □ Neal kept interrupting, breaking my concentration. □ We lacked concentration and it cost us the goal and the game.

2 N‑VAR A concentration of something is a large amount of it or large numbers of it in a small area. □ [+ of ] The area has one of the world's greatest concentrations of wildlife. □ [+ of ] There's been too much concentration of power in the hands of central authorities.

3 N‑VAR [n N ] The concentration of a substance is the proportion of essential ingredients or substances in it. □ [+ of ] pH is a measure of the concentration of free hydrogen atoms in a solution.

co n|cen|tra |tion camp (concentration camps ) N‑COUNT A concentration camp is a prison in which large numbers of ordinary people are kept in very bad conditions, usually during a war.

con|cen|tric /kənse ntr I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Concentric circles or rings have the same centre. □ On a blackboard, he drew five concentric circles.

con|cept ◆◇◇ /kɒ nsept/ (concepts ) N‑COUNT A concept is an idea or abstract principle. □ [+ of ] She added that the concept of arranged marriages is misunderstood in the west.

con|cep|tion /kənse pʃ ^ə n/ (conceptions )

1 N‑VAR A conception of something is an idea that you have of it in your mind. □ [+ of ] My conception of a garden was based on gardens I had visited in England. □ [+ of ] I see him as someone with not the slightest conception of teamwork.

2 N‑VAR Conception is the process in which the egg in a woman is fertilized and she becomes pregnant. □ Six weeks after conception your baby is the size of your little fingernail.

con|cep|tual /kənse ptʃuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Conceptual means related to ideas and concepts formed in the mind. □ …replacing old laws with new within the same conceptual framework. ● con|cep|tu|al|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The monograph is conceptually confused, unclear in its structure and weak in its methodology.

con|cep|tu|al|ize /kənse ptʃuəla I z/ (conceptualizes , conceptualizing , conceptualized ) in BRIT, also use conceptualise VERB If you conceptualize something, you form an idea of it in your mind. □ [V n] How we conceptualize things has a lot to do with what we feel. □ [V n + as ] Tiffany conceptualized herself as a mother, whose primary task was to feed her baby.

con|cern ◆◆◆ /kənsɜː ^r n/ (concerns , concerning , concerned )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [N that] Concern is worry about a situation. □ [+ about ] The group has expressed concern about reports of political violence. □ [+ over ] The move follows growing public concern over the spread of the disease. □ There is no cause for concern.

2 VERB [no cont] If something concerns you, it worries you. □ [V n] The growing number of people seeking refuge in Thailand is beginning to concern Western aid agencies. □ [V n that] It concerned her that Bess was developing a crush on Max. ● con|cerned ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] □ [+ for ] We're naturally concerned for our daughter's safety. □ Academics are concerned that students are not sufficiently prepared for university courses. □ …a phone call from a concerned neighbor. [Also + about ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A concern is a fact or situation that worries you. □ His concern was that people would know that he was responsible. □ Unemployment was the electorate's main concern.

4 N‑VAR Someone's concern with something is their feeling that it is important. □ [+ with ] …a story that illustrates how dangerous excessive concern with safety can be.

5 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's concerns are the things that they consider to be important. □ [+ of ] Feminism must address issues beyond the concerns of middle-class whites.

6 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Concern for someone is a feeling that you want them to be happy, safe, and well. If you do something out of concern for someone, you do it because you want them to be happy, safe, and well. □ Without her care and concern, he had no chance at all. □ [+ for ] He had only gone along out of concern for his two grandsons.

7 VERB If you concern yourself with something, you give it attention because you think that it is important. □ [V pron-refl + with ] I didn't concern myself with politics. ● con|cerned ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □ The agency is more concerned with making arty ads than understanding its clients' businesses.

8 VERB [no cont] If something such as a book or a piece of information concerns a particular subject, it is about that subject. □ [V n] The bulk of the book concerns Sandy's two middle-aged children. □ [V pron-refl + with ] Chapter 2 concerns itself with the methodological difficulties. ● con|cerned ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] □ Randolph's work was exclusively concerned with the effects of pollution on health.

9 VERB [no cont] If a situation, event, or activity concerns you, it affects or involves you. □ [V n] It was just a little unfinished business from my past, and it doesn't concern you at all. ● con|cerned ADJ [n ADJ ] □ It's a very stressful situation for everyone concerned. □ [+ in ] I believe he was concerned in all those matters you mention. [Also + with ]

10 N‑SING [with poss] If a situation or problem is your concern , it is something that you have a duty or responsibility to be involved with. □ [+ of ] The technical aspects were the concern of the Army. □ I would be glad to get rid of them myself. But that is not our concern.

11 N‑COUNT You can refer to a company or business as a concern , usually when you are describing what type of company or business it is. [FORMAL , BUSINESS ] □ If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.

12 PHRASE You can say ' as far as I'm concerned ' to indicate that you are giving your own opinion. □ As far as I'm concerned the officials incited the fight.

13 PHRASE You can say as far as something is concerned to indicate the subject that you are talking about. □ As far as cholesterol is concerned, then, one oil is as good as another.

14 PHRASE If a company is a going concern , it is actually doing business, rather than having stopped trading or not yet having started trading. [BUSINESS ] □ The receivers will always prefer to sell a business as a going concern.

15 PHRASE If something is of concern to someone, they find it worrying and unsatisfactory. □ Any injury to a child is a cause of great concern to us. □ The survey's findings are a matter of great concern.

16 PHRASE If something is of concern to you, it is important to you. □ How they are paid should be of little concern to the bank as long as they are paid. COLLOCATIONS concern NOUN 1

noun + concern : safety, security

adjective + concern : grave, growing, serious, severe; main, primary; immediate, pressing; genuine, legitimate

concern + be + adjective : understandable, unfounded

verb + concern : express, raise, voice; address

con|cerned ◆◇◇ /kənsɜː ^r nd/

1 → see concern

2 ADJ If you are concerned to do something, you want to do it because you think it is important. □ We were very concerned to keep the staff informed about what we were doing. SYNONYMS concerned ADJ 2

anxious: The minister admitted he was anxious about the situation in his country.

worried: If you're worried about his progress, discuss it with his teacher.

bothered: I was bothered about the blister on my hand.

disturbed: Doctors were disturbed that so few patients were women.

con|cern|ing /kənsɜː ^r n I ŋ/

1 PREP You use concerning to indicate what a question or piece of information is about. [FORMAL ] □ …various questions concerning pollution and the environment.

2 ADJ If something is concerning , it causes you to feel concerned about it. □ It is particularly concerning that he is working for non-British companies while advising on foreign policy.

con|cert ◆◇◇ /kɒ nsə ^r t/ (concerts )

1 N‑COUNT A concert is a performance of music. □ [+ of ] …a short concert of piano music. □ I've been to plenty of live rock concerts. □ …a new concert hall.

2 PHRASE If a musician or group of musicians appears in concert , they are giving a live performance. □ I want people to remember Elvis in concert.

con|cert|ed /kənsɜː ^r t I d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A concerted action is done by several people or groups working together. □ Martin Parry, author of the report, says it's time for concerted action by world leaders.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make a concerted effort to do something, you try very hard to do it. □ He made a concerted effort to win me away from my steady, sweet but boring boyfriend.

con|cert|go|er /kɒ nsə ^r tgoʊə ^r / (concertgoers ) also concert-goer N‑COUNT A concertgoer is someone who goes to concerts regularly.

con|cer|ti|na /kɒ nsə ^r tiː nə/ (concertinas ) N‑VAR A concertina is a musical instrument consisting of two end pieces with stiff paper or cloth that folds up between them. You play the concertina by pressing the buttons on the end pieces while moving them together and apart.

concert|master /kɒ nsə ^r tmɑːstə ^r , -mæst-/ (concertmasters ) N‑COUNT The concertmaster of an orchestra is the most senior violin player, who acts as a deputy to the conductor. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] in BRIT, use leader

con|cer|to /kəntʃeə ^r toʊ/ (concertos ) N‑COUNT A concerto is a piece of music written for one or more solo instruments and an orchestra. □ …Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto. □ …a wonderful concerto for two violins and string orchestra.

con|ces|sion ◆◇◇ /kənse ʃ ^ə n/ (concessions )

1 N‑COUNT If you make a concession to someone, you agree to let them do or have something, especially in order to end an argument or conflict. □ The King made major concessions to end the confrontation with his people. [Also + to/from ]

2 N‑COUNT A concession is a special right or privilege that is given to someone. □ [+ for ] …tax concessions for mothers who stay at home with their children.

3 N‑COUNT A concession is a special price which is lower than the usual price and which is often given to old people, students, and the unemployed. [BRIT ] □ [+ for ] Open daily; admission £1.10 with concessions for children and OAPs. in AM, use reduction 4 N‑COUNT A concession is an arrangement where someone is given the right to sell a product or to run a business, especially in a building belonging to another business. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, usually use franchise

con|ces|sion|aire /kənse ʃəneə ^r / (concessionaires ) N‑COUNT A concessionaire is a person or company that has the right to sell a product or to run a business, especially in a building belonging to another business. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use franchisee

con|ces|sion|ary /kənse ʃ ^ə nri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A concessionary price is a special price which is lower than the normal one and which is often given to old people, students, and the unemployed. [BRIT ] □ There are concessionary rates for students. in AM, use reduced

con|ces|sion|er /kənse ʃənə ^r / (concessioners ) N‑COUNT A concessioner is the same as a concessionaire . [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use franchisee

con|ces|sive clause /kənse s I v klɔːz/ (concessive clauses ) N‑COUNT A concessive clause is a subordinate clause which refers to a situation that contrasts with the one described in the main clause. For example, in the sentence 'Although he was tired, he couldn't get to sleep', the first clause is a concessive clause. [TECHNICAL ]

conch /kɒ ntʃ, kɒ ŋk/ (conches ) N‑COUNT A conch is a shellfish with a large shell rather like a snail's. A conch or a conch shell is the shell of this creature.

con|ci|erge /kɒ nsieə ^r ʒ/ (concierges )

1 N‑COUNT A concierge is a person, especially in France, who looks after a block of flats and checks people entering and leaving the building.

2 N‑COUNT In a hotel, a concierge is an employee who helps guests, for example by making restaurant reservations.

con|cili|ate /kəns I lie I t/ (conciliates , conciliating , conciliated ) VERB If you conciliate someone, you try to end a disagreement with them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] His duty was to conciliate the people, not to provoke them. □ [V ] The President has a strong political urge to conciliate. □ [V -ing] He spoke in a low, nervous, conciliating voice.

con|cili|ation /kəns I lie I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Conciliation is willingness to end a disagreement or the process of ending a disagreement. □ The experience has left him sceptical about efforts at conciliation.

con|cilia|tory /kəns I liətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ When you are conciliatory in your actions or behaviour, you show that you are willing to end a disagreement with someone. □ The President's speech was hailed as a conciliatory gesture toward business.

con|cise /kənsa I s/

1 ADJ Something that is concise says everything that is necessary without using any unnecessary words. □ Burton's text is concise and informative. ● con|cise|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He'd delivered his report clearly and concisely.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A concise edition of a book, especially a dictionary, is shorter than the original edition. □ …Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Porcelain.

con|clave /kɒ ŋkle I v/ (conclaves ) N‑COUNT A conclave is a meeting at which the discussions are kept secret. The meeting which is held to elect a new Pope is called a conclave.

con|clude ◆◇◇ /kənkluː d/ (concludes , concluding , concluded )

1 VERB If you conclude that something is true, you decide that it is true using the facts you know as a basis. □ [V that] Larry had concluded that he had no choice but to accept Paul's words as the truth. □ [V n + from ] So what can we conclude from this debate? □ [V with quote] 'The situation in the inner cities is bad and getting worse,' she concluded.

2 VERB When you conclude , you say the last thing that you are going to say. [FORMAL ] □ [V with quote] 'It's a waste of time,' he concluded. □ [V ] I would like to conclude by saying that I do enjoy your magazine. ● con|clud|ing ADJ [ADJ n] □ On the radio I caught the Minister's concluding remarks at the Blackpool conference.

3 VERB When something concludes , or when you conclude it, you end it. [FORMAL ] □ [V adv/prep] The evening concluded with dinner and speeches. □ [V n] The Group of Seven major industrial countries concluded its annual summit meeting today.

4 VERB If one person or group concludes an agreement, such as a treaty or business deal, with another, they arrange it. You can also say that two people or groups conclude an agreement. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + with ] Iceland concluded agreements with several other countries. □ [V n] If the clubs cannot conclude a deal, an independent tribunal will decide. SYNONYMS conclude VERB 1

reckon: He reckoned he was still fond of her.

assume: It is a misconception to assume that the two continents are similar.

infer: I inferred from what she said that you have not been well.

deduce: Alison had cleverly deduced that I was the author of the letter.

con|clu|sion ◆◇◇ /kənkluː ʒ ^ə n/ (conclusions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] When you come to a conclusion , you decide that something is true after you have thought about it carefully and have considered all the relevant facts. □ Over the years I've come to the conclusion that she's a very great musician. □ I know I'm doing the right thing but other people will draw their own conclusions.

2 N‑SING The conclusion of something is its ending. □ [+ of ] At the conclusion of the programme, I asked the children if they had any questions.

3 N‑SING The conclusion of a treaty or a business deal is the act of arranging it or agreeing it. □ [+ of ] …the expected conclusion of a free-trade agreement between the two countries.

4 PHRASE You can refer to something that seems certain to happen as a foregone conclusion . □ It was a foregone conclusion that I would end up in the same business as him.

5 PHRASE You say ' in conclusion ' to indicate that what you are about to say is the last thing that you want to say. □ In conclusion, walking is a cheap, safe, enjoyable and readily available form of exercise.

6 PHRASE If you say that someone jumps to a conclusion , you are critical of them because they decide too quickly that something is true, when they do not know all the facts. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [PHR that] I didn't want her to jump to the conclusion that the divorce was in any way her fault. COLLOCATIONS conclusion NOUN

1

adjective + conclusion : definitive, firm, inescapable; tentative; logical, obvious, sensible

verb + conclusion : draw, reach

2

adjective + conclusion : satisfactory, speedy, successful; final, ultimate; fitting, natural SYNONYMS conclusion NOUN 1

assumption: We question their assumption that all men and women think alike.

judgement: How can he form any judgement of the matter without the figures?

verdict: The doctor's verdict was that he was entirely healthy.

inference: There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter.

deduction: It was a pretty astute deduction.

con|clu|sive /kənkluː s I v/ ADJ Conclusive evidence shows that something is certainly true. □ Her attorneys claim there is no conclusive evidence that any murders took place. □ Research on the matter is far from conclusive. ● con|clu|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ A new study proved conclusively that smokers die younger than non-smokers.

con|coct /kənkɒ kt/ (concocts , concocting , concocted )

1 VERB If you concoct an excuse or explanation, you invent one that is not true. □ [V n] Mr Ferguson said the prisoner concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.

2 VERB If you concoct something, especially something unusual, you make it by mixing several things together. □ [V n] Eugene was concocting Rossini Cocktails from champagne and pureed raspberries.

con|coc|tion /kənkɒ kʃ ^ə n/ (concoctions ) N‑COUNT A concoction is something that has been made out of several things mixed together. □ [+ of ] …a concoction of honey, yogurt, oats, and apples.

con|comi|tant /kənkɒ m I tənt/ (concomitants )

1 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ with n] Concomitant is used to describe something that happens at the same time as another thing and is connected with it. [FORMAL ] □ Cultures that were better at trading saw a concomitant increase in their wealth. □ [+ with ] This approach was concomitant with the move away from relying solely on official records.

2 N‑COUNT A concomitant of something is another thing that happens at the same time and is connected with it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The right to deliberately alter quotations is not a concomitant of a free press.

con|cord /kɒ ŋkɔː ^r d/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Concord is a state of peaceful agreement. [FORMAL ] □ They pursued a balanced policy for the sake of national concord.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, concord refers to the way that a word has a form appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun it relates to. For example, in 'He hates it', there is concord between the singular form of the verb and the singular pronoun 'he'.

con|cord|ance /kənkɔː ^r d ^ə ns/ (concordances )

1 N‑VAR If there is concordance between two things, they are similar to each other or consistent with each other. [FORMAL ] □ [+ between ] …a partial concordance between theoretical expectations and empirical evidence.

2 N‑COUNT A concordance is a list of the words in a text or group of texts, with information about where in the text each word occurs and how often it occurs. The sentences each word occurs in are often given.

con|course /kɒ ŋkɔː ^r s/ (concourses ) N‑COUNT A concourse is a wide hall in a public building, for example a hotel, airport, or station.

con|crete ◆◇◇ /kɒ ŋkriːt/ (concretes , concreting , concreted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Concrete is a substance used for building which is made by mixing together cement, sand, small stones, and water. □ The posts have to be set in concrete. □ They had lain on sleeping bags on the concrete floor.

2 VERB When you concrete something such as a path, you cover it with concrete. □ [V n] He merely cleared and concreted the floors.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use concrete to indicate that something is definite and specific. □ He had no concrete evidence. □ I must have something to tell him. Something concrete. ● con|crete|ly ADV □ …by way of making their point more concretely.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A concrete object is a real, physical object. □ …using concrete objects to teach addition and subtraction.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] A concrete noun is a noun that refers to a physical object rather than to a quality or idea.

6 PHRASE If a plan or idea is set in concrete or embedded in concrete , it is fixed and cannot be changed. □ As Mr Blunkett emphasised, nothing is yet set in concrete. SYNONYMS concrete ADJ 3

clear-cut: This was a clear-cut case of the landowner being in the right.

black and white: But this isn't a simple black and white affair, Marianne.

definite: We didn't have any definite proof.

clear: It was a clear case of homicide.

co n|crete ju n|gle (concrete jungles ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a city or area as a concrete jungle , you mean that it has a lot of modern buildings and you think it is ugly or unpleasant to live in. [DISAPPROVAL ]

con|cu|bine /kɒ ŋkjʊba I n/ (concubines ) N‑COUNT In former times, a concubine was a woman who lived with and had a sexual relationship with a man of higher social rank without being married to him.

con|cur /kənkɜː ^r / (concurs , concurring , concurred ) VERB If one person concurs with another person, the two people agree. You can also say that two people concur . [FORMAL ] □ [V + with ] Local feeling does not necessarily concur with the press. □ [V + in ] Both doctors concurred in this decision. □ [V that] Butler and Stone concur that the war threw people's lives into a moral relief. □ [V ] Four other judges concurred. □ [V that] After looking at the jug, Faulkner concurred that it was late Roman, third or fourth century. [Also V ]

con|cur|rence /kənkʌ rəns, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (concurrences )

1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] Someone's concurrence is their agreement to something. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Any change ought not to be made without the general concurrence of all concerned.

2 N‑VAR If there is a concurrence of two or more things, they happen at the same time. □ [+ of ] The concurrence of their disappearances had to be more than coincidental.

con|cur|rent /kənkʌ rənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft v-link ADJ with n, v-link ADJ ] Concurrent events or situations happen at the same time. □ Galerie St. Etienne is holding three concurrent exhibitions. □ Concurrent with her acting career, Bron has managed to write two books of her own. ● con|cur|rent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ His sentence is to run concurrently with a sentence he is already serving.

con|cussed /kənkʌ st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is concussed , they lose consciousness or feel sick or confused because they have been hit hard on the head. □ My left arm is badly bruised and I was slightly concussed.

con|cus|sion /kənkʌ ʃ ^ə n/ (concussions ) N‑VAR If you suffer concussion after a blow to your head, you lose consciousness or feel sick or confused. □ Nicky was rushed to hospital with concussion. □ She fell off a horse and suffered a concussion.

con|demn ◆◇◇ /kənde m/ (condemns , condemning , condemned )

1 VERB If you condemn something, you say that it is very bad and unacceptable. □ [V n] Political leaders united yesterday to condemn the latest wave of violence. □ [V n + for ] Graham was right to condemn his players for lack of ability, attitude and application. □ [V n + as ] …a document that condemns sexism as a moral and social evil. [Also V pron-refl]

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is condemned to a punishment, they are given this punishment. □ [be V -ed + to ] He was condemned to life imprisonment. □ [V -ed] …appeals by prisoners condemned to death.

3 VERB If circumstances condemn you to an unpleasant situation, they make it certain that you will suffer in that way. □ [V n + to ] Their lack of qualifications condemned them to a lifetime of boring, usually poorly-paid work. [Also V n to-inf]

4 VERB If authorities condemn a building, they officially decide that it is not safe and must be pulled down or repaired. □ [V n] …proceedings to condemn buildings in the area.

5 → see also condemned

con|dem|na|tion /kɒ ndemne I ʃ ^ə n/ (condemnations ) N‑VAR Condemnation is the act of saying that something or someone is very bad and unacceptable. □ [+ of ] There was widespread condemnation of Saturday's killings. □ [+ from ] The raids have drawn a strong condemnation from the United Nations Security Council.

con|dem|na|tory /kɒ ndemne I təri, [AM ] kənde mnətɔːri/ ADJ Condemnatory means expressing strong disapproval. [FORMAL ] □ He was justified in some of his condemnatory outbursts.

con|demned /kənde md/

1 ADJ A condemned man or woman is going to be executed. □ …prison officers who had sat with the condemned man during his last days.

2 ADJ A condemned building is in such a bad condition that it is not safe to live in, and so its owners are officially ordered to pull it down or repair it. □ They took over a condemned 1960s tower block last year for one night.

con|de mned cell (condemned cells ) N‑COUNT A condemned cell is a prison cell for someone who is going to be executed. [BRIT ]

con|den|sa|tion /kɒ ndense I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Condensation consists of small drops of water which form when warm water vapour or steam touches a cold surface such as a window. □ He used his sleeve to wipe the condensation off the glass.

con|dense /kənde ns/ (condenses , condensing , condensed )

1 VERB If you condense something, especially a piece of writing or speech, you make it shorter, usually by including only the most important parts. □ [V n + into ] We have learnt how to condense serious messages into short, self-contained sentences. [Also V n]

2 VERB When a gas or vapour condenses , or is condensed , it changes into a liquid. □ [V ] Water vapour condenses to form clouds. □ [V + into/out of ] The compressed gas is cooled and condenses into a liquid. [Also V n]

con|densed /kənde nst/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A condensed book, explanation, or piece of information has been made shorter, usually by including only the most important parts. □ The Council was merely given a condensed version of what had already been disclosed in Washington.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Condensed liquids have been made thicker by removing some of the water in them. □ …condensed mushroom soup.

con|de nsed mi lk N‑UNCOUNT Condensed milk is very thick sweetened milk that is sold in cans.

con|den|ser /kənde nsə ^r / (condensers )

1 N‑COUNT A condenser is a device that cools gases into liquids.

2 N‑COUNT A condenser is a device for accumulating electric charge.

con|de|scend /kɒ nd I se nd/ (condescends , condescending , condescended )

1 VERB If someone condescends to do something, they agree to do it, but in a way which shows that they think they are better than other people and should not have to do it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V to-inf] He condescended to speak but he contradicted himself.

2 VERB If you say that someone condescends to other people, you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they behave in a way which shows that they think they are superior to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + to ] Don't condescend to me. [Also V ]

con|de|scend|ing /kɒ nd I se nd I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that someone is condescending , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they talk or behave in a way which shows that they think they are superior to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I'm fed up with your money and your whole condescending attitude.

con|de|scen|sion /kɒ nd I se nʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Condescension is condescending behaviour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ There was a tinge of condescension in her greeting.

con|di|ment /kɒ nd I mənt/ (condiments ) N‑COUNT A condiment is a substance such as salt, pepper, or mustard that you add to food when you eat it in order to improve the flavour.

con|di|tion ◆◆◆ /kənd I ʃ ^ə n/ (conditions , conditioning , conditioned )

1 N‑SING If you talk about the condition of a person or thing, you are talking about the state that they are in, especially how good or bad their physical state is. □ He remains in a critical condition in a California hospital. □ The two-bedroom chalet is in good condition. □ You can't drive in that condition.

2 N‑PLURAL The conditions under which something is done or happens are all the factors or circumstances which directly affect it. □ This change has been timed under laboratory conditions. □ The mild winter has created the ideal conditions for an ant population explosion.

3 N‑PLURAL The conditions in which people live or work are the factors which affect their comfort, safety, or health. □ People are living in appalling conditions. □ He could not work in these conditions any longer.

4 N‑COUNT A condition is something which must happen or be done in order for something else to be possible, especially when this is written into a contract or law. □ [+ for ] …economic targets set as a condition for loan payments. □ …terms and conditions of employment. □ Egypt had agreed to a summit subject to certain conditions.

5 N‑COUNT If someone has a particular condition , they have an illness or other medical problem. □ Doctors suspect he may have a heart condition.

6 VERB [usu passive] If someone is conditioned by their experiences or environment, they are influenced by them over a period of time so that they do certain things or think in a particular way. □ [be V -ed] We are all conditioned by early impressions and experiences. □ [be V -ed to-inf] You have been conditioned to believe that it is weak to be scared. □ [be V -ed into v-ing/n] I just feel women are conditioned into doing housework. □ [V -ed] …a conditioned response. ● con|di|tion|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Because of social conditioning, men don't expect themselves to be managed by women.

7 VERB To condition your hair or skin means to put something on it which will keep it in good condition. □ [V n] …a protein which is excellent for conditioning dry and damaged hair.

8 PHRASE If you say that someone is in no condition to do something, you mean that they are too ill, upset, or drunk to do it. □ She was clearly in no condition to see anyone.

9 PHRASE When you agree to do something on condition that something else happens, you mean that you will only do it if this other thing also happens. □ He spoke to reporters on condition that he was not identified.

10 PHRASE If someone is out of condition , they are unhealthy and unfit, because they do not do enough exercise. □ He was too out of condition to clamber over the top.

11 in mint condition → see mint

con|di|tion|al /kənd I ʃən ^ə l/

1 ADJ If a situation or agreement is conditional on something, it will only happen or continue if this thing happens. □ [+ on ] Their support is conditional on his proposals meeting their approval. □ …a conditional offer. ● con|di|tion|al|ly /kənd I ʃ ^ə nəli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ Mr Smith has conditionally agreed to buy a shareholding in the club.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] In grammar, a conditional clause is a subordinate clause which refers to a situation which may exist or whose possible consequences you are considering. Most conditional clauses begin with 'if' or 'unless', for example 'If that happens, we'll be in big trouble' and 'You don't have to come unless you want to'.

con|di |tion|al di s|charge (conditional discharges ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone who is convicted of an offence is given a conditional discharge by a court, they are not punished unless they later commit a further offence. [BRIT , LEGAL ]

con|di|tion|er /kənd I ʃənə ^r / (conditioners )

1 N‑VAR A conditioner is a substance which you can put on your hair after you have washed it to make it softer.

2 N‑VAR [oft n N ] A conditioner is a thick liquid which you can use when you wash clothes in order to make them feel softer.

3 → see also air conditioner

con|do /kɒ ndoʊ/ (condos ) N‑COUNT Condo means the same as condominium . [AM , INFORMAL ]

con|do|lence /kəndoʊ ləns/ (condolences )

1 N‑UNCOUNT A message of condolence is a message in which you express your sympathy for someone because one of their friends or relatives has died recently. □ Neil sent him a letter of condolence.

2 N‑PLURAL When you offer or express your condolences to someone, you express your sympathy for them because one of their friends or relatives has died recently. □ He expressed his condolences to the families of the people who died in the incident.

con|dom /kɒ ndɒm/ (condoms ) N‑COUNT A condom is a covering made of thin rubber which a man can wear on his penis as a contraceptive or as protection against disease during sexual intercourse.

con|do|min|ium /kɒ ndəm I niəm/ (condominiums )

1 N‑COUNT A condominium is an apartment building in which each apartment is owned by the person who lives there. [AM ]

2 N‑COUNT A condominium is one of the privately-owned apartments in a condominium. [AM ]

con|done /kəndoʊ n/ (condones , condoning , condoned ) VERB If someone condones behaviour that is morally wrong, they accept it and allow it to happen. □ [V n] I have never encouraged nor condoned violence.

con|dor /kɒ ndɔː ^r / (condors ) N‑COUNT A condor is a large South American bird that eats the meat of dead animals.

con|du|cive /kəndjuː s I v, [AM ] -duː s I v/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is conducive to another thing, it makes the other thing likely to happen. □ [+ to ] Sometimes the home environment just isn't conducive to reading.

con|duct ◆◆◇ (conducts , conducting , conducted ) The verb is pronounced /kəndʌ kt/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ ndʌkt/. 1 VERB When you conduct an activity or task, you organize it and carry it out. □ [V n] I decided to conduct an experiment. □ [V n] He said they were conducting a campaign against democrats across the country.

2 N‑SING The conduct of a task or activity is the way in which it is organized and carried out. □ [+ of ] Also up for discussion will be the conduct of free and fair elections.

3 VERB If you conduct yourself in a particular way, you behave in that way. □ [V pron-refl] The way he conducts himself reflects on the party and will increase criticisms against him. □ [V n] Most people believe they conduct their private and public lives in accordance with Christian morality.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's conduct is the way they behave in particular situations. □ He has trouble understanding that other people judge him by his conduct.

5 VERB When someone conducts an orchestra or choir, they stand in front of it and direct its performance. □ [V n] Dennis had recently begun a successful career conducting opera in Europe. □ [V ] Solti will continue to conduct here and abroad.

6 VERB [no cont] If something conducts heat or electricity, it allows heat or electricity to pass through it or along it. □ [V n] Water conducts heat faster than air. COLLOCATIONS conduct VERB 1

conduct + verb : experiment, research, review, study, test, trial; poll, survey; inquiry, interview, investigation, operation, search NOUN 4

adjective + conduct : improper, inappropriate, reprehensible, unacceptable, unsporting; disorderly, unlawful, violent SYNONYMS conduct VERB 1

carry out: Police say they believe the attacks were carried out by nationalists.

perform: These people have performed outstanding acts of bravery and kindness.

run: He ran a lot of tests and it turned out I had an infection.

execute: We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.

con|du ct|ed tou r (conducted tours ) N‑COUNT A conducted tour is a visit to a building, town, or area during which someone goes with you and explains everything to you.

con|duc|tion /kəndʌ kʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Conduction is the process by which heat or electricity passes through or along something. [TECHNICAL ] □ Temperature becomes uniform by heat conduction until finally a permanent state is reached.

con|duc|tive /kəndʌ kt I v/ ADJ A conductive substance is able to conduct things such as heat and electricity. [TECHNICAL ] □ Salt water is much more conductive than fresh water is. ● con|duc|tiv|ity /kɒ ndʌkt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a device which monitors electrical conductivity.

con|duc|tor /kəndʌ ktə ^r / (conductors )

1 N‑COUNT A conductor is a person who stands in front of an orchestra or choir and directs its performance.

2 N‑COUNT On a bus, the conductor is the person whose job is to help passengers and check tickets.

3 N‑COUNT On a train, a conductor is a person whose job is to travel on the train in order to help passengers and check tickets. [AM ] in BRIT, use guard 4 N‑COUNT A conductor is a substance that heat or electricity can pass through or along.

5 → see also lightning conductor , semiconductor

con|duit /kɒ ndju I t, [AM ] -du I t/ (conduits )

1 N‑COUNT A conduit is a small tunnel, pipe, or channel through which water or electrical wires go.

2 N‑COUNT A conduit is a person or country that links two or more other people or countries. □ [+ for ] He was welcomed and used as a trusted conduit for information. [Also + to ]

cone /koʊ n/ (cones )

1 N‑COUNT A cone is a shape with a circular base and smooth curved sides ending in a point at the top.

2 N‑COUNT A cone is the fruit of a tree such as a pine or fir. □ …a bowl of fir cones.

3 N‑COUNT A cone is a thin, cone-shaped biscuit that is used for holding ice cream. You can also refer to an ice cream that you eat in this way as a cone . □ She stopped by the ice-cream shop and had a chocolate cone.

4 → see also pine cone , traffic cone

con|fec|tion /kənfe kʃ ^ə n/ (confections ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a sweet food that someone has made as a confection . [WRITTEN ] □ …a confection made with honey and nuts.

con|fec|tion|er /kənfe kʃənə ^r / (confectioners ) N‑COUNT A confectioner is a person whose job is making or selling sweets and chocolates.

con|fe c|tion|ers' su g|ar N‑UNCOUNT Confectioners' sugar is very fine white sugar that is used for making icing and candy. [AM ] in BRIT, use icing sugar

con|fec|tion|ery /kənfe kʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ N‑UNCOUNT Confectionery is sweets and chocolates. [WRITTEN ] □ …hand-made confectionery.

con|fed|era|cy /kənfe dərəsi/ (confederacies ) N‑COUNT A confederacy is a union of states or people who are trying to achieve the same thing. □ …a confederacy of regional states.

con|fed|er|ate /kənfe dərət/ (confederates ) N‑COUNT Someone's confederates are the people they are working with in a secret activity.

con|fed|era|tion /kənfe dəre I ʃ ^ə n/ (confederations ) N‑COUNT A confederation is an organization or group consisting of smaller groups or states, especially one that exists for business or political purposes. □ [+ of ] …the Confederation of Indian Industry. □ [+ of ] …plans to partition the republic into a confederation of mini-states.

con|fer /kənfɜː ^r / (confers , conferring , conferred )

1 VERB When you confer with someone, you discuss something with them in order to make a decision. You can also say that two people confer . □ [V + with ] He conferred with Hill and the others in his office. □ [V ] His doctors conferred by telephone and agreed that he must get away from his family for a time.

2 VERB To confer something such as power or an honour on someone means to give it to them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + on ] The constitution also confers large powers on Brazil's 25 constituent states. □ [V n] Never imagine that rank confers genuine authority.

con|fer|ence ◆◆◆ /kɒ nfrəns/ (conferences )

1 N‑COUNT A conference is a meeting, often lasting a few days, which is organized on a particular subject or to bring together people who have a common interest. □ [+ on ] The President summoned all the state governors to a conference on education. □ …the Conservative Party conference. □ Last weekend the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland held a conference, attended by 450 delegates.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A conference is a meeting at which formal discussions take place. □ They sat down at the dinner table, as they always did, before the meal, for a conference. □ Her employer was in conference with two lawyers and did not want to be interrupted.

3 → see also press conference SYNONYMS conference NOUN 1

meeting: …business meetings.

forum: The organisation provides a forum where problems can be discussed.

convention: …the annual convention of the Society of Professional Journalists.

symposium: He had been taking part in an international symposium on population.

convocation: …a convocation of the American Youth Congress.

co n|fer|ence call (conference calls ) N‑COUNT A conference call is a phone call in which more than two people take part. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ with ] There are daily conference calls with Washington.

con|fess /kənfe s/ (confesses , confessing , confessed )

1 VERB If someone confesses to doing something wrong, they admit that they did it. □ [V + to ] He had confessed to seventeen murders. □ [V that] I had expected her to confess that she only wrote these books for the money. □ [V n] Most rape victims confess a feeling of helplessness. □ [V ] Ray changed his mind, claiming that he had been forced into confessing. □ [V with quote] 'I played a very bad match,' he confessed. [Also V wh, V pron-refl adj/n]

2 VERB If someone confesses or confesses their sins, they tell God or a priest about their sins so that they can be forgiven. □ [V n] You just go to the church and confess your sins. □ [V n + to ] Once we have confessed our failures and mistakes to God, we should stop feeling guilty. [Also V , V to n]

3 PHRASE You use expressions like ' I confess ', ' I must confess ', or ' I have to confess ' to apologize slightly for admitting something you are ashamed of or that you think might offend or annoy someone. [POLITENESS ] □ I confess it's got me baffled. □ I must confess I'm not a great enthusiast for long political programmes.

con|fessed /kənfe st/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use confessed to describe someone who openly admits that they have a particular fault or have done something wrong. □ She is a confessed monarchist.

con|fes|sion /kənfe ʃ ^ə n/ (confessions )

1 N‑COUNT A confession is a signed statement by someone in which they admit that they have committed a particular crime. □ They forced him to sign a confession.

2 N‑VAR Confession is the act of admitting that you have done something that you are ashamed of or embarrassed about. □ The diaries are a mixture of confession and observation. □ I have a confession to make.

3 N‑VAR If you make a confession of your beliefs or feelings, you publicly tell people that this is what you believe or feel. □ [+ of ] …Tatyana's confession of love.

4 N‑VAR In the Catholic church and in some other churches, if you go to confession , you privately tell a priest about your sins and ask for forgiveness. □ He never went to Father Porter for confession again.

con|fes|sion|al /kənfe ʃən ^ə l/ (confessionals )

1 N‑COUNT A confessional is the small room in a church where Christians, especially Roman Catholics, go to confess their sins.

2 ADJ A confessional speech or writing contains confessions. □ The convictions rest solely on disputed witness and confessional statements.

con|fes|sor /kənfe sə ^r / (confessors )

1 N‑COUNT A confessor is a priest who hears a person's confession.

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as your confessor , you mean that they are the person you can talk to about your secrets or problems. □ He was their adviser, confidant and father confessor.

con|fet|ti /kənfe ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Confetti is small pieces of coloured paper that people throw over the bride and bridegroom at a wedding.

con|fi|dant /kɒ nf I dænt, -dæ nt/ (confidants ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's confidant is a man who they are able to discuss their private problems with. □ [+ of ] …a close confidant of the president.

con|fi|dante /kɒ nf I dænt, -dæ nt/ (confidantes ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's confidante is a woman who they are able to discuss their private problems with. □ You are her closest friend and confidante.

con|fide /kənfa I d/ (confides , confiding , confided ) VERB If you confide in someone, you tell them a secret. □ [V + in ] I knew she had some problems in her job because she had confided in me. □ [V + to ] He confided to me that he felt like he was being punished. □ [V that] On New Year's Eve he confided that he had suffered rather troubling chest pains. □ [V n + to ] I confided my worries to Michael. [Also V with quote]

con|fi|dence ◆◆◇ /kɒ nf I dəns/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have confidence in someone, you feel that you can trust them. □ [+ in ] I have every confidence in you. □ [+ in ] This has contributed to the lack of confidence in the police. □ His record on ceasefires inspires no confidence.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have confidence , you feel sure about your abilities, qualities, or ideas. □ The band is on excellent form and brimming with confidence. □ I always thought the worst of myself and had no confidence whatsoever.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you can say something with confidence , you feel certain it is correct. □ I can say with confidence that such rumours were totally groundless.

4 N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If you tell someone something in confidence , you tell them a secret. □ We told you all these things in confidence. □ Even telling Lois seemed a betrayal of confidence. ● PHRASE If you take someone into your confidence , you tell them a secret. □ He was one of the few that she took into her confidence about how the story would develop.

5 → see also vote of no confidence SYNONYMS confidence NOUN

1

trust: He destroyed me and my trust in men.

belief: It is our belief that improvements in health care will lead to a stronger, more prosperous economy.

faith: She had placed a great deal of faith in Mr Penleigh.

2

self-assurance: She displayed considerable self-assurance.

assurance: Masur led the orchestra with assurance.

aplomb: The whole cast executed the production with truly professional aplomb.

self-possession: She found her customary self-possession had deserted her. COLLOCATIONS confidence NOUN

1

noun + confidence : business, consumer, investor, market

adjective + confidence : complete, full, new-found, renewed; public

confidence + be + adjective : high, sky-high; fragile, low

verb + confidence : have, increase, inspire, restore; lose, undermine

2

adjective + confidence : great, quiet, supreme

verb + confidence : boost, build, exude, gain; lack, lose, shake

4

adjective + confidence : strict, utmost

5

verb + confidence : betray, share

co n|fi|dence game (confidence games ) N‑COUNT A confidence game is the same as a confidence trick . [mainly AM ]

co n|fi|dence man (confidence men ) N‑COUNT A confidence man is a man who persuades people to give him their money or property by lying to them. [mainly AM ]

co n|fi|dence trick (confidence tricks ) N‑COUNT A confidence trick is a trick in which someone deceives you by telling you something that is not true, often to trick you out of money. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use confidence game

con|fi|dent ◆◇◇ /kɒ nf I dənt/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are confident about something, you are certain that it will happen in the way you want it to. □ I am confident that everything will come out right in time. □ [+ of ] Mr Ryan is confident of success. □ [+ about ] Management is confident about the way business is progressing. ● con|fi|dent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ I can confidently promise that this year is going to be very different.

2 ADJ If a person or their manner is confident , they feel sure about their own abilities, qualities, or ideas. □ In time he became more confident and relaxed. ● con|fi|dent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ She walked confidently across the hall.

3 ADJ [oft ADJ that] If you are confident that something is true, you are sure that it is true. A confident statement is one that the speaker is sure is true. □ She is confident that everybody is on her side. □ 'Bet you I can', comes the confident reply. ● con|fi|dent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ I can confidently say that none of them were or are racist.

con|fi|den|tial /kɒ nf I de nʃ ^ə l/

1 ADJ Information that is confidential is meant to be kept secret or private. □ She accused them of leaking confidential information about her private life. □ We'll take good care and keep what you've told us strictly confidential, Mr. Lane. ● con|fi|den|tial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Any information they give will be treated confidentially. ● con|fi|den|ti|al|ity /kɒ nf I denʃiæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the confidentiality of the client-solicitor relationship.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you talk to someone in a confidential way, you talk to them quietly because what you are saying is secret or private. □ All of this is delivered in a warm, confidential tone. □ His face suddenly turned solemn, his voice confidential. ● con|fi|den|tial|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Nash hadn't raised his voice, still spoke rather softly, confidentially.

con|fi|den|tial|ly /kɒ nf I de nʃəli/

1 ADV Confidentially is used to say that what you are telling someone is a secret and should not be discussed with anyone else. □ Confidentially, I am not sure that it wasn't above their heads.

2 → see also confidential

con|figu|ra|tion /kənf I gʊre I ʃ ^ə n, [AM ] -f I gjə-/ (configurations )

1 N‑COUNT A configuration is an arrangement of a group of things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …Stonehenge, in south-western England, an ancient configuration of giant stones.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The configuration of a computer system is way in which all its parts, such as the hardware and software, are connected together in order for the computer to work. [COMPUTING ]

con|fig|ure /kənf I gə ^r , [AM ] -gjər/ (configures , configuring , configured ) VERB If you configure a piece of computer equipment, you set it up so that it is ready for use. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] How easy was it to configure the software?

con|fine (confines , confining , confined ) The verb is pronounced /kənfa I n/. The noun confines is pronounced /kɒ nfa I nz/. 1 VERB To confine something to a particular place or group means to prevent it from spreading beyond that place or group. □ [V n + to ] Health officials have successfully confined the epidemic to the Tabatinga area. □ [V n] The U.S. will soon be taking steps to confine the conflict.

2 VERB If you confine yourself or your activities to something, you do only that thing and are involved with nothing else. □ [V pron-refl + to ] He did not confine himself to the one language. □ [V -ed] His genius was not confined to the decoration of buildings.

3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is confined to a mental institution, prison, or other place, they are sent there and are not allowed to leave for a period of time. □ [be V -ed + to ] The woman will be confined to a mental institution.

4 N‑PLURAL Something that is within the confines of an area or place is within the boundaries enclosing it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The movie is set entirely within the confines of the abandoned factory.

5 N‑PLURAL The confines of a situation, system, or activity are the limits or restrictions it involves. □ [+ of ] …away from the confines of the British class system. □ [+ of ] I can't stand the confines of this marriage.

con|fined /kənfa I nd/

1 ADJ If something is confined to a particular place, it exists only in that place. If it is confined to a particular group, only members of that group have it. □ [+ to ] The problem is not confined to Germany. □ [+ to ] These dangers are not confined to smokers.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A confined space or area is small and enclosed by walls. □ His long legs bent up in the confined space.

3 ADJ If someone is confined to a wheelchair, bed, or house, they have to stay there, because they have a disability or are ill. This use could cause offence. □ [+ to ] He had been confined to a wheelchair since childhood.

con|fine|ment /kənfa I nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Confinement is the state of being forced to stay in a prison or another place which you cannot leave. □ She had been held in solitary confinement for four months.

con|firm ◆◆◇ /kənfɜː ^r m/ (confirms , confirming , confirmed )

1 VERB [no cont] If something confirms what you believe, suspect, or fear, it shows that it is definitely true. □ [V that] X-rays have confirmed that he has not broken any bones. □ [V n] These new statistics confirm our worst fears about the depth of the recession. ● con|fir|ma|tion /kɒ nfə ^r me I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] They took her resignation from Bendix as confirmation of their suspicions.

2 VERB If you confirm something that has been stated or suggested, you say that it is true because you know about it. □ [V that] The spokesman confirmed that the area was now in rebel hands. □ [V n] He confirmed what had long been feared. ● con|fir|ma|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ She glanced over at James for confirmation.

3 VERB If you confirm an arrangement or appointment, you say that it is definite, usually in a letter or on the telephone. □ [V n] You make the reservation, and I'll confirm it in writing. ● con|fir|ma|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ by ] Travel arrangements are subject to confirmation by State Tourist Organisations.

4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is confirmed , they are formally accepted as a member of a Christian church during a ceremony in which they say they believe what the church teaches. □ [be V -ed] He was confirmed as a member of the Church of England. ● con|fir|ma|tion (confirmations ) N‑VAR □ …when I was being prepared for Confirmation. □ Flu prevented her from attending her daughter's confirmation.

5 VERB [no cont] If something confirms you in your decision, belief, or opinion, it makes you think that you are definitely right. □ [V n + in ] It has confirmed me in my decision not to become a nurse.

6 VERB If someone confirms their position, role, or power, they do something to make their power, position, or role stronger or more definite. □ [V n] Williams has confirmed his position as the world's number one snooker player.

7 VERB If something confirms you as something, it shows that you definitely deserve a name, role, or position. □ [V n + as ] His new role could confirm him as one of our leading actors.

con|firmed /kənfɜː ^r md/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use confirmed to describe someone who has a particular habit or belief that they are very unlikely to change. □ I'm a confirmed bachelor.

con|fis|cate /kɒ nf I ske I t/ (confiscates , confiscating , confiscated ) VERB If you confiscate something from someone, you take it away from them, usually as a punishment. □ [V n + from ] The courts can confiscate assets from people who have committed offences. □ [V n] They confiscated weapons, ammunition and propaganda material. ● con|fis|ca|tion /kɒ nf I ske I ʃ ^ə n/ (confiscations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The new laws allow the confiscation of assets purchased with proceeds of the drugs trade.

con|fit /kɒ nfiː/ (confits ) N‑VAR Confit is meat such as goose or duck which has been cooked and preserved in its own fat. □ [+ of ] …confit of duck.

con|fla|gra|tion /kɒ nfləgre I ʃ ^ə n/ (conflagrations ) N‑COUNT A conflagration is a fire that burns over a large area and destroys property. [FORMAL ]

con|flate /kənfle I t/ (conflates , conflating , conflated ) VERB If you conflate two or more descriptions or ideas, or if they conflate , you combine them in order to produce a single one. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Her letters conflate past and present. □ [V n + with ] Unfortunately the public conflated fiction with reality and made her into a saint. □ [V ] The two meanings conflated.

con|flict ◆◆◇ (conflicts , conflicting , conflicted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ nfl I kt/. The verb is pronounced /kənfl I kt/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in/into N ] Conflict is serious disagreement and argument about something important. If two people or groups are in conflict , they have had a serious disagreement or argument and have not yet reached agreement. □ Try to keep any conflict between you and your ex-partner to a minimum. □ Employees already are in conflict with management over job cuts.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conflict is a state of mind in which you find it impossible to make a decision. □ …the anguish of his own inner conflict.

3 N‑VAR Conflict is fighting between countries or groups of people. [JOURNALISM , WRITTEN ] □ …talks aimed at ending four decades of conflict.

4 N‑VAR A conflict is a serious difference between two or more beliefs, ideas, or interests. If two beliefs, ideas, or interests are in conflict , they are very different. □ [+ between ] There is a conflict between what they are doing and what you want. □ [+ of ] Do you feel any conflict of loyalties? □ The two objectives are in conflict.

5 VERB If ideas, beliefs, or accounts conflict , they are very different from each other and it seems impossible for them to exist together or to each be true. □ [V ] Personal ethics and professional ethics sometimes conflict. □ [V + with ] He held firm opinions which usually conflicted with my own. □ [V -ing] …three powers with conflicting interests. COLLOCATIONS conflict NOUN

1

adjective + conflict : industrial, political; potential

verb + conflict : resolve, settle, solve; avoid, end, prevent

2

adjective + conflict : inner, internal

3

adjective + conflict : armed, bloody, escalating, military; ethnic, sectarian

con|flu|ence /kɒ nfluəns/ N‑SING The confluence of two rivers is the place where they join and become one larger river. □ [+ of ] The 160-metre falls mark the dramatic confluence of the rivers Nera and Velino.

con|form /kənfɔː ^r m/ (conforms , conforming , conformed )

1 VERB If something conforms to something such as a law or someone's wishes, it is of the required type or quality. □ [V + to/with ] The lamp has been designed to conform to British safety requirements.

2 VERB If you conform , you behave in the way that you are expected or supposed to behave. □ [V ] Many children who can't or don't conform are often bullied. □ [V + to/with ] He did not feel obliged to conform to the rules that applied to ordinary men.

3 VERB If someone or something conforms to a pattern or type, they are very similar to it. □ [V + to ] I am well aware that we all conform to one stereotype or another.

con|form|ist /kənfɔː ^r m I st/ (conformists ) ADJ Someone who is conformist behaves or thinks like everyone else rather than doing things that are original. □ He may have to become more conformist if he is to prosper again. ● N‑COUNT A conformist is someone who is conformist.

con|form|ity /kənfɔː ^r m I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT If something happens in conformity with something such as a law or someone's wishes, it happens as the law says it should, or as the person wants it to. □ The prime minister is, in conformity with the constitution, chosen by the president.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conformity means behaving in the same way as most other people. □ Excessive conformity is usually caused by fear of disapproval.

con|found /kənfaʊ nd/ (confounds , confounding , confounded ) VERB If someone or something confounds you, they make you feel surprised or confused, often by showing you that your opinions or expectations of them were wrong. □ [V n] The choice of Governor may confound us all.

con|front ◆◇◇ /kənfrʌ nt/ (confronts , confronting , confronted )

1 VERB If you are confronted with a problem, task, or difficulty, you have to deal with it. □ [be V -ed + with/by ] She was confronted with severe money problems. □ [V n] Ministers underestimated the magnitude of the task confronting them.

2 VERB If you confront a difficult situation or issue, you accept the fact that it exists and try to deal with it. □ [V n] We are learning how to confront death. □ [V n] NATO countries have been forced to confront fundamental moral questions.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are confronted by something that you find threatening or difficult to deal with, it is there in front of you. □ [be V -ed + with/by ] I was confronted with an array of knobs, levers, and switches.

4 VERB If you confront someone, you stand or sit in front of them, especially when you are going to fight, argue, or compete with them. □ [V n] She pushed her way through the mob and confronted him face to face. □ [V n] The candidates confronted each other during a televised debate.

5 VERB If you confront someone with something, you present facts or evidence to them in order to accuse them of something. □ [V n + with ] She had decided to confront Kathryn with what she had learnt. □ [V n + about ] I could not bring myself to confront him about it. □ [V n] His confronting me forced me to search for the answers. SYNONYMS confront VERB

2

tackle: The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.

deal with: She saw a psychiatrist who used hypnotism to help her deal with her fear.

brave: Thousands have braved icy rain to demonstrate their support.

cope: She has had to cope with losing all her previous status and money.

face up to: They were having to face up to the fact that they had lost everything.

4

tackle: I tackled him about how anyone could live amidst so much poverty.

challenge: I challenged him on the hypocrisy of his political attitudes.

oppose: Mr Taylor was not bitter towards those who had opposed him.

stand up to: He shouted at me, so I shouted back–the first time in my life I'd stood up to him.

con|fron|ta|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ nfrʌnte I ʃ ^ə n/ (confrontations ) N‑VAR A confrontation is a dispute, fight, or battle between two groups of people. □ [+ with ] The commission remains so weak that it will continue to avoid confrontation with governments.

con|fron|ta|tion|al /kɒ nfrʌnte I ʃən ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe the way that someone behaves as confrontational , you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they are aggressive and likely to cause an argument or dispute. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The committee's confrontational style of campaigning has made it unpopular.

con|fuse /kənfjuː z/ (confuses , confusing , confused )

1 VERB If you confuse two things, you get them mixed up, so that you think one of them is the other one. □ [V n] Great care is taken to avoid confusing the two types of projects. □ [V n + with ] I can't see how anyone could confuse you with another! ● con|fu|sion /kənfjuː ʒ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Use different colours of felt pen on your sketch to avoid confusion.

2 VERB To confuse someone means to make it difficult for them to know exactly what is happening or what to do. □ [V n] German politics surprised and confused him.

3 VERB To confuse a situation means to make it complicated or difficult to understand. □ [V n] To confuse the issue, the amount of sleep people need varies enormously.

con|fused /kənfjuː zd/

1 ADJ If you are confused , you do not know exactly what is happening or what to do. □ [+ about/by ] A survey showed people were confused about what they should eat to stay healthy. □ Things were happening too quickly and Brian was confused.

2 ADJ Something that is confused does not have any order or pattern and is difficult to understand. □ The situation remains confused as both sides claim success.

con|fus|ing /kənfjuː z I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is confusing makes it difficult for people to know exactly what is happening or what to do. □ The statement is highly confusing.

con|fu|sion /kənfjuː ʒ ^ə n/ (confusions )

1 N‑VAR If there is confusion about something, it is not clear what the true situation is, especially because people believe different things. □ [+ about ] There's still confusion about the number of casualties. □ Omissions in my recent article must have caused confusion.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Confusion is a situation in which everything is in disorder, especially because there are lots of things happening at the same time. □ There was confusion when a man fired shots.

3 → see also confuse

con|ga /kɒŋ gə/ (congas ) N‑COUNT If a group of people dance a conga , they dance in a long winding line, with each person holding on to the back of the person in front.

con|geal /kəndʒiː l/ (congeals , congealing , congealed ) VERB When a liquid congeals , it becomes very thick and sticky and almost solid. □ [V ] The blood had started to congeal. □ [V -ed] …spilled wine mingled with congealed soup.

con|gen|ial /kəndʒiː niəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A congenial person, place, or environment is pleasant. [FORMAL ] □ He is back in more congenial company.

con|geni|tal /kəndʒe n I t ^ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A congenital disease or medical condition is one that a person has had from birth, but is not inherited. [MEDICAL ] □ When John was 17, he died of congenital heart disease. ● con|geni|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ …congenitally deaf patients.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A congenital characteristic or feature in a person is so strong that you cannot imagine it ever changing, although there may seem to be no reason for it. □ He was a congenital liar and usually in debt. ● con|geni|tal|ly ADV □ I admit to being congenitally lazy.

con|ger /kɒ ŋgə ^r / (congers ) N‑VAR A conger or a conger eel is a large fish that looks like a snake.

con|gest|ed /kəndʒe st I d/

1 ADJ A congested road or area is extremely crowded and blocked with traffic or people. □ He first promised two weeks ago to clear Britain's congested roads. □ [+ with ] Some areas are congested with both cars and people.

2 ADJ If a part of the body is congested , it is blocked. [FORMAL ] □ The arteries in his neck had become fatally congested.

con|ges|tion /kəndʒe stʃ ^ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] If there is congestion in a place, the place is extremely crowded and blocked with traffic or people. □ The problems of traffic congestion will not disappear in a hurry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Congestion in a part of the body is a medical condition in which the part becomes blocked. [FORMAL ] □ …nasal congestion.

con|ge s|tion charge (congestion charges ) N‑COUNT Congestion charges refer to money motorists must pay in order to drive in some city centres. Congestion charges are intended to reduce traffic within those areas. ● con|ges|tion charg|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …the decision on whether to introduce congestion charging on urban roads.

con|ges|tive /kəndʒe st I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] A congestive disease is a medical condition where a part of the body becomes blocked. [MEDICAL ] □ …congestive heart failure.

con|glom|er|ate /kənglɒ mərət/ (conglomerates ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A conglomerate is a large business firm consisting of several different companies. [BUSINESS ] □ Fiat is Italy's largest industrial conglomerate.

con|glom|era|tion /kənglɒ məre I ʃ ^ə n/ (conglomerations ) N‑COUNT A conglomeration of things is a group of many different things, gathered together. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a conglomeration of peoples speaking different languages.

con|gratu|late /kəngræ tʃʊle I t/ (congratulates , congratulating , congratulated )

1 VERB If you congratulate someone, you say something to show you are pleased that something nice has happened to them. □ [V n + on ] She congratulated him on the birth of his son. □ [V n] I was delighted with my promotion. Everyone congratulated me. [Also V n + for ] ● con|gratu|la|tion /kəngræ tʃʊle I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ We have received many letters of congratulation.

2 VERB If you congratulate someone, you praise them for something good that they have done. □ [V n + for/on ] I really must congratulate the organisers for a well-run and enjoyable event. □ [V n] We specifically wanted to congratulate certain players.

3 VERB If you congratulate yourself , you are pleased about something that you have done or that has happened to you. □ [V pron-refl] Waterstone has every reason to congratulate himself.

con|gratu|la|tions /kəngræ tʃʊle I ʃ ^ə nz/

1 CONVENTION You say ' Congratulations ' to someone in order to congratulate them on something nice that has happened to them or something good that they have done. [FORMULAE ] □ Congratulations, you have a healthy baby boy. □ [+ to ] Congratulations to everybody who sent in their ideas.

2 N‑PLURAL If you offer someone your congratulations , you congratulate them on something nice that has happened to them or on something good that they have done. □ [+ to ] The club also offers its congratulations to D. Brown on his appointment as president.

con|gratu|la|tory /kəngræ tʃʊle I təri, [AM ] -lətɔːri/ ADJ A congratulatory message expresses congratulations. □ He sent Kim a congratulatory letter.

con|gre|gant /kɒ ŋgr I gənt/ (congregants ) N‑COUNT Congregants are members of a congregation. [mainly AM ]

con|gre|gate /kɒ ŋgr I ge I t/ (congregates , congregating , congregated ) VERB When people congregate , they gather together and form a group. □ [V ] Visitors congregated on Sunday afternoons to view public exhibitions.

con|gre|ga|tion /kɒ ŋgr I ge I ʃ ^ə n/ (congregations ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The people who are attending a church service or who regularly attend a church service are referred to as the congregation . □ Most members of the congregation begin arriving a few minutes before services.

con|gress /kɒ ŋgres/ (congresses ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A congress is a large meeting that is held to discuss ideas and policies. □ A lot has changed after the party congress.

Con|gress ◆◆◇ /kɒ ŋgres/ N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] Congress is the elected group of politicians that is responsible for making the law in the United States. It consists of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. □ We want to cooperate with both the administration and Congress.

con|gres|sion|al /kəngre ʃən ^ə l/ also Congressional ADJ [ADJ n] A congressional policy, action, or person relates to the United States Congress. □ The president explained his plans to congressional leaders.

Congress|man /kɒ ŋgr I smən/ (Congressmen ) also congressman N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Congressman is a male member of the US Congress, especially of the House of Representatives.

Congress|person /kɒ ŋgr I spɜː ^r s ^ə n/ (Congresspeople ) also congressperson N‑COUNT A Congressperson is a member of the US Congress, especially of the House of Representatives.

Congress|woman /kɒ ŋgr I swʊmən/ (Congresswomen ) also congresswoman N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A Congresswoman is a female member of the US Congress, especially of the House of Representatives. □ The meeting was organised by Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

con|gru|ence /kɒ ŋgruəns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Congruence is when two things are similar or fit together well. [FORMAL ] □ [+ between ] …a necessary congruence between political, cultural and economic forces.

con|gru|ent /kɒ ŋgruənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is congruent with another thing, they are similar or fit together well. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] They want to work in an organisation whose values are congruent with their own.

coni|cal /kɒ n I k ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conical object is shaped like a cone. □ We were soon aware of a great conical shape to the north-east.

co|ni|fer /kɒ n I fə ^r / (conifers ) N‑COUNT Conifers are a group of trees and shrubs, for example pine trees and fir trees, that grow in cooler areas of the world. They have fruit called cones, and very thin leaves called needles which they do not normally lose in winter.

co|nif|er|ous /kən I fərəs, [AM ] koʊ-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A coniferous forest or wood is made up of conifers.

con|jec|tur|al /kəndʒe ktʃərəl/ ADJ A statement that is conjectural is based on information that is not certain or complete. [FORMAL ] □ There is something undeniably conjectural about such claims.

con|jec|ture /kəndʒe ktʃə ^r / (conjectures , conjecturing , conjectured )

1 N‑VAR A conjecture is a conclusion that is based on information that is not certain or complete. [FORMAL ] □ That was a conjecture, not a fact. □ There are several conjectures. □ The future of the province remains a matter of conjecture.

2 VERB When you conjecture , you form an opinion or reach a conclusion on the basis of information that is not certain or complete. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] He conjectured that some individuals may be able to detect major calamities. □ [V ] This may be true or partly true; we are all conjecturing here. [Also V wh, V n]

con|join /kəndʒɔ I n/ (conjoins , conjoining , conjoined ) VERB If two or more things conjoin or if you conjoin them, they are united and joined together. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] The wisdom of the retired generals and backbench MPs conjoins. □ [be V -ed + with ] America's rise in rates was conjoined with higher rates elsewhere. □ [V n] …if we conjoin the two responses. [Also V n + with , V + with ]

con|joined twin /kəndʒɔ I nd tw I n/ (conjoined twins ) N‑COUNT Conjoined twins are twins who are born with their bodies joined.

con|ju|gal /kɒ ndʒʊg ^ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Conjugal means relating to marriage or a married couple's relationship, especially their sexual relationship. [FORMAL ] □ …a man deprived of his conjugal rights.

con|ju|gate /kɒ ndʒʊge I t/ (conjugates , conjugating , conjugated ) VERB When pupils or teachers conjugate a verb, they give its different forms in a particular order. □ [V n] …a child who can read at one and is conjugating Latin verbs at four.

con|junc|tion /kəndʒʌ ŋkʃ ^ə n/ (conjunctions )

1 N‑COUNT A conjunction of two or more things is the occurrence of them at the same time or place. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the conjunction of two events. □ [+ of ] …a conjunction of religious and social factors.

2 N‑COUNT In grammar, a conjunction is a word or group of words that joins together words, groups, or clauses. In English, there are co-ordinating conjunctions such as 'and' and 'but', and subordinating conjunctions such as 'although', 'because', and 'when'.

3 PHRASE If one thing is done or used in conjunction with another, the two things are done or used together. [FORMAL ] □ The army should have operated in conjunction with the fleet to raid the enemy's coast.

con|junc|ti|vi|tis /kəndʒʌ ŋkt I va I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Conjunctivitis is an eye infection which causes the thin skin that covers the eye to become red. [MEDICAL ]

con|jure /kʌ ndʒə ^r , [AM ] kɑː n-/ (conjures , conjuring , conjured ) VERB If you conjure something out of nothing, you make it appear as if by magic. □ [V n + from/out of ] Thirteen years ago she found herself having to conjure a career from thin air. □ [V n] They managed to conjure a victory. ● PHRASAL VERB Conjure up means the same as conjure . □ [V P n] Every day a different chef will be conjuring up delicious dishes in the restaurant. [Also V n P ]

▸ conjure up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you conjure up a memory, picture, or idea, you create it in your mind. □ [V P n] When we think of adventurers, many of us conjure up images of larger-than-life characters trekking to the North Pole. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a word or sound conjures up particular images or ideas, it makes you think of them. □ [V P n] Their music conjures up a warm night in the tropics. □ [V P n] What does the word 'feminist' conjure up for you?

3 → see conjure

con|jur|er /kʌ ndʒərə ^r , [AM ] kɑː n-/ (conjurers ) also conjuror N‑COUNT A conjurer is a person who entertains people by doing magic tricks.

co n|jur|ing trick (conjuring tricks ) N‑COUNT A conjuring trick is a trick in which something is made to appear or disappear as if by magic.

con|jur|or /kʌ ndʒərə ^r , [AM ] kɑː n-/ → see conjurer

conk /kɒ ŋk/ (conks , conking , conked )

▸ conk out PHRASAL VERB If something such as a machine or a vehicle conks out , it stops working or breaks down. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] The dynamo conked out so we've got no electricity.

conk|er /kɒ ŋkə ^r / (conkers )

1 N‑COUNT Conkers are round brown nuts which come from horse chestnut trees. [BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conkers is a children's game in which you tie a conker to a piece of string and try to break your opponent's conker by hitting it as hard as you can with your own. [BRIT ]

co n man (con men ) also conman N‑COUNT A con man is a man who persuades people to give him their money or property by lying to them. □ A few years ago she was the victim of a con man.

con|nect /kəne kt/ (connects , connecting , connected )

1 VERB If something or someone connects one thing to another, or if one thing connects to another, the two things are joined together. □ [V n + to ] You can connect the machine to your hi-fi. □ [V n] The traditional method is to enter the exchanges at night and connect the wires. □ [V + to ] Two cables connect to each corner of the plate. □ [V -ed] …a television camera connected to the radio telescope. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a piece of equipment or a place is connected to a source of power or water, it is joined to that source so that it has power or water. □ [be V -ed + to ] These appliances should not be connected to power supplies. □ [V -ed] Ischia was now connected to the mainland water supply. [Also V n + to ] ● PHRASAL VERB Connect up means the same as connect . □ [be V -ed P + to ] The shower only needs to be connected up to the cold water supply. □ [V n P + to ] They turned the barricade into a potential death trap by connecting it up to the mains.

3 VERB If a telephone operator connects you, he or she enables you to speak to another person by telephone. □ [V n] To call the police, dial 999 and the operator will connect you. □ [be V -ed + to ] He asked to be connected to the central switchboard. [Also V n + to ]

4 VERB If two things or places connect or if something connects them, they are joined and people or things can pass between them. □ [V n] …the long hallway that connects the rooms. □ [V n + with ] The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries with the uterus. □ [V + with ] His workshop connected with a small building in the garden. □ [V -ing] The two rooms have connecting doors. [Also V ]

5 VERB If one train or plane, for example, connects with another, it arrives at a time which allows passengers to change to the other one in order to continue their journey. □ [V + with ] …a train connecting with a ferry to Ireland. □ [V -ing] My connecting plane didn't depart for another six hours. [Also V ]

6 VERB If you connect to a particular plane or train, or if another plane or train connects you to it, you change to that plane or train from another one in order to continue your journey. □ [V + to ] …business travellers wanting to connect to a long-haul flight. □ [V n] That will connect you with time to spare for the seven o'clock Concorde. [Also V n + to ]

7 VERB If you connect a person or thing with something, you realize that there is a link or relationship between them. □ [V n + with/to ] He didn't connect me with that embarrassing review I wrote seven years ago. □ [V n] I wouldn't have connected the two things.

8 VERB Something that connects a person or thing with something else shows or provides a link or relationship between them. □ [V n + with/to ] A search of Brady's house revealed nothing that could connect him with the robberies. □ [V n] What connects them?

▸ connect up → see connect 2

con|nect|ed /kəne kt I d/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is connected with another, there is a link or relationship between them. □ [+ with ] Have you ever had any skin problems connected with exposure to the sun? □ [+ to ] The dispute is not directly connected to the negotiations.

2 → see also connect , well-connected

con|nec|tion ◆◇◇ /kəne kʃ ^ə n/ (connections ) in BRIT, also use connexion 1 N‑VAR A connection is a relationship between two things, people, or groups. □ [+ between ] There was no evidence of a connection between BSE and the brain diseases recently confirmed in cats. □ [+ with ] The police say he had no connection with the security forces.

2 N‑COUNT A connection is a joint where two wires or pipes are joined together. □ Check all radiators for small leaks, especially round pipework connections.

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If a place has good road, rail, or air connections , many places can be directly reached from there by car, train, or plane. □ [+ to ] Fukuoka has excellent air and rail connections to the rest of the country.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you get a connection at a station or airport, you catch a train, bus, or plane, after getting off another train, bus, or plane, in order to continue your journey. □ My flight was late and I missed the connection.

5 N‑PLURAL Your connections are the people who you know or are related to, especially when they are in a position to help you. □ She used her connections to full advantage.

6 PHRASE If you write or talk to someone in connection with something, you write or talk to them about that thing. [FORMAL ] □ 13 men have been questioned in connection with the murder. SYNONYMS connection NOUN 1

relation: It is a question of the relation of ethics to economics.

relationship: There is a relationship between diet and cancer.

link: …the link between smoking and lung cancer.

association: Black was considered inappropriate because of its associations with death.

correlation: …the correlation between smoking and disease.

con|nec|tive /kəne kt I v/ (connectives ) N‑COUNT A connective is the same as a conjunction .

con|ne c|tive ti s|sue N‑UNCOUNT Connective tissue is the substance in the bodies of animals and people which fills in the spaces between organs and connects muscles and bones. [TECHNICAL ]

con|nec|tiv|ity /kɒnekt I vəti/ N‑UNCOUNT Connectivity is the ability of a computing device to connect to other computers or to the internet. [COMPUTING ] □ … a new phone with faster mobile internet connectivity.

con|nect|or /kəne ktə ^r / (connectors ) N‑COUNT A connector is a device that joins two pieces of equipment, wire, or piping together.

con|nex|ion /kəne kʃ ^ə n/ → see connection

con|niv|ance /kəna I v ^ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with the N of n] Connivance is a willingness to allow or assist something to happen even though you know it is wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] The deficit had grown with the connivance of the banks. □ The goods were exported with official connivance.

con|nive /kəna I v/ (connives , conniving , connived ) VERB If one person connives with another to do something, they secretly try to achieve something which will benefit both of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + with ] He accused ministers of conniving with foreign companies to tear up employment rights. □ Senior politicians connived to ensure that he was not released. □ [V + with ] …local authorities suspected of conniving with the Mafia.

con|niv|ing /kəna I v I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as conniving , you mean you dislike them because they make secret plans in order to get things for themselves or harm other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Edith was seen as a conniving, greedy woman.

con|nois|seur /kɒ nəsɜː ^r / (connoisseurs ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A connoisseur is someone who knows a lot about the arts, food, drink, or some other subject. □ Sarah tells me you're something of an art connoisseur. □ [+ of ] …connoisseurs of good food.

con|no|ta|tion /kɒ nəte I ʃ ^ə n/ (connotations ) N‑COUNT The connotations of a particular word or name are the ideas or qualities which it makes you think of. □ It's just one of those words that's got so many negative connotations. □ [+ of ] 'Urchin', with its connotation of mischievousness, may not be a particularly apt word.

con|note /kənoʊ t/ (connotes , connoting , connoted ) VERB If a word or name connotes something, it makes you think of a particular idea or quality. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The term 'organization' often connotes a sense of neatness.

con|quer /kɒ ŋkə ^r / (conquers , conquering , conquered )

1 VERB If one country or group of people conquers another, they take complete control of their land. □ [V n] During 1936, Mussolini conquered Abyssinia. □ [be V -ed] Early in the eleventh century the whole of England was again conquered by the Vikings.

2 VERB If you conquer something such as a problem, you succeed in ending it or dealing with it successfully. □ [V n] He has never conquered his addiction to smoking. □ [V n] …the first man in history to conquer Everest.

con|quer|or /kɒ ŋkərə ^r / (conquerors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The conquerors of a country or group of people are the people who have taken complete control of that country or group's land. □ The people of an oppressed country obey their conquerors because they want to go on living.

con|quest /kɒ ŋkwest/ (conquests )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Conquest is the act of conquering a country or group of people. □ [+ of ] He had led the conquest of southern Poland in 1939. □ After the Norman Conquest the forest became a royal hunting preserve.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Conquests are lands that have been conquered in war. □ He had realized that Britain could not have peace unless she returned at least some of her former conquests.

3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If someone makes a conquest , they succeed in attracting and usually sleeping with another person. You usually use conquest when you want to indicate that this relationship is not important to the person concerned. □ Despite his conquests, he remains lonely and isolated.

4 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You can refer to the person that someone has succeeded in attracting as their conquest . □ Pushkin was a womaniser whose conquests included everyone from prostitutes to princesses.

5 N‑SING The conquest of something such as a problem is success in ending it or dealing with it. □ [+ of ] The conquest of inflation has been the Government's overriding economic priority for nearly 15 years.

con|quis|ta|dor /kɒnkw I stədɔː ^r / (conquistadors or conquistadores ) N‑COUNT The conquistadors were the sixteenth-century Spanish conquerors of Central and South America.

con|science /kɒ nʃ ^ə ns/ (consciences )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N , adj N ] Your conscience is the part of your mind that tells you whether what you are doing is right or wrong. If you have a guilty conscience , you feel guilty about something because you know it was wrong. If you have a clear conscience , you do not feel guilty because you know you have done nothing wrong. □ I have battled with my conscience over whether I should actually send this letter. □ What if he got a guilty conscience and brought it back? □ I could go away again with a clear conscience.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conscience is doing what you believe is right even though it might be unpopular, difficult, or dangerous. □ He refused for reasons of conscience to sign a new law legalising abortion. □ …the law on freedom of conscience and religious organizations.

3 → see also prisoner of conscience

4 N‑UNCOUNT Conscience is a feeling of guilt because you know you have done something that is wrong. □ I'm so glad he had a pang of conscience. □ They have shown a ruthless lack of conscience.

5 PHRASE If you say that you cannot do something in all conscience , in good conscience , or in conscience , you mean that you cannot do it because you think it is wrong. □ She could not, in good conscience, back out on her deal with him.

6 PHRASE If you have something on your conscience , you feel guilty because you know you have done something wrong. □ Now the murderer has two deaths on his conscience.

con|sci|en|tious /kɒ nʃie nʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is conscientious is very careful to do their work properly. □ [+ about ] We are generally very conscientious about our work. ● con|sci|en|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ He studied conscientiously and enthusiastically.

co n|sci|en|tious ob|je ct|or (conscientious objectors ) N‑COUNT A conscientious objector is a person who refuses to join the armed forces because they think that it is morally wrong to do so.

con|scious ◆◇◇ /kɒ nʃəs/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ that] If you are conscious of something, you notice it or realize that it is happening. □ She was very conscious of Max studying her. □ Conscious that he was becoming light-headed again, he went over to the window.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ that] If you are conscious of something, you think about it a lot, especially because you are unhappy about it or because you think it is important. □ [+ of ] I'm very conscious of my weight.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conscious decision or action is made or done deliberately with you giving your full attention to it. □ I don't think we ever made a conscious decision to have a big family. □ Make a conscious effort to relax your muscles. ● con|scious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Sophie was not consciously seeking a replacement after her father died.

4 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is conscious is awake rather than asleep or unconscious. □ She was fully conscious all the time and knew what was going on.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Conscious memories or thoughts are ones that you are aware of. □ He had no conscious memory of his four-week stay in hospital. ● con|scious|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Most people cannot consciously remember much before the ages of 5 to 7 years.

-conscious /kɒ nʃəs/ COMB -conscious combines with words such as 'health', 'fashion', 'politically', and 'environmentally' to form adjectives which describe someone who believes that the aspect of life indicated is important. □ We're all becoming increasingly health-conscious these days.

con|scious|ness ◆◇◇ /kɒ nʃəsnəs/ (consciousnesses )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] Your consciousness is your mind and your thoughts. □ That idea has been creeping into our consciousness for some time.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The consciousness of a group of people is their set of ideas, attitudes, and beliefs. □ The Greens were the catalysts of a necessary change in the European consciousness.

3 N‑UNCOUNT You use consciousness to refer to an interest in and knowledge of a particular subject or idea. □ Her political consciousness sprang from her upbringing.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Consciousness is the state of being awake rather than being asleep or unconscious. If someone loses consciousness , they become unconscious, and if they regain consciousness , they become conscious after being unconscious. □ She banged her head and lost consciousness. □ He drifted in and out of consciousness.

5 → see also stream of consciousness

co n|scious|ness rais|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Consciousness raising is the process of developing awareness of an unfair situation, with the aim of making people want to help in changing it. □ …consciousness-raising groups.

con|script (conscripts , conscripting , conscripted ) The noun is pronounced /kɒ nskr I pt/. The verb is pronounced /kənskr I pt/. 1 N‑COUNT A conscript is a person who has been made to join the armed forces of a country.

2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is conscripted , they are officially made to join the armed forces of a country. □ [be V -ed + into ] He was conscripted into the German army. □ [be V -ed] Peter was conscripted like every other young man.

con|scrip|tion /kənskr I pʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Conscription is officially making people in a particular country join the armed forces. □ All adult males will be liable for conscription.

con|se|crate /kɒ ns I kre I t/ (consecrates , consecrating , consecrated ) VERB When a building, place, or object is consecrated , it is officially declared to be holy. When a person is consecrated , they are officially declared to be a bishop. □ [be V -ed] The church was consecrated in 1234. □ [V n] He defied the Pope by consecrating four bishops without his approval.

con|secu|tive /kənse kjʊt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Consecutive periods of time or events happen one after the other without interruption. □ The Cup was won for the third consecutive year by the Toronto Maple Leafs. ● con|secu|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ I won first prize for several years consecutively.

con|sen|sual /kənse nʃuəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A consensual approach, view, or decision is one that is based on general agreement among all the members of a group. □ Consultation is traditional in the consensual Belgian system of labour relations.

2 ADJ If sexual activity is consensual , both partners willingly take part in it. [LEGAL ] □ Consensual sexual contact between two males can be a criminal activity.

con|sen|sus /kənse nsəs/ N‑SING A consensus is general agreement among a group of people. □ [+ amongst ] The consensus amongst scientists is that the world will warm up over the next few decades. □ The question of when the troops should leave would be decided by consensus.

con|sent /kənse nt/ (consents , consenting , consented )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you give your consent to something, you give someone permission to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Pollard finally gave his consent to the search. □ Can my child be medically examined without my consent?

2 VERB If you consent to something, you agree to do it or to allow it to be done. [FORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] He finally consented to go. □ [V + to ] The patient must consent to the surgery. □ [V ] I was a little surprised when she consented.

3 → see also age of consent

con|sent|ing /kənse nt I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A consenting adult is a person who is considered to be old enough to make their own decisions about who they have sex with. □ What consenting adults do in private is their own business.

con|se|quence ◆◇◇ /kɒ ns I kwens/ (consequences )

1 N‑COUNT The consequences of something are the results or effects of it. □ [+ of ] Her lawyer said she understood the consequences of her actions and was prepared to go to jail. □ [+ for ] An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security.

2 PHRASE If one thing happens and then another thing happens in consequence or as a consequence , the second thing happens as a result of the first. □ His departure was totally unexpected and, in consequence, no plans had been made for his replacement. □ … a time when many people are losing their jobs as a consequence of the recession.

3 PHRASE Something or someone of consequence is important or valuable. If something or someone is of no consequence , or of little consequence , they are not important or valuable. [FORMAL ] □ As an overseer, he suddenly found himself a person of consequence. □ Where he is from is of no consequence to me.

4 PHRASE If you tell someone that they must take the consequences or face the consequences , you warn them that something unpleasant will happen to them if they do not stop behaving in a particular way. □ These pilots must now face the consequences of their actions and be brought to trial. □ If climate changes continue, we will suffer the consequences. COLLOCATIONS consequence NOUN 1

adjective + consequence : dire, disastrous, negative, tragic; inevitable, long-term, serious, unintended; economic, social

verb + consequence : accept, bear, face, suffer; consider, understand; avoid, escape SYNONYMS consequence NOUN 1

result: She developed asthma as a direct result of the work.

effect: Even minor head injuries can cause long-lasting psychological effects.

outcome: It's too early to know the outcome of her illness.

repercussions: It was an effort which was to have painful repercussions.

upshot: So the upshot is we're going for lunch on Friday.

con|se|quent /kɒ ns I kwənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft n ADJ upon/on n] Consequent means happening as a direct result of an event or situation. [FORMAL ] □ The warming of the Earth and the consequent climatic changes affect us all.

con|se|quen|tial /kɒ ns I kwe nʃ ^ə l/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Consequential means the same as consequent . [FORMAL ] □ …extra staff and consequential costs such as accommodation.

2 ADJ Something that is consequential is important or significant. [FORMAL ] □ From a medical standpoint, a week is usually not a consequential delay.

con|se|quent|ly /kɒ ns I kwentli/ ADV Consequently means as a result. [FORMAL ] □ Grandfather Dingsdale had sustained a broken back while working in the mines. Consequently, he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

con|serv|an|cy /kənsɜː ^r vənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Conservancy is used in the names of organizations that work to preserve and protect the environment. □ …the Nature Conservancy Council.

con|ser|va|tion /kɒ nsə ^r ve I ʃ ^ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Conservation is saving and protecting the environment. □ …a four-nation regional meeting on elephant conservation. □ …tree-planting and other conservation projects.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conservation is saving and protecting historical objects or works of art such as paintings, sculptures, or buildings. □ [+ of ] The second image was discovered during conservation of the painting.

3 N‑UNCOUNT The conservation of a supply of something is the careful use of it so that it lasts for a long time. □ …projects aimed at promoting energy conservation.

con|ser|va |tion a rea (conservation areas )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a conservation area is an area where birds and animals are protected. □ …wildlife conservation areas.

2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a conservation area is an area where old buildings are protected and new building is controlled.

con|ser|va|tion|ist /kɒ nsə ^r ve I ʃən I st/ (conservationists ) N‑COUNT A conservationist is someone who cares greatly about the conservation of the environment and who works to protect it.

con|serva|tism /kənsɜː ^r vət I zəm/ The spelling Conservatism is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Conservatism is a political philosophy which believes that if changes need to be made to society, they should be made gradually. You can also refer to the political beliefs of a conservative party in a particular country as Conservatism . □ …the philosophy of modern Conservatism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Conservatism is unwillingness to accept changes and new ideas. □ [+ of ] The conservatism of the literary establishment in this country is astounding.

con|serva|tive ◆◆◇ /kənsɜː ^r vət I v/ (conservatives ) The spelling Conservative is also used for meaning 1 . 1 ADJ A Conservative politician or voter is a member of or votes for the Conservative Party in Britain. □ Most Conservative MPs appear happy with the government's reassurances. □ …disenchanted Conservative voters. ● N‑COUNT Conservative is also a noun. □ In 1951, the Conservatives were returned to power.

2 ADJ Someone who is conservative has right-wing views. □ …counties whose citizens invariably support the most conservative candidate in any election. ● N‑COUNT Conservative is also a noun. □ The new judge is 50-year-old David Suitor who's regarded as a conservative.

3 ADJ Someone who is conservative or has conservative ideas is unwilling to accept changes and new ideas. □ It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.

4 ADJ If someone dresses in a conservative way, their clothes are conventional in style. □ The girl was well dressed, as usual, though in a more conservative style. ● con|ser|va|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She was always very conservatively dressed when we went out.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A conservative estimate or guess is one in which you are cautious and estimate or guess a low amount which is probably less than the real amount. □ A conservative estimate of the bill, so far, is about £22,000. □ This guess is probably on the conservative side. ● con|ser|va|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The bequest is conservatively estimated at £30 million. SYNONYMS conservative ADJ 3

traditional: …traditional parents, who believed in laying down the law for their children.

conventional: …a respectable married woman with conventional opinions.

proper: It is right and proper to do this.

correct: I think English men are very polite and very correct.

genteel: …two maiden ladies with genteel manners and voices.

Con|se rva|tive Par|ty N‑PROPER The Conservative Party is the main right-of-centre party in Britain.

con|serva|toire /kənsɜː ^r vətwɑː ^r / (conservatoires ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A conservatoire is an institution where musicians are trained. □ …the Paris Conservatoire.

con|ser|va|tor /kənsɜː ^r vətə ^r / (conservators ) N‑COUNT A conservator is someone whose job is to clean and repair historical objects or works of art.

con|serva|tory /kənsɜː ^r vətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (conservatories )

1 N‑COUNT A conservatory is a room with glass walls and a glass roof, which is attached to a house. People often grow plants in a conservatory.

2 N‑COUNT A conservatory is an institution where musicians are trained. □ …the New England Conservatory of Music.

con|serve (conserves , conserving , conserved ) The verb is pronounced /kənsɜː ^r v/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nsɜː ^r v/. 1 VERB If you conserve a supply of something, you use it carefully so that it lasts for a long time. □ [V n] The republic's factories have closed for the weekend to conserve energy.

2 VERB To conserve something means to protect it from harm, loss, or change. □ [V n] …a big increase in U.S. aid to help developing countries conserve their forests.

3 N‑VAR Conserve is jam containing a large proportion of fruit, usually in whole pieces.

con|sid|er ◆◆◆ /kəns I də ^r / (considers , considering , considered )

1 VERB If you consider a person or thing to be something, you have the opinion that this is what they are. □ [V n to-inf] We don't consider our customers to be mere consumers; we consider them to be our friends. □ [V n n/adj] I had always considered myself a strong, competent woman. □ [V n + as ] I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting as unnatural. □ [V that] Barbara considers that pet shops which sell customers these birds are very unfair.

2 VERB If you consider something, you think about it carefully. □ [V n] The jury was asked to consider the credibility of his evidence. □ [V wh] Consider how much you can afford to pay for a course, and what is your upper limit.

3 VERB If you are considering doing something, you intend to do it, but have not yet made a final decision whether to do it. □ [V v-ing] I had seriously considered telling the story from the point of view of the wives. □ [V n] They are considering the launch of their own political party.

4 → see also considered , considering

con|sid|er|able ◆◆◇ /kəns I dərəb ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Considerable means great in amount or degree. [FORMAL ] □ To be without Pearce would be a considerable blow. □ Doing it properly makes considerable demands on our time. □ Vets' fees can be considerable, even for routine visits. ● con|sid|er|ably ADV [ADV with v] □ Children vary considerably in the rate at which they learn these lessons. □ Their dinner parties had become considerably less formal. SYNONYMS considerable ADJ

marked: There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.

substantial: That is a very substantial improvement in the present situation.

reasonable: They will need a reasonable amount of desk area and good light.

appreciable: This has not had an appreciable effect on production.

sizeable: Harry inherited the house and a sizeable chunk of land.

con|sid|er|ate /kəns I dərət/ ADJ Someone who is considerate pays attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people. [APPROVAL ] □ I think he's the most charming, most considerate man I've ever known. □ [+ of ] I've always understood one should try and be considerate of other people.

con|sid|era|tion ◆◇◇ /kəns I dəre I ʃ ^ə n/ (considerations )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Consideration is careful thought about something. □ [+ of ] He said there should be careful consideration of the future role of the BBC.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [under N ] If something is under consideration , it is being discussed. □ Several proposals are under consideration by the state assembly.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you show consideration , you pay attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people. □ [+ for ] Show consideration for other rail travellers. □ Really, her tone said, some people have absolutely no consideration.

4 N‑COUNT A consideration is something that should be thought about, especially when you are planning or deciding something. □ A major consideration when choosing a dog is the size of your house and garden.

5 PHRASE If you take something into consideration , you think about it because it is relevant to what you are doing. □ Safe driving is good driving because it takes into consideration the lives of other people.

con|sid|ered /kəns I də ^r d/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] A considered opinion or act is the result of careful thought. □ We will give a considered response to the proposals by the end of the week.

2 → see also consider

con|sid|er|ing ◆◇◇ /kəns I dər I ŋ/

1 PREP You use considering to indicate that you are thinking about a particular fact when making a judgment or giving an opinion. □ The former hostage is in remarkably good shape considering his ordeal.

2 CONJ You use considering that to indicate that you are thinking about a particular fact when making a judgment or giving an opinion. □ Considering that you are no longer involved with this man, your response is a little extreme.

3 ADV When you are giving an opinion or making a judgment, you can use considering to suggest that you have thought about all the circumstances, and often that something has succeeded in spite of these circumstances. [SPOKEN ] □ I think you're pretty safe, considering.

con|sign /kənsa I n/ (consigns , consigning , consigned ) VERB To consign something or someone to a place or situation where they will be forgotten or do not want to be means to put them there. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + to ] For decades, many of his works were consigned to the basements of museums.

con|sign|ment /kənsa I nmənt/ (consignments ) N‑COUNT A consignment of goods is a load that is being delivered to a place or person. □ [+ of ] The first consignment of food has already left Bologna.

con|sist ◆◇◇ /kəns I st/ (consists , consisting , consisted )

1 VERB Something that consists of particular things or people is formed from them. □ [V + of ] Breakfast consisted of porridge served with butter.

2 VERB Something that consists in something else has that thing as its main or only part. □ [V + in ] His work consisted in advising companies on the siting of new factories. SYNONYMS consist of VERB 1

be made (out) of: The top of the table is made of glass.

contain: Greek yogurt contains much less fat than double cream.

comprise: The exhibition comprises 50 oils and watercolours.

be composed of: The force would be composed of troops from NATO countries.

con|sist|en|cy /kəns I stənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Consistency is the quality or condition of being consistent. □ He scores goals with remarkable consistency. □ There's always a lack of consistency in matters of foreign policy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The consistency of a substance is how thick or smooth it is. □ [+ of ] Dilute the paint with water until it is the consistency of milk.

con|sist|ent ◆◇◇ /kəns I stənt/

1 ADJ Someone who is consistent always behaves in the same way, has the same attitudes towards people or things, or achieves the same level of success in something. □ Becker has never been the most consistent of players anyway. □ …his consistent support of free trade. ● con|sist|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □ It's something I have consistently denied. □ Jones and Armstrong maintain a consistently high standard.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one fact or idea is consistent with another, they do not contradict each other. □ [+ with ] This result is consistent with the findings of Garnett & Tobin.

3 ADJ An argument or set of ideas that is consistent is one in which no part contradicts or conflicts with any other part. □ These are clear consistent policies which we are putting into place. SYNONYMS consistent ADJ 1

constant: He has been her constant companion for the last four months.

steady: …a politician who's steady almost to the point of being boring.

reliable: Japanese cars are so reliable.

dependable: He was a good friend, a dependable companion.

co n|so|la |tion prize (consolation prizes )

1 N‑COUNT A consolation prize is a small prize which is given to a person who fails to win a competition.

2 N‑COUNT A consolation prize is something that is arranged for or is given to a person to make them feel happier when they have failed to achieve something better. □ Her appointment was seen as a consolation prize after she lost the election.

con|sole (consoles , consoling , consoled ) The verb is pronounced /kənsoʊ l/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nsoʊl/. 1 VERB If you console someone who is unhappy about something, you try to make them feel more cheerful. □ [V with quote] 'Never mind, Ned,' he consoled me. □ [V n] Often they cry, and I have to play the role of a mother, consoling them. □ [V pron-refl + with ] I can console myself with the fact that I'm not alone. □ [V pron-refl that] He consoled himself that Emmanuel looked like a nice boy, who could be a good playmate for his daughter. [Also V n with/for n, V n that] [Also V pron-refl + for ] ● con|so|la|tion /kɒ nsəle I ʃ ^ə n/ (consolations ) N‑VAR □ [+ for ] The only consolation for the Scottish theatre community is that they look likely to get another chance. □ He knew then he was right, but it was no consolation.

2 N‑COUNT A console is a panel with a number of switches or knobs that is used to operate a machine.

con|soli|date /kənsɒ l I de I t/ (consolidates , consolidating , consolidated )

1 VERB If you consolidate something that you have, for example power or success, you strengthen it so that it becomes more effective or secure. □ [V n] Many young singers started and consolidated their careers at Covent Garden.

2 VERB To consolidate a number of small groups or firms means to make them into one large organization. □ [V n] The state has 60 days to consolidate Louisiana's four higher-education boards.

con|som|mé /kɒnsɒ me I , [AM ] kɒ nsəme I / (consommés ) N‑VAR [oft n N ] Consommé is a thin, clear soup, usually made from meat juices. □ …chicken consommé.

con|so|nant /kɒ nsənənt/ (consonants ) N‑COUNT A consonant is a sound such as 'p', 'f', 'n', or 't' which you pronounce by stopping the air flowing freely through your mouth. Compare vowel .

con|sort (consorts , consorting , consorted ) The verb is pronounced /kənsɔː ^r t/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ nsɔː ^r t/. 1 VERB If you say that someone consorts with a particular person or group, you mean that they spend a lot of time with them, and usually that you do not think this is a good thing. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + with ] He regularly consorted with known drug-dealers.

2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE [oft n N ] The ruling monarch's wife or husband is called their consort . □ At tea-time, Victoria sang duets with her Consort, Prince Albert. □ She was surely the most distinguished queen consort we have had.

con|sor|tium /kənsɔː ^r tiəm/ (consortia /kənsɔː ^r tiə/ or consortiums ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A consortium is a group of people or firms who have agreed to co-operate with each other. □ The consortium includes some of the biggest building contractors in Britain.

con|spicu|ous /kənsp I kjuəs/

1 ADJ If someone or something is conspicuous , people can see or notice them very easily. □ He spent his money in a conspicuous way on fast cars and luxury holidays. □ You may feel tearful in situations where you feel conspicuous. ● con|spicu|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Johnston's name was conspicuously absent from the list.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is conspicuous by their absence , you are drawing attention to the fact that they are not in a place or situation where you think they should be. □ He was conspicuous by his absence in the post-match celebrations.

con|spi cu|ous con|su mp|tion N‑UNCOUNT Conspicuous consumption means spending your money in such a way that other people can see how wealthy you are. □ It was an age of conspicuous consumption–those who had money liked to display it.

con|spira|cy /kənsp I rəsi/ (conspiracies )

1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] Conspiracy is the secret planning by a group of people to do something illegal. □ Seven men, all from Bristol, admitted conspiracy to commit arson. □ He believes there was a conspiracy to kill the president.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A conspiracy is an agreement between a group of people which other people think is wrong or is likely to be harmful. □ He persuaded himself that they had formed some kind of conspiracy against him.

con|spi ra|cy theo|ry (conspiracy theories ) N‑COUNT A conspiracy theory is a belief that a group of people are secretly trying to harm someone or achieve something. You usually use this term to suggest that you think this is unlikely. □ Did you ever swallow the conspiracy theory about Kennedy?

con|spira|tor /kənsp I rətə ^r / (conspirators ) N‑COUNT A conspirator is a person who joins a conspiracy.

con|spira|to|rial /kənsp I rətɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone does something such as speak or smile in a conspiratorial way, they do it in a way that suggests they are sharing a secret with someone. □ His voice had sunk to a conspiratorial whisper.

con|spire /kənspa I ə ^r / (conspires , conspiring , conspired )

1 VERB If two or more people or groups conspire to do something illegal or harmful, they make a secret agreement to do it. □ [V to-inf] They'd conspired to overthrow the government. □ [V + with ] …a defendant convicted of conspiring with his brother to commit robberies. □ [V + against ] I had a persecution complex and thought people were conspiring against me.

2 VERB If events conspire to produce a particular result, they seem to work together to cause this result. □ [V to-inf] History and geography have conspired to bring Greece to a moment of decision. □ [V + against ] But fateful forces beyond the band's control were to conspire against them.

con|sta|ble /kʌ nstəb ^ə l, kɒ n-/ (constables )

1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain and some other countries, a constable is a police officer of the lowest rank. □ He was a constable at Sutton police station. □ …Constable Stuart Clark. □ Thanks for your help, Constable.

2 → see also Chief Constable

3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, a constable is an official who helps keep the peace in a town. They are lower in rank than a sheriff.

con|stabu|lary /kənstæ bjʊləri, [AM ] -leri/ (constabularies )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain and some other countries, a constabulary is the police force of a particular area. □ …the Chief Constable of the Nottinghamshire Constabulary.

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a constabulary is the constables in a particular area, or the area that they are responsible for.

con|stan|cy /kɒ nstənsi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Constancy is the quality of staying the same even though other things change. □ We live in a world without constancy.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Constancy is the quality of being faithful and loyal to a particular person or belief. [APPROVAL ] □ …those who have proved their constancy in love.

con|stant ◆◆◇ /kɒ nstənt/ (constants )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use constant to describe something that happens all the time or is always there. □ Inflation is a constant threat. □ He has been her constant companion for the last four months. ● con|stant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The direction of the wind is constantly changing.

2 ADJ If an amount or level is constant , it stays the same over a particular period of time. □ The average speed of the winds remained constant.

3 N‑COUNT A constant is a thing or value that always stays the same. □ In the world of fashion it sometimes seems that the only constant is ceaseless change.

con|stel|la|tion /kɒ nstəle I ʃ ^ə n/ (constellations ) N‑COUNT A constellation is a group of stars which form a pattern and have a name. □ [+ of ] …a planet orbiting a star in the constellation of Cepheus.

con|ster|na|tion /kɒ nstə ^r ne I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Consternation is a feeling of anxiety or fear. [FORMAL ] □ His decision caused consternation in the art photography community.

con|sti|pat|ed /kɒ nst I pe I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is constipated has difficulty in getting rid of solid waste from their body.

con|sti|pa|tion /kɒ nst I pe I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Constipation is a medical condition which causes people to have difficulty getting rid of solid waste from their body.

con|stitu|en|cy /kənst I tʃuənsi/ (constituencies )

1 N‑COUNT A constituency is an area for which someone is elected as the representative in a parliament or government.

2 N‑COUNT A particular constituency is a section of society that may give political support to a particular party or politician. □ In France, farmers are a powerful political constituency.

con|stitu|ent /kənst I tʃuənt/ (constituents )

1 N‑COUNT A constituent is someone who lives in a particular constituency, especially someone who is able to vote in an election.

2 N‑COUNT A constituent of a mixture, substance, or system is one of the things from which it is formed. □ [+ of ] Caffeine is the active constituent of drinks such as tea and coffee.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The constituent parts of something are the things from which it is formed. [FORMAL ] □ …a plan to split the company into its constituent parts and sell them separately.

con|sti tu|ent as|se m|bly (constituent assemblies ) N‑COUNT A constituent assembly is a body of representatives that is elected to create or change their country's constitution.

con|sti|tute /kɒ nst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (constitutes , constituting , constituted )

1 V‑LINK [no cont] If something constitutes a particular thing, it can be regarded as being that thing. □ [V n] Testing patients without their consent would constitute a professional and legal offence.

2 V‑LINK [no cont] If a number of things or people constitute something, they are the parts or members that form it. □ [V n] Volunteers constitute more than 95% of The Center's work force.

3 VERB [usu passive] When something such as a committee or government is constituted , it is formally established and given authority to operate. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] On 6 July, a People's Revolutionary Government was constituted. □ [V -ed] The accused will appear before a specially-constituted military tribunal.

con|sti|tu|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ nst I tjuː ʃ ^ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (constitutions )

1 N‑COUNT The constitution of a country or organization is the system of laws which formally states people's rights and duties. □ The club's constitution prevented women from becoming full members.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your constitution is your health. □ He must have an extremely strong constitution. SYNONYMS constitution NOUN 1

code: …Article 159 of the Turkish penal code.

charter: …the Social Charter of workers' rights.

con|sti|tu|tion|al ◆◇◇ /kɒ nst I tjuː ʃən ^ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Constitutional means relating to the constitution of a particular country or organization. □ …efforts to resolve the country's constitutional crisis.

con|sti|tu|tion|al|ity /kɒ nst I tjuːʃənæ l I ti, [AM ] -tuː-/ N‑UNCOUNT In a particular political system, the constitutionality of a law or action is the fact that it is allowed by the constitution. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] They plan to challenge the constitutionality of the law.

con|strain /kənstre I n/ (constrains , constraining , constrained )

1 VERB To constrain someone or something means to limit their development or force them to behave in a particular way. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] Women are too often constrained by family commitments and by low expectations.

2 PHRASE If you feel constrained to do something, you feel that you must do it, even though you would prefer not to. □ For some reason he felt constrained to lower his voice.

con|straint /kənstre I nt/ (constraints )

1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A constraint is something that limits or controls what you can do. □ Their decision to abandon the trip was made because of financial constraints. [Also + on ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Constraint is control over the way you behave which prevents you from doing what you want to do.

con|strict /kənstr I kt/ (constricts , constricting , constricted )

1 VERB If a part of your body, especially your throat, is constricted or if it constricts , something causes it to become narrower. □ [V n] Severe migraine can be treated with a drug which constricts the blood vessels. □ [V ] My throat constricted, so that I had to concentrate on breathing.

2 VERB If something constricts you, it limits your actions so that you cannot do what you want to do. □ [V n] She objects to the tests the Government's advisers have devised because they constrict her teaching style.

con|stric|tion /kənstr I kʃ ^ə n/ (constrictions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Constrictions are rules or factors which limit what you can do and prevent you from doing what you want to do. □ [+ of ] I hated the constrictions of school.

2 → see also constrict

con|struct /kənstrʌ kt/ (constructs , constructing , constructed )

1 VERB If you construct something such as a building, road, or machine, you build it or make it. □ [V n] The company is constructing 70 homes and a 130-room hotel on the land. □ [be V -ed + from/of/out of ] The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber. □ [V -ed] They thought he had escaped through a specially-constructed tunnel.

2 VERB If you construct something such as an idea, a piece of writing, or a system, you create it by putting different parts together. □ [V n] He eventually constructed a business empire which ran to Thailand and Singapore. □ [be V -ed + from/out of ] The novel is constructed from a series of on-the-spot reports. □ [V -ed] …using carefully-constructed tests.

con|struc|tion ◆◇◇ /kənstrʌ kʃ ^ə n/ (constructions )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Construction is the building of things such as houses, factories, roads, and bridges. □ He'd already started construction on a hunting lodge. □ …the only nuclear power station under construction in Britain. □ …the downturn in the construction industry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The construction of something such as a vehicle or machine is the making of it. □ [+ of ] …companies who have long experience in the construction of those types of equipment. □ With the exception of teak, this is the finest wood for boat construction.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The construction of something such as a system is the creation of it. □ [+ of ] …the construction of a just system of criminal justice.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to an object that has been built or made as a construction . □ The British pavilion is an impressive steel and glass construction the size of Westminster Abbey.

5 N‑UNCOUNT You use construction to refer to the structure of something and the way it has been built or made. □ The Shakers believed that furniture should be plain, simple, useful, practical and of sound construction. □ The chairs were light in construction yet extremely strong.

6 N‑COUNT A grammatical construction is a particular arrangement of words in a sentence, clause, or phrase. □ Avoid complex verbal constructions.

con|struc|tive /kənstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ A constructive discussion, comment, or approach is useful and helpful rather than negative and unhelpful. □ She welcomes constructive criticism. □ After their meeting, both men described the talks as frank, friendly and constructive.

con|stru c|tive di s|mi s|sal N‑UNCOUNT If an employee claims constructive dismissal , they begin a legal action against their employer in which they claim that they were forced to leave their job because of the behaviour of their employer. [BUSINESS ] □ The woman claims she was the victim of constructive dismissal after being demoted.

con|struc|tor /kənstrʌ ktə ^r / (constructors ) N‑COUNT A racing car constructor or aircraft constructor is a company that builds racing cars or aircraft.

con|strue /kənstruː / (construes , construing , construed ) VERB If something is construed in a particular way, its nature or meaning is interpreted in that way. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + as ] What may seem helpful behaviour to you can be construed as interference by others. □ [V n + as ] He may construe the approach as a hostile act. □ [V n prep/adv] We are taught to construe these terms in a particular way.

con|sul /kɒ ns ^ə l/ (consuls ) N‑COUNT A consul is an official who is sent by his or her government to live in a foreign city in order to look after all the people there that belong to his or her own country.

con|su|lar /kɒ nsjʊlə ^r , [AM ] -sə-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Consular means involving or relating to a consul or the work of a consul. □ If you need to return to the U.K. quickly, British Consular officials may be able to arrange it.

con|su|late /kɒ nsjʊlət, [AM ] -sə-/ (consulates ) N‑COUNT A consulate is the place where a consul works. □ They managed to make contact with the British consulate in Lyons.

con|sult ◆◇◇ /kənsʌ lt/ (consults , consulting , consulted )

1 VERB If you consult an expert or someone senior to you or consult with them, you ask them for their opinion and advice about what you should do or their permission to do something. □ [V n] Consult your doctor about how much exercise you should attempt. □ [V + with ] He needed to consult with an attorney. □ [V n] If you are in any doubt, consult a financial adviser.

2 VERB If a person or group of people consults with other people or consults them, they talk and exchange ideas and opinions about what they might decide to do. □ [V + with ] After consulting with her daughter and manager she decided to take on the part, on her terms. □ [V n] The two countries will have to consult their allies. □ [V ] The umpires consulted quickly.

3 VERB If you consult a book or a map, you look in it or look at it in order to find some information. □ [V n] Consult the chart on page 44 for the correct cooking times. SYNONYMS consult VERB 2

confer: He conferred with Hill and the others in his office.

debate: He likes to debate issues with his friends.

deliberate: The jury deliberated about two hours before returning with the verdict.

discuss: The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum.

con|sul|tan|cy /kənsʌ ltənsi/ (consultancies )

1 N‑COUNT A consultancy is a company that gives expert advice on a particular subject. □ A survey of 57 hospitals by Newchurch, a consultancy, reveals striking improvements.

2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Consultancy is expert advice on a particular subject which a person or group is paid to provide to a company or organization. □ The project provides both consultancy and training.

con|sult|ant ◆◇◇ /kənsʌ ltənt/ (consultants )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A consultant is an experienced doctor with a high position, who specializes in one area of medicine. [mainly BRIT ] □ Shirley's brother is now a consultant heart surgeon in Sweden. in AM, usually use specialist 2 N‑COUNT A consultant is a person who gives expert advice to a person or organization on a particular subject. □ …a team of management consultants sent in to reorganise the department. SYNONYMS consultant NOUN 2

specialist: …a specialist in diseases of the nervous system.

adviser: …a careers adviser.

authority: He's universally recognized as an authority on Russian affairs.

expert: …an expert on trade in that area.

con|sul|ta|tion /kɒ nsəlte I ʃ ^ə n/ (consultations )

1 N‑VAR A consultation is a meeting which is held to discuss something. Consultation is discussion about something. □ [+ with ] Next week he'll be in Florida for consultations with the President. □ [+ with ] The plans were drawn up in consultation with the World Health Organisation.

2 N‑VAR A consultation with a doctor or other expert is a meeting with them to discuss a particular problem and get their advice. Consultation is the process of getting advice from a doctor or other expert. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ with ] A personal diet plan is devised after a consultation with a nutritionist.

3 N‑COUNT A consultation is a meeting where several doctors discuss a patient and his or her condition and treatment. [AM ]

4 N‑UNCOUNT Consultation of a book or other source of information is looking at it in order to find out certain facts. □ The studies available for consultation should help to avoid the pitfalls.

con|sul|ta|tive /kənsʌ ltət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A consultative committee or document gives advice or makes proposals about a particular problem or subject. □ …the consultative committee on local government finance.

con|su lt|ing room (consulting rooms ) N‑COUNT A doctor's or therapist's consulting room is the room in which they see their patients. [BRIT ] in AM, use doctor's office

con|sum|able /kənsjuː məb ^ə l, [AM ] -suː -/ (consumables ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Consumable goods are items which are intended to be bought, used, and then replaced. □ …demand for consumable articles. ● N‑COUNT [usu pl] Consumable is also a noun. □ Suppliers add computer consumables, office equipment and furniture to their product range.