2 ADJ [ADJ n] An emergency action is one that is done or arranged quickly and not in the normal way, because an emergency has occurred. □ The Prime Minister has called an emergency meeting of parliament. □ She made an emergency appointment.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Emergency equipment or supplies are those intended for use in an emergency. □ The plane is carrying emergency supplies for refugees. □ They escaped through an emergency exit and called the police.
eme r|gen|cy brake (emergency brakes ) N‑COUNT In a vehicle, the emergency brake is a brake which the driver operates with his or her hand, and uses, for example, in emergencies or when parking. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use handbrake
eme r|gen|cy room (emergency rooms ) N‑COUNT The emergency room is the room or department in a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illnesses are taken for emergency treatment. The abbreviation ER is often used. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use casualty , A & E
eme r|gen|cy ser|vices N‑PLURAL The emergency services are the public organizations whose job is to take quick action to deal with emergencies when they occur, especially the fire brigade, the police, and the ambulance service.
emer|gent / I mɜː r dʒ ə nt/ ADJ [ADJ n] An emergent country, political movement, or social group is one that is becoming powerful or coming into existence. [WRITTEN ] □ …an emergent state. □ …an emergent nationalist movement.
emeri|tus / I me r I təs/ ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] Emeritus is used with a professional title to indicate that the person bearing it has retired but keeps the title as an honour. □ …emeritus professor of physics. □ He will continue as chairman emeritus.
emet|ic / I me t I k/ (emetics )
1 N‑COUNT An emetic is something that is given to someone to swallow, in order to make them vomit.
2 ADJ Something that is emetic makes you vomit.
emi|grant /e m I grənt/ (emigrants ) N‑COUNT An emigrant is a person who has left their own country to live in another country. Compare immigrant .
emi|grate /e m I gre I t/ (emigrates , emigrating , emigrated ) VERB If you emigrate , you leave your own country to live in another country. □ [V + to ] He emigrated to Belgium. □ [V ] They planned to emigrate. ● emi|gra|tion /e m I gre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the huge emigration of workers to the West.
émi|gré /e m I gre I / (émigrés ) also emigre N‑COUNT An émigré is someone who has left their own country and lives in a different country for political reasons. □ Several hundred refugees and emigres demonstrated outside the main entrance.
emi|nence /e m I nəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Eminence is the quality of being very well-known and highly respected. □ Many of the pilots were to achieve eminence in the aeronautical world. □ Beveridge was a man of great eminence.
emi|nent /e m I nənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An eminent person is well-known and respected, especially because they are good at their profession. □ …an eminent scientist.
emi|nent|ly /e m I nəntli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed] You use eminently in front of an adjective describing a positive quality in order to emphasize the quality expressed by that adjective. [EMPHASIS ] □ His books on diplomatic history were eminently readable.
emir /em I ə r / (emirs ) N‑COUNT An emir is a Muslim ruler. □ …the Emir of Kuwait.
emir|ate /e mərət, [AM ] I m I ə rət/ (emirates ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An emirate is a country that is ruled by an emir.
em|is|sary /e m I səri, [AM ] -seri/ (emissaries ) N‑COUNT An emissary is a representative sent by one government or leader to another. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] …the President's special emissary to Hanoi.
emis|sion / I m I ʃ ə n/ (emissions ) N‑VAR An emission of something such as gas or radiation is the release of it into the atmosphere. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The emission of gases such as carbon dioxide should be stabilised at their present level. □ Sulfur emissions from steel mills become acid rain.
emit / I m I t/ (emits , emitting , emitted )
1 VERB If something emits heat, light, gas, or a smell, it produces it and sends it out by means of a physical or chemical process. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The new device emits a powerful circular column of light.
2 VERB To emit a sound or noise means to produce it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Polly blinked and emitted a long, low whistle.
emo|ji / I moʊ dʒiː/ (emojis ) N‑COUNT An emoji is a digital image that is used to express an emotion or idea in an electronic communication such as an email or text message. □ He added a 'wink' emoji to show that he was joking.
emol|lient / I mɒ liənt/ (emollients )
1 N‑VAR An emollient is a liquid or cream which you put on your skin to make it softer or to reduce pain. [FORMAL ]
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An emollient cream makes your skin softer or reduces pain. [FORMAL ]
emolu|ment / I mɒ ljʊmənt/ (emoluments ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Emoluments are money or other forms of payment which a person receives for doing work. [FORMAL ] □ He could earn up to £1m a year in salary and emoluments from many directorships.
emo|ti|con / I moʊ t I kɒn/ (emoticons ) N‑COUNT An emoticon is a symbol used in texts or emails to show how someone is feeling. :-) is an emoticon showing happiness.
emo|tion ◆◇◇ / I moʊ ʃ ə n/ (emotions )
1 N‑VAR An emotion is a feeling such as happiness, love, fear, anger, or hatred, which can be caused by the situation that you are in or the people you are with. □ Happiness was an emotion that Reynolds was having to relearn. □ Her voice trembled with emotion.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Emotion is the part of a person's character that consists of their feelings, as opposed to their thoughts. □ …the split between reason and emotion. SYNONYMS emotion NOUN 1
feeling: Strong feelings of pride welled up in me.
sentiment: I must agree with the sentiments expressed by John Prescott.
emo|tion|al ◆◇◇ / I moʊ ʃən ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Emotional means concerned with emotions and feelings. □ I needed this man's love, and the emotional support he was giving me. □ Victims are left with emotional problems that can last for life. ● emo|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ Are you saying that you're becoming emotionally involved with me?
2 ADJ An emotional situation or issue is one that causes people to have strong feelings. □ It's a very emotional issue. How can you advocate selling the ivory from elephants? ● emo|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ In an emotionally charged speech, he said he was resigning.
3 ADJ If someone is or becomes emotional , they show their feelings very openly, especially because they are upset. □ He is a very emotional man. □ I don't get as emotional as I once did. SYNONYMS emotional ADJ 3
passionate: …a passionate and combative speech.
sentimental: I'm trying not to be sentimental about the past.
temperamental: …a man given to temperamental outbursts and paranoia.
excitable: Mary sat beside Elaine, who today seemed excitable.
emo |tion|al ca pi|tal N‑UNCOUNT When people refer to the emotional capital of a company, they mean all the psychological assets and resources of the company, such as how the employees feel about the company. [BUSINESS ] □ U.K. organisations are not nourishing their intellectual and emotional capital.
emo |tion|al in|te l|li|gence N‑UNCOUNT Emotional intelligence is used to refer to people's interpersonal and communication skills. □ We boast of our emotional intelligence and claim to feel each other's pain.
emo|tion|less / I moʊ ʃ ə nləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as emotionless , you mean that they do not show any feelings or emotions.
emo|tive / I moʊ t I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An emotive situation or issue is likely to make people feel strong emotions. □ Embryo research is an emotive issue.
em|pa|thet|ic /e mpəθe t I k/ ADJ Someone who is empathetic has the ability to share another person's feelings or emotions as if they were their own. [FORMAL ] □ …an empathetic listener.
em|pa|thize /e mpəθa I z/ (empathizes , empathizing , empathized ) in BRIT, also use empathise VERB If you empathize with someone, you understand their situation, problems, and feelings, because you have been in a similar situation. □ [V + with ] I clearly empathize with the people who live in those neighborhoods. □ [V ] Parents must make use of their natural ability to empathize.
em|pa|thy /e mpəθi/ N‑UNCOUNT Empathy is the ability to share another person's feelings and emotions as if they were your own. □ [+ with/for ] Having begun my life in a children's home I have great empathy with the little ones.
em|per|or /e mpərə r / (emperors ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An emperor is a man who rules an empire or is the head of state in an empire.
em|pha|sis ◆◇◇ /e mfəs I s/ (emphases /e mfəsiːz/)
1 N‑VAR Emphasis is special or extra importance that is given to an activity or to a part or aspect of something. □ [+ on ] Too much emphasis is placed on research. □ [+ on ] Grant puts a special emphasis on weather in his paintings.
2 N‑VAR Emphasis is extra force that you put on a syllable, word, or phrase when you are speaking in order to make it seem more important. □ 'I might have known it!' Miss Burnett said with emphasis. □ The emphasis is on the first syllable of the last word. SYNONYMS emphasis NOUN 1
importance: We have always stressed the importance of economic reform.
weight: The scientists involved put different weight on the conclusions of different models.
significance: Ideas about the social significance of religion have changed over time.
stress: Japanese car makers are laying ever more stress on European sales.
attention: The conference may help to focus attention on the economy. PRAGMATICS emphasis
In this dictionary, the label EMPHASIS indicates that you use the word or expression to show that you think something is particularly important or true, or to draw attention to it. An example of a word with this label is absolutely.
em|pha|size ◆◇◇ /e mfəsa I z/ (emphasizes , emphasizing , emphasized ) in BRIT, also use emphasise VERB To emphasize something means to indicate that it is particularly important or true, or to draw special attention to it. □ [V that] It's been emphasized that no major policy changes can be expected. □ [V how ] Discuss pollution with your child, emphasizing how nice a clean street, lawn, or park looks. SYNONYMS emphasize VERB
stress: They also stress the need for better transport and health care.
highlight: Once again, the 'Free Press' prefers not to highlight these facts.
accentuate: His shaven head accentuates his large round face.
flag up: I think there are more important issues and I just wanted to flag that up.
em|phat|ic / I mfæ t I k/
1 ADJ An emphatic response or statement is one made in a forceful way, because the speaker feels very strongly about what they are saying. □ His response was immediate and emphatic. □ I answered both questions with an emphatic 'Yes'.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are emphatic about something, you use forceful language which shows that you feel very strongly about what you are saying. □ The rebels are emphatic that this is not a surrender. □ [+ about ] He is especially emphatic about the value of a precise routine.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An emphatic win or victory is one in which the winner has won by a large amount or distance. □ Yesterday's emphatic victory was their fifth in succession.
em|phati|cal|ly / I mfæ t I kli/
1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say something emphatically , you say it in a forceful way which shows that you feel very strongly about what you are saying. □ 'No fast food,' she said emphatically. □ Mr Davies has emphatically denied the charges.
2 ADV You use emphatically to emphasize the statement you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □ Making people feel foolish is emphatically not my strategy.
em|phy|sema /emf I siː mə/ N‑UNCOUNT Emphysema is a serious medical condition that occurs when the lungs become larger and do not work properly, causing difficulty in breathing.
em|pire ◆◇◇ /e mpa I ə r / (empires )
1 N‑COUNT An empire is a number of individual nations that are all controlled by the government or ruler of one particular country. □ …the Roman Empire.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of companies controlled by one person as an empire . □ …the big Mondadori publishing empire.
em|piri|cal / I mp I r I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Empirical evidence or study relies on practical experience rather than theories. □ There is no empirical evidence to support his thesis. ● em|piri|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ …empirically based research. □ They approached this part of their task empirically.
em|piri|cism / I mp I r I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Empiricism is the belief that people should rely on practical experience and experiments, rather than on theories, as a basis for knowledge. [FORMAL ] ● em|piri|cist (empiricists ) N‑COUNT □ He was an unswerving empiricist with little time for theory.
em|place|ment / I mple I smənt/ (emplacements ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Emplacements are specially prepared positions from which a heavy gun can be fired. [TECHNICAL ] □ There are gun emplacements every five-hundred yards along the road.
em|ploy ◆◇◇ / I mplɔ I / (employs , employing , employed )
1 VERB If a person or company employs you, they pay you to work for them. □ [V n] The company employs 18 staff. □ [be V -ed + in ] More than 3,000 local workers are employed in the tourism industry. □ [V -ed] Her first husband had been employed in a chemicals company. [Also + as ] [Also V n to-inf]
2 VERB If you employ certain methods, materials, or expressions, you use them. □ [V n] The tactics the police are now to employ are definitely uncompromising. □ [V -ed] …the approaches and methods employed in the study. [Also V n + as ]
3 VERB [usu passive] If your time is employed in doing something, you are using the time you have to do that thing. □ [be V -ed + in ] Your time could be usefully employed in attending to professional matters.
4 PHRASE If you are in the employ of someone or something, you work for them. [FORMAL ] □ Others hinted that he was in the employ of the KGB.
em|ploy|able / I mplɔ I əb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is employable has skills or abilities that are likely to make someone want to give them a job. □ People need basic education if they are to become employable. □ …employable adults.
em|ployee ◆◆◇ / I mplɔ I iː/ (employees ) N‑COUNT An employee is a person who is paid to work for an organization or for another person. □ [+ of ] He is an employee of Fuji Bank. □ …a government employee. SYNONYMS employee NOUN
worker: Wages have been frozen and workers laid off.
staff: …members of staff.
hand: He now works as a farm hand.
em|ploy|er ◆◇◇ / I mplɔ I ə r / (employers ) N‑COUNT Your employer is the person or organization that you work for. □ He had been sent to Rome by his employer. □ The telephone company is the country's largest employer.
em|ploy|ment ◆◇◇ / I mplɔ I mənt/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Employment is the fact of having a paid job. □ She was unable to find employment. □ He regularly drove from his home to his place of employment.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Employment is the fact of employing someone. □ [+ of ] …the employment of children under nine.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Employment is the work that is available in a country or area. □ …economic policies designed to secure full employment. SYNONYMS employment NOUN 1
work: Fewer and fewer people are in work.
job: …overseas job vacancies.
position: He left a career in teaching to take up a position with the Arts Council.
post: She had earlier resigned her post as President Menem's assistant.
em|plo y|ment agen|cy (employment agencies ) N‑COUNT An employment agency is a company whose business is to help people to find work and help employers to find the workers they need. [BUSINESS ]
em|po|rium /empɔː riəm/ (emporiums or emporia /empɔː riə/) N‑COUNT An emporium is a store or large shop. [FORMAL ]
em|power / I mpaʊ ə r / (empowers , empowering , empowered )
1 VERB If someone is empowered to do something, they have the authority or power to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed to-inf] The army is now empowered to operate on a shoot-to-kill basis. [Also V n]
2 VERB To empower someone means to give them the means to achieve something, for example to become stronger or more successful. □ [V n] What I'm trying to do is to empower people, to give them ways to help them get well.
em|pow|er|ment / I mpaʊ ə r mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT The empowerment of a person or group of people is the process of giving them power and status in a particular situation. □ [+ of ] This government believes very strongly in the empowerment of women.
em|press /e mpr I s/ (empresses ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An empress is a woman who rules an empire or who is the wife of an emperor.
emp|ti|ness /e mptinəs/
1 N‑UNCOUNT A feeling of emptiness is an unhappy or frightening feeling that nothing is worthwhile, especially when you are very tired or have just experienced something upsetting. □ The result later in life may be feelings of emptiness and depression.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The emptiness of a place is the fact that there is nothing in it. □ [+ of ] …the emptiness of the desert.
emp|ty ◆◇◇ /e mpti/ (emptier , emptiest , empties , emptying , emptied )
1 ADJ An empty place, vehicle, or container is one that has no people or things in it. □ The room was bare and empty. □ …empty cans of lager. □ [+ of ] The roads were nearly empty of traffic.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An empty gesture, threat, or relationship has no real value or meaning. □ His father threatened to throw him out, but he knew it was an empty threat. □ …to ensure the event is not perceived as an empty gesture.
3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a person's life or a period of time as empty , you mean that nothing interesting or valuable happens in it. □ My life was very hectic but empty before I met him.
4 ADJ If you feel empty , you feel unhappy and have no energy, usually because you are very tired or have just experienced something upsetting. □ I feel so empty, my life just doesn't seem worth living any more.
5 VERB If you empty a container, or empty something out of it, you remove its contents, especially by tipping it up. □ [V n] I emptied the ashtray. □ [V n prep] Empty the noodles and liquid into a serving bowl. □ [V n with out ] He emptied the contents out into the palm of his hand.
6 VERB If someone empties a room or place, or if it empties , everyone that is in it goes away. □ [V ] The stadium emptied at the end of the first day of athletics. □ [V n] …a woman who could empty a pub full of drunks just by lifting one fist.
7 VERB A river or canal that empties into a lake, river, or sea flows into it. □ [V + into ] The Washougal empties into the Columbia River near Portland.
8 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Empties are bottles or containers which no longer have anything in them.
e mpty-ha nded ADJ [ADJ after v] If you come away from somewhere empty-handed , you have failed to get what you wanted. □ Delegates from the warring sides held a new round of peace talks but went away empty-handed.
e mpty-hea ded ADJ If you describe someone as empty-headed , you mean that they are not very intelligent and often do silly things.
emu /iː mjuː/ (emus or emu ) N‑COUNT An emu is a large Australian bird which cannot fly.
emu|late /e mjʊle I t/ (emulates , emulating , emulated ) VERB If you emulate something or someone, you imitate them because you admire them a great deal. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Sons are traditionally expected to emulate their fathers. ● emu|la|tion /e mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a role model worthy of emulation.
emul|si|fi|er / I mʌ ls I fa I ə r / (emulsifiers ) N‑VAR An emulsifier is a substance used in food manufacturing which helps to combine liquids of different thicknesses.
emul|si|fy / I mʌ ls I fa I / (emulsifies , emulsifying , emulsified ) VERB When two liquids of different thicknesses emulsify or when they are emulsified , they combine. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V ] Coffee oils emulsify and give the coffee its rich, velvety texture. □ [V n] Whisk the cream into the mixture to emulsify it. □ [V -ing] Beeswax acts as an emulsifying agent. □ [V -ed] …emulsified oil.
emul|sion / I mʌ lʃ ə n/ (emulsions )
1 N‑VAR Emulsion or emulsion paint is a water-based paint, which is not shiny when it dries. It is used for painting walls and ceilings. □ …an undercoat of white emulsion paint. □ …a matt emulsion.
2 N‑VAR An emulsion is a liquid or cream which is a mixture of two or more liquids, such as oil and water, which do not naturally mix together.
PREFIX en-
is added to words to form verbs that describe the process of putting someone into a particular state, condition, or place, or to form adjectives and nouns that describe that process or those states and conditions. For example, if something enriches your life, it makes your life better or more enjoyable.
en|able ◆◇◇ / I ne I b ə l/ (enables , enabling , enabled )
1 VERB If someone or something enables you to do a particular thing, they give you the opportunity to do it. □ [V n to-inf] The new test should enable doctors to detect the disease early. ● en|abling ADJ □ Researchers describe it as an enabling technology.
2 VERB To enable something to happen means to make it possible for it to happen. □ [V n to-inf] The hot sun enables the grapes to reach optimum ripeness. □ [V n] The working class is still too small to enable a successful socialist revolution.
3 VERB To enable someone to do something means to give them permission or the right to do it. □ [V n to-inf] The republic's legislation enables young people to do a form of alternative service. ● en|abling ADJ [ADJ n] □ Some protection for victims must be written into the enabling legislation. SYNONYMS enable VERB 1
allow: She said this would allow more effective planning.
permit: This method of cooking also permits heat to penetrate from both sides.
facilitate: The new airport will facilitate the development of tourism.
let: I can't let myself be distracted by those things.
en|act / I næ kt/ (enacts , enacting , enacted )
1 VERB When a government or authority enacts a proposal, they make it into a law. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] The authorities have failed so far to enact a law allowing unrestricted emigration.
2 VERB If people enact a story or play, they perform it by acting. □ [V n] She often enacted the stories told to her by her father.
3 VERB [usu passive] If a particular event or situation is enacted , it happens; used especially to talk about something that has happened before. [JOURNALISM ] □ [be V -ed] It was a scene which was enacted month after month for eight years.
en|act|ment / I næ ktmənt/ (enactments )
1 N‑VAR The enactment of a law is the process in a parliament or other law-making body by which the law is agreed upon and made official. [TECHNICAL ] □ [+ of ] We support the call for the enactment of a Bill of Rights.
2 N‑VAR The enactment of a play or story is the performance of it by an actor or group of actors. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The main building was also used for the enactment of mystery plays.
enam|el / I næ m ə l/ (enamels )
1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Enamel is a substance like glass which can be heated and put onto metal, glass, or pottery in order to decorate or protect it. □ …a white enamel saucepan on the oil stove. □ …enamel baths.
2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Enamel is a hard, shiny paint that is used especially for painting metal and wood. □ …enamel polymer paints.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Enamel is the hard white substance that forms the outer part of a tooth.
enam|elled / I næ m ə ld/ in AM, use enameled ADJ [ADJ n] An enamelled object is decorated or covered with enamel. □ …enamelled plates.
enam|el|ling / I næ məl I ŋ/ in AM, use enameling N‑UNCOUNT Enamelling is the decoration of something such as jewellery with enamel.
en|am|oured / I næ mə r d/ in AM, use enamored ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are enamoured of something, you like or admire it a lot. If you are not enamoured of something, you dislike or disapprove of it. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of/with ] I became totally enamored of the wildflowers there. □ [+ of/with ] My friend, like me, is not enamoured of the culture of wearing pink sashes emblazoned with 'hen party'.
en bloc /ɒ n blɒ k/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If a group of people do something en bloc , they do it all together and at the same time. If a group of people or things are considered en bloc , they are considered as a group, rather than separately. □ The selectors should resign en bloc. □ Now the governors en bloc are demanding far more consultation.
en|camped / I nkæ mpt/ ADJ If people, especially soldiers, are encamped somewhere, they have set up camp there. □ He made his way back to the farmyard where his regiment was encamped.
en|camp|ment / I nkæ mpmənt/ (encampments ) N‑COUNT An encampment is a group of tents or other shelters in a particular place, especially when they are used by soldiers, refugees, or gypsies. □ …a large military encampment.
en|cap|su|late / I nkæ psjʊle I t/ (encapsulates , encapsulating , encapsulated ) VERB To encapsulate particular facts or ideas means to represent all their most important aspects in a very small space or in a single object or event. □ [V n] A Wall Street Journal editorial encapsulated the views of many conservatives. □ [be V -ed + in ] His ideas were encapsulated in a book called 'Democratic Ideals and Reality'. [Also V n + in ] ● en|cap|su|la|tion / I nkæ psjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (encapsulations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □ [+ of ] …a witty encapsulation of modern America.
en|case / I nke I s/ (encases , encasing , encased ) VERB If a person or an object is encased in something, they are completely covered or surrounded by it. □ [be V -ed + in ] When nuclear fuel is manufactured it is encased in metal cans. □ [V n] These weapons also had a heavy brass guard which encased almost the whole hand. □ [V n + in/with ] The plan was to encase a small amount of a radioactive substance in a protective steel container.
SUFFIX -ence
forms nouns that refer to a particular action, state, or quality. For example, dependence is the state of being dependent.
en|chant / I ntʃɑː nt, -tʃæ nt/ (enchants , enchanting , enchanted )
1 VERB If you are enchanted by someone or something, they cause you to have feelings of great delight or pleasure. □ [be V -ed] Dena was enchanted by the house. □ [V n] She enchanted you as she has so many others. ● en|chant|ed ADJ □ [+ with ] Don't expect young children to be as enchanted with the scenery as you are.
2 VERB In fairy stories and legends, to enchant someone or something means to put a magic spell on them. □ [V n] King Arthur hid his treasures here and Merlin enchanted the cave so that nobody should ever find them. □ [V -ed] …Celtic stories of cauldrons and enchanted vessels.
en|chant|ing / I ntʃɑː nt I ŋ, -tʃæ nt-/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as enchanting , you mean that they are very attractive or charming. □ She's an absolutely enchanting child. □ The overall effect is enchanting.
en|chant|ment / I ntʃɑː ntmənt, -tʃæ nt-/ (enchantments )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has enchantment , you mean that it makes you feel great delight or pleasure. Your enchantment with something is the fact of your feeling great delight and pleasure because of it. □ The wilderness campsite had its own peculiar enchantment. □ [+ with ] Percy's enchantment with orchids dates back to 1951.
2 N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, an enchantment is a magic spell.
en|chant|ress / I ntʃɑː ntr I s, -tʃæ nt-/ (enchantresses ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, an enchantress is a woman who uses magic to put spells on people and things.
en|chi|la|da /entʃ I læ də/ (enchiladas ) N‑COUNT An enchilada consists of a flat piece of bread called a tortilla wrapped round a filling of meat or vegetables and served hot, usually with a sauce.
en|cir|cle / I nsɜː r k ə l/ (encircles , encircling , encircled ) VERB To encircle something or someone means to surround or enclose them, or to go round them. □ [V n] A forty-foot-high concrete wall encircles the jail.
en|clave /e ŋkle I v/ (enclaves ) N‑COUNT An enclave is an area within a country or a city where people live who have a different nationality or culture from the people living in the surrounding country or city. □ Nagorno-Karabakh is an Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan.
en|close / I nkloʊ z/ (encloses , enclosing , enclosed )
1 VERB If a place or object is enclosed by something, the place or object is inside that thing or completely surrounded by it. □ [be V -ed + in ] The rules state that samples must be enclosed in two watertight containers. □ [V n + in ] Enclose the pot in a clear polythene bag. □ [V -ed] …the enclosed waters of the Baltic. [Also V n]
2 VERB If you enclose something with a letter, you put it in the same envelope as the letter. □ [V n] I have enclosed a cheque for £10. □ [V -ed] The enclosed leaflet shows how Service Care can ease all your worries.
en|closed / I nkloʊ zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An enclosed community of monks or nuns does not have any contact with the outside world. □ …monks and nuns from enclosed orders.
en|clo|sure / I nkloʊ ʒə r / (enclosures ) N‑COUNT An enclosure is an area of land that is surrounded by a wall or fence and that is used for a particular purpose. □ This enclosure was so vast that the outermost wall could hardly be seen.
en|code / I nkoʊ d/ (encodes , encoding , encoded ) VERB If you encode a message or some information, you put it into a code or express it in a different form or system of language. □ [V n] Each party encodes confidential data in a form not directly readable by the other.
en|com|pass / I nkʌ mpəs/ (encompasses , encompassing , encompassed )
1 VERB If something encompasses particular things, it includes them. □ [V n] His repertoire encompassed everything from Bach to Schoenberg.
2 VERB To encompass a place means to completely surround or cover it. □ [V n] The map shows the rest of the western region, encompassing nine states.
en|core /ɒ ŋkɔː r , -kɔː r / (encores ) N‑COUNT An encore is a short extra performance at the end of a longer one, which an entertainer gives because the audience asks for it. □ Lang's final encore last night was 'Barefoot'.
en|coun|ter ◆◇◇ / I nkaʊ ntə r / (encounters , encountering , encountered )
1 VERB If you encounter problems or difficulties, you experience them. □ [V n] Every day of our lives we encounter stresses of one kind or another.
2 VERB If you encounter someone, you meet them, usually unexpectedly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Did you encounter anyone in the building?
3 N‑COUNT An encounter with someone is a meeting with them, particularly one that is unexpected or significant. □ [+ with ] …offering supporters the chance to win an encounter with the President in return for any size of donation.
4 N‑COUNT An encounter is a particular type of experience. □ …a sexual encounter. □ [+ with ] She was not the only person to feel daunted by her encounter with the court. SYNONYMS encounter VERB 1
experience: Widows seem to experience more distress than do widowers.
face: The immense difficulties facing European businessmen were only too evident.
suffer: They suffered another setback in their efforts to obtain support for reforms.
undergo: He underwent an agonising 48-hour wait for the results of tests.
en|cour|age ◆◆◇ / I nkʌ r I dʒ, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (encourages , encouraging , encouraged )
1 VERB If you encourage someone, you give them confidence, for example by letting them know that what they are doing is good and telling them that they should continue to do it. □ [V n] When things aren't going well, he encourages me, telling me not to give up.
2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is encouraged by something that happens, it gives them hope or confidence. □ [be V -ed + by ] Investors were encouraged by the news. ● en|cour|aged ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] □ We were very encouraged, after over 17,000 pictures were submitted. □ I am encouraged that we appear to be making progress.
3 VERB If you encourage someone to do something, you try to persuade them to do it, for example by telling them that it would be a pleasant thing to do, or by trying to make it easier for them to do it. You can also encourage an activity. □ [be V -ed to-inf] He was encouraged by his family to learn music at a young age. □ [be V -ed] Participation is encouraged at all levels.
4 VERB If something encourages a particular activity or state, it causes it to happen or increase. □ [V n] …a natural substance that encourages cell growth. □ [V n to-inf] Slow music encourages supermarket-shoppers to browse longer but spend more.
en|cour|age|ment / I nkʌ r I dʒmənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (encouragements ) N‑VAR Encouragement is the activity of encouraging someone, or something that is said or done in order to encourage them. □ I also had friends who gave me a great deal of encouragement.
en|cour|ag|ing / I nkʌ r I dʒ I ŋ, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ ADJ Something that is encouraging gives people hope or confidence. □ There are encouraging signs of an artistic revival. □ The results have been encouraging. □ It was encouraging that he recognised the dangers facing the company. ● en|cour|ag|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □ 'You're doing really well,' her midwife said encouragingly.
en|croach / I nkroʊ tʃ/ (encroaches , encroaching , encroached )
1 VERB If one thing encroaches on another, the first thing spreads or becomes stronger, and slowly begins to restrict the power, range, or effectiveness of the second thing. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + on/upon ] The new institutions do not encroach on political power. □ [V -ing] The movie industry had chosen to ignore the encroaching competition of television. [Also V ]
2 VERB If something encroaches on a place, it spreads and takes over more and more of that place. [FORMAL ] □ [V + on ] The rhododendrons encroached ever more on the twisting drive. □ [V -ing] I turned into the dirt road and followed it through encroaching trees and bushes. [Also V prep/adv, V ]
en|croach|ment / I nkroʊ tʃmənt/ (encroachments ) N‑VAR You can describe the action or process of encroaching on something as encroachment . [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] It's a sign of the encroachment of commercialism in medicine.
en|crus|ta|tion /e nkrʌste I ʃ ə n/ (encrustations ) N‑VAR An encrustation is a hard and thick layer on the surface of something that has built up over a long period of time.
en|crust|ed / I nkrʌ st I d/ ADJ If an object is encrusted with something, its surface is covered with a layer of that thing. □ [+ with ] …a blue uniform coat that was thickly encrusted with gold loops.
en|crypt / I nkr I pt/ (encrypts , encrypting , encrypted ) VERB If a document or piece of information is encrypted , it is written in a special code, so that only certain people can read it. □ [be V -ed] Account details are encrypted to protect privacy. □ [V n] …a program that will encrypt the information before sending. □ [V -ed] …encrypted signals. ● en|cryp|tion / I nkr I pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ It is currently illegal to export this encryption technology from the U.S.
en|cum|ber / I nkʌ mbə r / (encumbers , encumbering , encumbered ) VERB If you are encumbered by something, it prevents you from moving freely or doing what you want. □ [V n] Lead weights and air cylinders encumbered the divers as they walked to the shore. □ [be V -ed + with ] It is still labouring under the debt burden that it was encumbered with in the 1980s. ● en|cum|bered ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ [+ with/by ] The rest of the world is less encumbered with legislation.
en|cum|brance / I nkʌ mbrəns/ (encumbrances ) N‑COUNT An encumbrance is something or someone that encumbers you. [FORMAL ] □ Magdalena considered the past an irrelevant encumbrance.
-ency → see -ence
en|cyc|li|cal / I ns I kl I k ə l/ (encyclicals ) N‑COUNT An encyclical is an official letter written by the Pope and sent to all Roman Catholic bishops, usually in order to make a statement about the official teachings of the Church.
en|cy|clo|pedia / I nsa I kləpiː diə/ (encyclopedias ) also encyclopaedia N‑COUNT An encyclopedia is a book or set of books in which facts about many different subjects or about one particular subject are arranged for reference, usually in alphabetical order.
en|cy|clo|pedic / I nsa I kləpiː d I k/ also encyclopaedic ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as encyclopedic , you mean that it is very full, complete, and thorough in the amount of knowledge or information that it has. □ He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of drugs. □ …an almost overwhelmingly encyclopaedic volume.
end ◆◆◆ /e nd/ (ends , ending , ended )
1 N‑SING The end of something such as a period of time, an event, a book, or a film is the last part of it or the final point in it. □ [+ of ] The £5 banknote was first issued at the end of the 18th century. □ [+ of ] The report is expected by the end of the year. □ You will have the chance to ask questions at the end.
2 VERB When a situation, process, or activity ends , or when something or someone ends it, it reaches its final point and stops. □ [V ] The meeting quickly ended and Steve and I left the room. □ [V n] Talks have resumed to try to end the fighting. ● end|ing N‑SING □ [+ of ] …depression after the loss of a job or the ending of a relationship.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An end to something or the end of it is the act or result of stopping it so that it does not continue any longer. □ [+ to ] The French government today called for an end to the violence. □ I was worried she would walk out or bring the interview to an end. □ [+ of ] Francis fined him two weeks' wages and said: 'That's the end of the matter.'
4 VERB If you say that someone or something ends a period of time in a particular way, you are indicating what the final situation was like. You can also say that a period of time ends in a particular way. □ [V n prep/adv] The markets ended the week on a quiet note. □ [V prep] The evening ended with a dramatic display of fireworks. [Also V n + by , V n v-ing]
5 VERB If a period of time ends , it reaches its final point. □ [V ] Its monthly reports usually come out about three weeks after each month ends. □ [V ] The first figure shows sales for week ending July 27.
6 VERB If something such as a book, speech, or performance ends with a particular thing or the writer or performer ends it with that thing, its final part consists of the thing mentioned. □ [V + with/on ] His statement ended with the words: 'Pray for me.'. □ [V + with/on ] The book ends on a lengthy description of Hawaii. □ [V n + with ] Dawkins ends his discussion with a call for liberation. □ [V with quote] The memo ends: 'Please give this matter your most urgent attention.'
7 VERB If a situation or event ends in a particular way, it has that particular result. □ [V + in ] The incident could have ended in tragedy. □ [V + with ] Our conversations ended with him saying he would try to be more understanding. □ [V adv/adj] Shares ended 1.7 per cent firmer on the Frankfurt exchange.
8 N‑COUNT The two ends of something long and narrow are the two points or parts of it that are furthest away from each other. □ [+ of ] The company is planning to place surveillance equipment at both ends of the tunnel. □ A typical fluorescent lamp is a tube with metal electrodes at each end.
9 N‑COUNT The end of a long, narrow object such as a finger or a pencil is the tip or smallest edge of it, usually the part that is furthest away from you. □ [+ of ] He tapped the ends of his fingers together. □ [+ of ] She let the long cone of ash hang at the end of her cigarette.
10 VERB If an object ends with or in a particular thing, it has that thing on its tip or point, or as its last part. □ [V + with/in ] It has three pairs of legs, each ending in a large claw.
11 VERB A journey, road, or river that ends at a particular place stops there and goes no further. □ [V prep/adv] The road ended at a T-junction. [Also V ]
12 N‑COUNT End is used to refer to either of the two extreme points of a scale, or of something that you are considering as a scale. □ [+ of ] At the other end of the social scale was the grocer, the village's only merchant. □ [+ of ] The agreement has been criticised by extremist groups on both ends of the political spectrum.
13 N‑COUNT The other end is one of two places that are connected because people are communicating with each other by phone or writing, or are travelling from one place to the other. □ When he answered the phone, Ferguson was at the other end. □ Make sure to meet them at the other end.
14 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to a particular end of a project or piece of work, you mean a part or aspect of it, for example a part of it that is done by a particular person or in a particular place. [SPOKEN ] □ You take care of your end, kid; I'll take care of mine.
15 N‑COUNT An end is the purpose for which something is done or towards which you are working. □ The police force is being manipulated for political ends. □ Now the government is trying another policy designed to achieve the same end.
16 VERB If you say that something ends at a particular point, you mean that it is applied or exists up to that point, and no further. □ [V adv/prep] Helen is also 25 and from Birmingham, but the similarity ends there.
17 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone's death as their end , especially when you are talking about the way that they died or might die. [LITERARY ] □ Soon after we had spoken to this man he had met a violent end.
18 VERB If you end by doing something or end in a particular state, you do that thing or get into that state even though you did not originally intend to. □ [V + by ] They ended by making themselves miserable. □ [V adv/prep] They'll probably end back on the streets.
19 PHRASE If someone ends it all , they kill themselves. □ He grew suicidal, thinking up ways to end it all.
20 PHRASE If you describe something as, for example, the deal to end all deals or the film to end all films, you mean that it is very important or successful, and that compared to it all other deals or films seem second-rate. □ It was going to be a party to end all parties.
21 PHRASE If something is at an end , it has finished and will not continue. □ The recession is definitely at an end.
22 PHRASE If something comes to an end , it stops. □ The cold war came to an end.
23 PHRASE You say at the end of the day when you are talking about what happens after a long series of events or what appears to be the case after you have considered the relevant facts. [INFORMAL ] □ At the end of the day it's up to the Germans to decide.
24 PHRASE If you are thrown in at the deep end , you are put in a completely new situation without any help or preparation. If you jump in at the deep end , you go into a completely new situation without any help or preparation. [mainly BRIT ] □ It's a superb job. You get thrown in at the deep end and it's all down to you.
25 PHRASE You say in the end when you are saying what is the final result of a series of events, or what is your final conclusion after considering all the relevant facts. □ I toyed with the idea of calling the police, but in the end I didn't.
26 PHRASE If you consider something to be an end in itself , you do it because it seems desirable and not because it is likely to lead to something else. □ While he had originally traveled in order to study, traveling had become an end in itself.
27 PHRASE If you find it difficult to make ends meet , you can only just manage financially because you hardly have enough money for the things you need. □ With Betty's salary they barely made ends meet.
28 PHRASE No end means a lot. [INFORMAL ] □ Teachers inform me that Tracey's behaviour has improved no end.
29 PHRASE When something happens for hours, days, weeks, or years on end , it happens continuously and without stopping for the amount of time that is mentioned. □ He is a wonderful companion and we can talk for hours on end.
30 PHRASE Something that is on end is upright, instead of in its normal or natural position, for example lying down, flat, or on its longest side.
31 PHRASE To put an end to something means to cause it to stop. □ Only a political solution could put an end to the violence.
32 PHRASE If a process or person has reached the end of the road , they are unable to progress any further. □ I am sure this is the end of the road for him.
33 PHRASE If you say that something bad is not the end of the world , you are trying to stop yourself or someone else being so upset by it, by suggesting that it is not the worst thing that could happen. □ Obviously I'd be disappointed if we don't make it, but it wouldn't be the end of the world.
34 the end of your tether → see tether
35 to burn the candle at both ends → see candle
36 to make your hair stand on end → see hair
37 a means to an end → see means
38 to be on the receiving end → see receive
39 to get the wrong end of the stick → see stick ➊
40 to be at your wits' end → see wit
▸ end up
1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something ends up somewhere, they eventually arrive there, usually by accident. □ [V P prep/adv] She fled with her children, ending up in a shelter.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you end up doing something or end up in a particular state, you do that thing or get into that state even though you did not originally intend to. □ [V P v-ing] If you don't know what you want, you might end up getting something you don't want. □ [V P prep/adv] Every time they went dancing they ended up in a bad mood. □ [V P n] She could have ended up a millionairess. SYNONYMS end NOUN 1
close: As 1999 draws to a close, the story is changing.
finish: I intend to continue it and see the job through to the finish.
ending: The film has a Hollywood happy ending.
stop: His daughter should have stood up and put a stop to all these rumours. VERB 2
finish: The teaching day finishes at around 4pm.
stop: The music stopped and the lights were turned up.
halt: He criticised the government for failing to halt economic decline.
cease: At one o'clock the rain had ceased.
terminate: Her next remark abruptly terminated the conversation.
en|dan|ger / I nde I ndʒə r / (endangers , endangering , endangered ) VERB To endanger something or someone means to put them in a situation where they might be harmed or destroyed completely. □ [V n] The debate could endanger the proposed peace talks. □ [V -ed] …endangered species such as lynx and wolf.
en|dear / I nd I ə r / (endears , endearing , endeared ) VERB If something endears you to someone or if you endear yourself to them, you become popular with them and well liked by them. □ [V n + to ] Their taste for gambling has endeared them to Las Vegas casino owners. □ [V pron-refl + to ] He has endeared himself to the American public.
en|dear|ing / I nd I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone's behaviour as endearing , you mean that it causes you to feel very fond of them. □ She has such an endearing personality. □ Henry's lisp is so endearing. ● en|dear|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ He admits endearingly to doubts and hesitations. □ She is endearingly free of pretensions.
en|dear|ment / I nd I ə r mənt/ (endearments ) N‑VAR An endearment is a loving or affectionate word or phrase that you say to someone you love. □ No term of endearment crossed their lips. □ …flattering endearments.
en|deav|our / I nde və r / (endeavours , endeavouring , endeavoured ) in AM, use endeavor 1 VERB If you endeavour to do something, you try very hard to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] I will endeavour to arrange it.
2 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] An endeavour is an attempt to do something, especially something new or original. [FORMAL ] □ His first endeavours in the field were wedding films.
en|dem|ic /ende m I k/
1 ADJ If a disease or illness is endemic in a place, it is frequently found among the people who live there. [TECHNICAL ] □ Polio was then endemic among children my age.
2 ADJ If you say that a condition or problem is endemic , you mean that it is very common and strong, and cannot be dealt with easily. [WRITTEN ] □ Street crime is virtually endemic in large cities. □ Ambition often stems from endemic dissatisfaction.
end|game /e ndge I m/ (endgames )
1 N‑VAR In chess, endgame refers to the final stage of a game, when only a few pieces are left on the board and one of the players must win soon.
2 N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to the final stages of something such as a war, dispute, or contest, as an endgame . [JOURNALISM ] □ The political endgame is getting closer.
end|ing ◆◇◇ /e nd I ŋ/ (endings )
1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the last part of a book, story, play, or film as the ending , especially when you are considering the way that the story ends. □ The film has a Hollywood happy ending.
2 N‑COUNT The ending of a word is the last part of it. □ …common word endings, like 'ing' in walking.
3 → see also end , nerve ending
en|dive /e nd I v, [AM ] -da I v/ (endives )
1 N‑VAR Endive is a type of plant with crisp curly leaves that is eaten in salads.
2 N‑VAR Endive is a type of a plant with crisp bitter leaves that can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. [AM ] in BRIT, use chicory
end|less /e ndləs/ ADJ If you say that something is endless , you mean that it is very large or lasts for a very long time, and it seems as if it will never stop. □ They turned into an endless street. □ The war was endless. ● end|less|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □ They talk about it endlessly. □ …endlessly long arcades of shops.
endo|crine /e ndəkra I n/ ADJ [ADJ n] The endocrine system is the system of glands that produce hormones which go directly into the bloodstream, such as the pituitary or thyroid glands. [MEDICAL ]
en|dorse / I ndɔː r s/ (endorses , endorsing , endorsed )
1 VERB If you endorse someone or something, you say publicly that you support or approve of them. □ [V n] I can endorse their opinion wholeheartedly.
2 V-PASSIVE If someone's driving licence is endorsed , an official record is made on it that they have been found guilty of a driving offence. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] For failing to report the accident, his licence was endorsed. □ [have n V -ed + with ] He also had his licence endorsed with eight penalty points.
3 VERB When you endorse a cheque, you write your name on the back of it so that it can be paid into someone's bank account. □ [V n] The payee of the cheque must endorse the cheque.
4 VERB If you endorse a product or company, you appear in advertisements for it. □ [V n] The twins endorsed a line of household cleaning products.
en|dorse|ment / I ndɔː r smənt/ (endorsements )
1 N‑COUNT An endorsement is a statement or action which shows that you support or approve of something or someone. □ [+ for ] This is a powerful endorsement for his softer style of government.
2 N‑COUNT An endorsement is a note on someone's driving licence saying that they have been found guilty of a driving offence. [BRIT ]
3 N‑COUNT An endorsement for a product or company involves appearing in advertisements for it or showing support for it.
en|dow / I ndaʊ / (endows , endowing , endowed )
1 VERB [usu passive] You say that someone is endowed with a particular desirable ability, characteristic, or possession when they have it by chance or by birth. □ [be V -ed + with ] You are endowed with wealth, good health and a lively intellect.
2 VERB If you endow something with a particular feature or quality, you provide it with that feature or quality. □ [V n + with ] Herbs have been used for centuries to endow a whole range of foods with subtle flavours.
3 VERB If someone endows an institution, scholarship, or project, they provide a large amount of money which will produce the income needed to pay for it. □ [V n] The ambassador has endowed a $1 million public-service fellowships program.
4 → see also well-endowed
en|dow|ment / I ndaʊ mənt/ (endowments )
1 N‑COUNT An endowment is a gift of money that is made to an institution or community in order to provide it with an annual income. □ …the National Endowment for the Arts.
2 N‑COUNT If someone has an endowment of a particular quality or ability, they possess it naturally. [FORMAL ]
3 N‑COUNT [usu N n] In finance, an endowment policy or mortgage is an insurance policy or mortgage which you pay towards each month and which should then provide you with enough money to pay for your house at the end of a fixed period. [BRIT ]
e nd pro d|uct (end products ) N‑COUNT The end product of something is the thing that is produced or achieved by means of it. □ [+ of ] It is the end product of exhaustive research and development.
e nd re|su lt (end results ) N‑COUNT The end result of an activity or a process is the final result that it produces. □ [+ of ] The end result of this will be unity.
en|dur|ance / I ndjʊə rəns, [AM ] -dʊ r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Endurance is the ability to continue with an unpleasant or difficult situation, experience, or activity over a long period of time. □ The exercise obviously will improve strength and endurance.
en|dure / I ndjʊə r , [AM ] -dʊ r/ (endures , enduring , endured )
1 VERB If you endure a painful or difficult situation, you experience it and do not avoid it or give up, usually because you cannot. □ [V n] The company endured heavy financial losses.
2 VERB If something endures , it continues to exist without any loss in quality or importance. □ [V ] Somehow the language endures and continues to survive. ● en|dur|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …the start of an enduring friendship.
e nd u ser (end users ) also end-user N‑COUNT The end user of a product or service is the person that it has been designed for, rather than the person who installs or maintains it. □ You have to be able to describe things in a form that the end user can understand.
e nd zone (end zones ) N‑COUNT In American football, an end zone is one of the areas at each end of the field that the ball must cross for a touchdown to be scored.
en|ema /e n I mə/ (enemas ) N‑COUNT If someone has an enema , a liquid is put into their bottom in order to make them empty their bowels, for example before they have an operation.
en|emy ◆◇◇ /e nəmi/ (enemies )
1 N‑COUNT If someone is your enemy , they hate you or want to harm you.
2 N‑COUNT If someone is your enemy , they are opposed to you and to what you think or do. □ The Government's political enemies were quick to pick up on this series of disasters.
3 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, N n] The enemy is an army or other force that is opposed to you in a war, or a country with which your country is at war. □ The enemy were pursued for two miles. □ He searched the skies for enemy bombers.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If one thing is the enemy of another thing, the second thing cannot happen or succeed because of the first thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Reform, as we know, is the enemy of revolution.
en|er|get|ic /e nə r dʒe t I k/
1 ADJ If you are energetic in what you do, you have a lot of enthusiasm and determination. □ Blackwell is 59, strong looking and enormously energetic. □ The next government will play an energetic role in seeking multilateral nuclear disarmament. ● en|er|geti|cal|ly /e nə r dʒe t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ He had worked energetically all day on his new book.
2 ADJ An energetic person is very active and does not feel at all tired. An energetic activity involves a lot of physical movement and power. □ Ten year-olds are incredibly energetic. ● en|er|geti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Gretchen chewed energetically on the gristled steak.
en|er|gize /e nə r dʒa I z/ (energizes , energizing , energized ) in BRIT, also use energise VERB To energize someone means to give them the enthusiasm and determination to do something. □ [V n] He helped energize and mobilize millions of people around the nation. □ [be V -ed] I am completely energized and feeling terrific. ● en|er|giz|ing ADJ □ Acupuncture has a harmonizing and energizing effect on mind and body.
en|er|gy ◆◆◇ /e nə r dʒi/ (energies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Energy is the ability and strength to do active physical things and the feeling that you are full of physical power and life. □ He was saving his energy for next week's race in Belgium.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Energy is determination and enthusiasm about doing things. [APPROVAL ] □ You have drive and energy for those things you are interested in.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your energies are your efforts and attention, which you can direct towards a particular aim. □ She had started to devote her energies to teaching rather than performing.
4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Energy is the power from sources such as electricity and coal that makes machines work or provides heat. □ …those who favour nuclear energy. □ Oil shortages have brought on an energy crisis. COLLOCATIONS energy NOUN
1
verb + energy : expend, waste; conserve, save
4
noun + energy : wave, wind
adjective + energy : alternative, clean, green, low-carbon, renewable; atomic, nuclear, solar
verb + energy : generate, produce; conserve, save; waste
e nergy-effi cient also energy efficient ADJ A device or building that is energy-efficient uses relatively little energy to provide the power it needs. □ …energy-efficient light bulbs. □ …information on how to make your home more energy efficient.
en|er|vat|ed /e nə r ve I t I d/ ADJ If you feel enervated , you feel tired and weak. [FORMAL ]
en|er|vat|ing /e nə r ve I t I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is enervating makes you feel tired and weak. [FORMAL ]
en|fant ter|ri|ble /ɒ nfɒn teriː blə/ (enfants terribles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone as an enfant terrible , you mean that they are clever but unconventional, and often cause problems or embarrassment for their friends or families. [LITERARY ] □ He became known as the enfant terrible of British theater.
en|fee|bled / I nfiː b ə ld/ ADJ If someone or something is enfeebled , they have become very weak. [FORMAL ] □ He finds himself politically enfeebled. □ …the already enfeebled newspaper.
en|fold / I nfoʊ ld/ (enfolds , enfolding , enfolded )
1 VERB If something enfolds an object or person, they cover, surround, or are wrapped around that object or person. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] Aurora felt the opium haze enfold her. □ [be V -ed + in ] Wood was now comfortably enfolded in a woolly dressing-gown. [Also V n + in ]
2 VERB If you enfold someone or something, you hold them close in a very gentle, loving way. [LITERARY ] □ [V n + in ] Thack came up behind him, enfolding him in his arms. [Also V n]
en|force / I nfɔː r s/ (enforces , enforcing , enforced )
1 VERB If people in authority enforce a law or a rule, they make sure that it is obeyed, usually by punishing people who do not obey it. □ [V n] One of the beat officer's duties was to help the council to enforce the ban.
2 VERB To enforce something means to force or cause it to be done or to happen. □ [V n] They struggled to limit the cost by enforcing a low-tech specification. □ [V -ed] David is now living in Beirut again after an enforced absence.
en|force|able / I nfɔː r səb ə l/ ADJ If something such as a law or agreement is enforceable , it can be enforced. □ …the creation of legally enforceable contracts.
en|force|ment / I nfɔː r smənt/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone carries out the enforcement of an act or rule, they enforce it. □ [+ of ] … improved driver training, and stricter enforcement of road traffic law.
en|fran|chise / I nfræ ntʃa I z/ (enfranchises , enfranchising , enfranchised ) VERB To enfranchise someone means to give them the right to vote in elections. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The company voted to enfranchise its 120 women members.
en|fran|chise|ment / I nfræ ntʃa I zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Enfranchisement is the condition of someone being enfranchised. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …greater enfranchisement of ordinary citizens.
en|gage ◆◇◇ / I nge I dʒ/ (engages , engaging , engaged )
1 VERB If you engage in an activity, you do it or are actively involved with it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + in ] It is important for children to have time to engage in family activities.
2 VERB If something engages you or your attention or interest, it keeps you interested in it and thinking about it. □ [V n] They never learned skills to engage the attention of the others.
3 VERB If you engage someone in conversation, you have a conversation with them. □ [V n + in ] They tried to engage him in conversation.
4 VERB If you engage with something or with a group of people, you get involved with that thing or group and feel that you are connected with it or have real contact with it. □ [V + with ] She found it hard to engage with office life. ● en|gage|ment N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ with ] And she, too, suffers from a lack of critical engagement with the literary texts.
5 VERB If you engage someone to do a particular job, you appoint them to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We engaged the services of a recognised engineer.
6 VERB When a part of a machine or other mechanism engages or when you engage it, it moves into a position where it fits into something else. □ [V ] Press the lever until you hear the catch engage. □ [V n] …a lesson in how to engage the four-wheel drive.
7 VERB When a military force engages the enemy, it attacks them and starts a battle. □ [V n] It could engage the enemy beyond the range of hostile torpedoes.
8 → see also engaged , engaging
en|gaged / I nge I dʒd/
1 ADJ Someone who is engaged in or engaged on a particular activity is doing that thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] They found the three engaged in target practice. □ [+ on ] …the various projects he was engaged on.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When two people are engaged , they have agreed to marry each other. □ We got engaged on my eighteenth birthday. [Also + to ]
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a phone or a phone line is engaged , it is already being used by someone else so that you are unable to speak to the person you are phoning. [BRIT ] □ The line is engaged. in AM, use busy 4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a public toilet is engaged , it is already being used by someone else. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use occupied
en|gage|ment / I nge I dʒmənt/ (engagements )
1 N‑COUNT An engagement is an arrangement that you have made to do something at a particular time. [FORMAL ] □ He had an engagement at a restaurant in Greek Street at eight.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] An engagement is an agreement that two people have made with each other to get married. □ [+ to ] I've broken off my engagement to Arthur.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu poss N ] You can refer to the period of time during which two people are engaged as their engagement .
4 N‑VAR A military engagement is an armed conflict between two enemies. □ The constitution prohibits them from military engagement on foreign soil.
5 → see also engage
en|ga ge|ment ring (engagement rings ) N‑COUNT An engagement ring is a ring worn by a woman when she is engaged to be married.
en|gag|ing / I nge I dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ An engaging person or thing is pleasant, interesting, and entertaining. □ …one of her most engaging and least known novels. □ He was engaging company.
en|gen|der / I ndʒe ndə r / (engenders , engendering , engendered ) VERB If someone or something engenders a particular feeling, atmosphere, or situation, they cause it to occur. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] It helps engender a sense of common humanity.
en|gine ◆◆◇ /e ndʒ I n/ (engines )
1 N‑COUNT The engine of a car or other vehicle is the part that produces the power which makes the vehicle move. □ He got into the driving seat and started the engine. □ …an engine failure that forced a jetliner to crash-land in a field.
2 N‑COUNT An engine is also the large vehicle that pulls a railway train. □ In 1941, the train would have been pulled by a steam engine.
-engined /-endʒ I nd/ COMB -engined combines with other words to show the number or type of engines that something has. □ …the world's biggest twin-engined airliner. □ …a petrol-engined Ford Transit.
en|gi|neer ◆◇◇ /e ndʒ I n I ə r / (engineers , engineering , engineered )
1 N‑COUNT An engineer is a person who uses scientific knowledge to design, construct, and maintain engines and machines or structures such as roads, railways, and bridges.
2 → see also chemical engineer , civil engineer , electrical engineer , sound engineer
3 N‑COUNT An engineer is a person who repairs mechanical or electrical devices. □ They send a service engineer to fix the disk drive.
4 N‑COUNT An engineer is a person who is responsible for maintaining the engine of a ship while it is at sea.
5 VERB [usu passive] When a vehicle, bridge, or building is engineered , it is planned and constructed using scientific methods. □ [be V -ed] Many of Kuwait's spacious freeways were engineered by W S Atkins. □ [V -ed] …the car's better designed and better engineered rivals.
6 VERB If you engineer an event or situation, you arrange for it to happen, in a clever or indirect way. □ [be V -ed] LeBlanc's rise was not entirely a consequence of talent but was engineered by her maternal grandfather.
en|gi|neer|ing ◆◇◇ /e ndʒ I n I ə r I ŋ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Engineering is the work involved in designing and constructing engines and machinery, or structures such as roads and bridges. Engineering is also the subject studied by people who want to do this work. □ …graduates with degrees in engineering.
2 → see also chemical engineering , civil engineering , electrical engineering , genetic engineering
e n|gine room (engine rooms )
1 N‑COUNT On a boat or a ship, the engine room is the place where the engines are.
2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as the engine room of an organization or institution, you mean it is the most important or influential part of that organization or institution. □ [+ of ] These firms are regarded as the engine room of the British economy.
Eng|lish / I ŋgl I ʃ/
1 ADJ English means belonging or relating to England, or to its people, language, or culture. It is also often used to mean belonging or relating to Great Britain, although many people object to this.
2 N‑PLURAL The English are the people of England.
3 N‑UNCOUNT English is the language spoken in Great Britain and Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries.
E ng|lish brea k|fast (English breakfasts ) N‑COUNT An English breakfast is a breakfast consisting of cooked food such as bacon, eggs, sausages, and tomatoes. It also includes toast and tea or coffee. [BRIT ]
English|man / I ŋgl I ʃmən/ (Englishmen ) N‑COUNT An Englishman is a man who comes from England.
English|woman / I ŋgl I ʃwʊmən/ (Englishwomen ) N‑COUNT An Englishwoman is a woman who comes from England.
en|gorged / I ngɔː r dʒd/ ADJ Something that is engorged is swollen, usually because it has been filled with a particular fluid. □ [+ with ] …the tissues become engorged with blood.
en|grave / I ngre I v/ (engraves , engraving , engraved ) VERB If you engrave something with a design or words, or if you engrave a design or words on it, you cut the design or words into its surface. □ [be V -ed + with ] Your wedding ring can be engraved with a personal inscription at no extra cost. □ [V n + on/in ] Harrods will also engrave your child's name on the side. □ [have n V -ed + with ] I'm having 'John Law' engraved on the cap. □ [V -ed] …a bottle engraved with her name. [Also V n, V n with quote]
en|graved / I ngre I vd/ ADJ If you say that something is engraved on your mind or memory or on your heart, you are emphasizing that you will never forget it, because it has made a very strong impression on you. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ in/on/upon ] Her image is engraved upon my heart.
en|grav|er / I ngre I və r / (engravers ) N‑COUNT An engraver is someone who cuts designs or words on metal, glass, or wood.
en|grav|ing / I ngre I v I ŋ/ (engravings )
1 N‑COUNT An engraving is a picture or design that has been cut into a surface.
2 N‑COUNT An engraving is a picture that has been printed from a plate on which designs have been cut. □ …a color engraving of oranges and lemons.
en|grossed / I ngroʊ st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are engrossed in something, it holds your attention completely. □ [+ in ] Tony didn't notice because he was too engrossed in his work.
en|gross|ing / I ngroʊ s I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is engrossing is very interesting and holds your attention completely. [APPROVAL ] □ He is an engrossing subject for a book.
en|gulf / I ngʌ lf/ (engulfs , engulfing , engulfed )
1 VERB If one thing engulfs another, it completely covers or hides it, often in a sudden and unexpected way. □ [V n] A seven-year-old boy was found dead after a landslide engulfed a block of flats. □ [be V -ed] The flat is engulfed in flames.
2 VERB If a feeling or emotion engulfs you, you are strongly affected by it. □ [V n] …the pain that engulfed him.
en|hance ◆◇◇ / I nhɑː ns, -hæ ns/ (enhances , enhancing , enhanced ) VERB To enhance something means to improve its value, quality, or attractiveness. □ [V n] They'll be keen to enhance their reputation abroad. SYNONYMS enhance VERB
improve: He said he was going to improve his football.
strengthen: The dollar strengthened against most other currencies.
embellish: Ivy leaves embellish the front of the dresser.
perfect: …girls who needed to perfect their English.
polish: They just need to polish their technique.
en|hance|ment / I nhɑː nsmənt, -hæ ns-/ (enhancements ) N‑VAR The enhancement of something is the improvement of it in relation to its value, quality, or attractiveness. [FORMAL ] □ He was concerned with the enhancement of the human condition.
en|hanc|er / I nhɑː nsə r , -hæ ns-/ (enhancers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An enhancer is a substance or a device which makes a particular thing look, taste, or feel better. □ Cinnamon is an excellent flavour enhancer.
enig|ma / I n I gmə/ (enigmas ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something or someone as an enigma , you mean they are mysterious or difficult to understand. □ Iran remains an enigma for the outside world.
en|ig|mat|ic /e n I gmæ t I k/ ADJ Someone or something that is enigmatic is mysterious and difficult to understand. □ Haley studied her, an enigmatic smile on his face. □ She starred in one of Welles's most enigmatic films. ● en|ig|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj] □ 'Corbiere didn't deserve this,' she said enigmatically.
en|join / I ndʒɔ I n/ (enjoins , enjoining , enjoined )
1 VERB If you enjoin someone to do something, you order them to do it. If you enjoin an action or attitude, you order people to do it or have it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n to-inf] She enjoined me strictly not to tell anyone else. □ [V n] He enjoined a moral code of compassion and consideration. □ [V -ed] The positive neutrality enjoined on the force has now been overtaken by events.
2 VERB If a judge enjoins someone from doing something, they order them not to do it. If a judge enjoins an action, they order people not to do it. [AM , FORMAL ] □ [V n + from ] The judge enjoined Varityper from using the ad in any way. □ [V n] …a preliminary injunction enjoining the practice.
en|joy ◆◆◇ / I ndʒɔ I / (enjoys , enjoying , enjoyed )
1 VERB If you enjoy something, you find pleasure and satisfaction in doing it or experiencing it. □ [V n] Ross had always enjoyed the company of women. □ [V v-ing] I enjoyed playing cricket.
2 VERB If you enjoy yourself , you do something that you like doing or you take pleasure in the situation that you are in. □ [V pron-refl] I must say I am really enjoying myself at the moment.
3 VERB If you enjoy something such as a right, benefit, or privilege, you have it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The average German will enjoy 40 days' paid holiday this year. SYNONYMS enjoy VERB 1
like: What music do you like best?
relish: He ate quietly, relishing his meal.
delight in: Generations of adults and children have delighted in the story.
revel in: Revelling in her freedom, she took a hotel room and stayed for several days.
en|joy|able / I ndʒɔ I əb ə l/ ADJ Something that is enjoyable gives you pleasure. □ It was much more enjoyable than I had expected. ● en|joy|ably ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ …an enjoyably nasty thriller. □ …the place in which he has enjoyably spent his working life.
en|joy|ment / I ndʒɔ I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Enjoyment is the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you have when you do or experience something that you like. □ [+ of ] I apologise if your enjoyment of the movie was spoiled.
en|large / I nlɑː r dʒ/ (enlarges , enlarging , enlarged )
1 VERB When you enlarge something or when it enlarges , it becomes bigger. □ [V n] …the plan to enlarge Ewood Park into a 30,000 all-seater stadium. □ [V ] The glands in the neck may enlarge. ● en|larged ADJ □ The U.N. secretary-general yesterday recommended an enlarged peacekeeping force.
2 VERB If you enlarge on something that has been mentioned, you give more details about it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + on/upon ] He didn't enlarge on the form that the interim government and assembly would take. [Also V ]
en|large|ment / I nlɑː r dʒmənt/ (enlargements )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The enlargement of something is the process or result of making it bigger. □ [+ of ] There is insufficient space for enlargement of the buildings.
2 N‑COUNT An enlargement is a photograph that has been made bigger.
en|larg|er / I nlɑ r dʒə r / (enlargers ) N‑COUNT An enlarger is a device which makes an image larger.
en|light|en / I nla I t ə n/ (enlightens , enlightening , enlightened ) VERB [no cont] To enlighten someone means to give them more knowledge and greater understanding about something. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] A few dedicated doctors have fought for years to enlighten the profession. □ [V n] If you know what is wrong with her, please enlighten me. ● en|light|en|ing ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …an enlightening talk on the work done at the animal park.
en|light|ened / I nla I t ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or their attitudes as enlightened , you mean that they have sensible, modern attitudes and ways of dealing with things. [APPROVAL ] □ Enlightened companies include their human resources in their estimation of the firm's worth.
en|light|en|ment / I nla I t ə nmənt/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Enlightenment means the act of enlightening or the state of being enlightened. □ Stella had a moment of enlightenment.
2 N‑UNCOUNT In Buddhism, enlightenment is a final spiritual state in which everything is understood and there is no more suffering or desire. □ …a sense of deep peace and spiritual enlightenment.
en|list / I nl I st/ (enlists , enlisting , enlisted )
1 VERB If someone enlists or is enlisted , they join the army, navy, marines, or air force. □ [V + in ] Six days after war was declared, he enlisted in the 5th Battalion The Cameronians and was sent to France. □ [V + as ] He enlisted as a private in the army. □ [be V -ed] Three thousand men were enlisted. □ [V ] He decided to enlist.
2 VERB If you enlist the help of someone, you persuade them to help or support you in doing something. □ [V n] I had to cut down a tree and enlist the help of seven neighbours to get it out of the garden! □ [V n to-inf] I've read that you've enlisted some 12-year-olds to help out in your campaign.
en|list|ed / I nl I st I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An enlisted man or woman is a member of the United States armed forces who is below the rank of officer.
en|list|ment / I nl I stmənt/ (enlistments )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Enlistment is the act of joining the army, navy, marines, or air force. □ Canadians seek enlistment in the U.S. Marines because they don't see as much opportunity in the Canadian armed forces.
2 N‑VAR Enlistment is the period of time for which someone is a member of one of the armed forces. □ At the end of my term of enlistment I decided to return to civilian life.
en|liv|en / I nla I v ə n/ (enlivens , enlivening , enlivened ) VERB To enliven events, situations, or people means to make them more lively or cheerful. □ [be V -ed] Even the most boring meeting was enlivened by Dan's presence.
en masse /ɒ n mæ s/ ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] If a group of people do something en masse , they do it all together and at the same time. □ The people marched en masse.
en|meshed / I nme ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are enmeshed in or with something, usually something bad, you are involved in it and cannot easily escape from it. □ [+ in ] All too often they become enmeshed in deadening routines. □ [+ with ] …as her life gets enmeshed with Andrew's.
en|mity /e nm I ti/ (enmities ) N‑VAR Enmity is a feeling of hatred towards someone that lasts for a long time. □ [+ between ] I think there is an historic enmity between them.
en|no|ble / I nnoʊ b ə l/ (ennobles , ennobling , ennobled )
1 VERB To ennoble someone or something means to make them more dignified and morally better. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] …the enduring fundamental principles of life that ennoble mankind. ● en|no|bling ADJ □ …the ennobling and civilizing power of education.
2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is ennobled , they are made a member of the nobility. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] …the son of a financier who had been ennobled. □ [V -ed] He was ennobled in the New Year's Honours List.
en|nui /ɒnwiː / N‑UNCOUNT Ennui is a feeling of being tired, bored, and dissatisfied. [LITERARY ]
enor|mity / I nɔː r m I ti/ (enormities )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the enormity of something that you consider to be a problem or difficulty, you are referring to its very great size, extent, or seriousness. □ [+ of ] I was numbed by the enormity of the responsibility.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the enormity of an event, you are emphasizing that it is terrible and frightening. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] It makes no sense to belittle the enormity of the disaster which has occurred.
enor|mous ◆◇◇ / I nɔː r məs/
1 ADJ Something that is enormous is extremely large in size or amount. □ The main bedroom is enormous. □ There is, of course, an enormous amount to see.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use enormous to emphasize the great degree or extent of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ It was an enormous disappointment. ● enor|mous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ This book was enormously influential. SYNONYMS enormous ADJ 1
huge: …a tiny little woman with huge black glasses.
vast: …farmers who own vast stretches of land.
massive: …a massive steam boat.
great: The room had a great bay window.
immense: …an immense cloud of smoke.
gigantic: …gigantic rocks.
enough ◆◆◆ / I nʌ f/
1 DET Enough means as much as you need or as much as is necessary. □ They had enough cash for a one-way ticket. □ There aren't enough tents to shelter them all. ● ADV [ADV after v, oft ADV to-inf] Enough is also an adverb. □ I was old enough to work and earn money. □ Do you believe that sentences for criminals are tough enough at present? □ She graduated with high enough marks to apply for university. ● PRON Enough is also a pronoun. □ Although the U.K. says efforts are being made, they are not doing enough. ● QUANT Enough is also a quantifier. □ All parents worry about whether their child is getting enough of the right foods. ● ADJ [n ADJ ] Enough is also an adjective. □ By autumn it hopes to have 200 new lines – proof enough of the growing market.
2 PRON If you say that something is enough , you mean that you do not want it to continue any longer or get any worse. □ I met him only the once, and that was enough. □ I think I have said enough. □ You've got enough to think about for the moment. ● QUANT Enough is also a quantifier. □ Ann had heard enough of this. ● DET Enough is also a determiner. □ I've had enough problems with the police, I don't need this. □ Would you shut up, please! I'm having enough trouble with these children! ● ADV [adj ADV ] Enough is also an adverb. □ I'm serious, things are difficult enough as they are.
3 ADV You can use enough to say that something is the case to a moderate or fairly large degree. □ Winter is a common enough German surname. □ The rest of the evening passed pleasantly enough.
4 ADV You use enough in expressions such as strangely enough and interestingly enough to indicate that you think a fact is strange or interesting. □ Strangely enough, the last thing he thought of was his beloved Tanya.
5 PHRASE If you say that you have had enough , you mean that you are unhappy with a situation and you want it to stop. □ I had had enough of other people for one night.
6 fair enough → see fair
7 sure enough → see sure
en|quire / I nkwa I ə r / → see inquire
en|quir|er / I nkwa I ə rə r / → see inquirer
en|quiry / I nkwa I ə ri/ → see inquiry
en|rage / I nre I dʒ/ (enrages , enraging , enraged ) VERB If you are enraged by something, it makes you extremely angry. □ [be V -ed + by ] He was enraged by news of plans to demolish the pub. □ [V n] He enraged the government by renouncing the agreement. ● en|raged ADJ □ [+ at ] I began getting more and more enraged at my father.
en|rap|ture / I nræ ptʃə r / (enraptures , enrapturing , enraptured ) VERB If something or someone enraptures you, you think they are wonderful or fascinating. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] The place at once enraptured me. □ [V -ed] The 20,000-strong audience listened, enraptured. □ [V -ed] …an enraptured audience.
en|rich / I nr I tʃ/ (enriches , enriching , enriched )
1 VERB To enrich something means to improve its quality, usually by adding something to it. □ [V n] It is important to enrich the soil prior to planting. ● -enriched COMB □ …nutrient-enriched water.
2 VERB To enrich someone means to increase the amount of money that they have. □ [V n] He will drain, rather than enrich, the country.
en|rich|ment / I nr I tʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Enrichment is the act of enriching someone or something or the state of being enriched. □ [+ of ] …the enrichment of society.
en|rol / I nroʊ l/ (enrols , enrolling , enrolled ) in AM, use enroll VERB If you enrol or are enrolled at an institution or on a course, you officially join it and pay a fee for it. □ [be V -ed prep] Cherny was enrolled at the University in 1945. □ [V prep] She enrolled on a local Women Into Management course. □ [V n prep] I thought I'd enrol you with an art group at the school. [Also V ]
en|rol|ment / I nroʊ lmənt/ in AM, use enrollment N‑UNCOUNT Enrolment is the act of enrolling at an institution or on a course. □ A fee is charged for each year of study and is payable at enrolment.
en route /ɒ n ruː t/ → see route
en|sconced / I nskɒ nst/ ADJ If you are ensconced somewhere, you are settled there firmly or comfortably and have no intention of moving or leaving. □ Brian was ensconced behind the bar.
en|sem|ble /ɒnsɒ mb ə l/ (ensembles )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An ensemble is a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who regularly perform together. □ [+ of ] …an ensemble of young musicians.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An ensemble of things or people is a group of things or people considered as a whole rather than as separate individuals. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The state is an ensemble of political and social structures.
en|shrine / I nʃra I n/ (enshrines , enshrining , enshrined ) VERB If something such as an idea or a right is enshrined in something such as a constitution or law, it is protected by it. □ [be V -ed + in ] The essentials of the deal will be enshrined in a document. □ [V n prep] The apartheid system which enshrined racism in law still existed.
en|shroud / I nʃraʊ d/ (enshrouds , enshrouding , enshrouded ) VERB To enshroud something means to cover it completely so that it can no longer be seen. [LITERARY ] □ [V n + in ] …dispiriting clouds that enshrouded us in twilight. □ [V n] …the culture of secrecy which enshrouds our politics.
en|sign /e nsa I n, e ns ə n/ (ensigns )
1 N‑COUNT An ensign is a flag flown on a ship to show what country the ship belongs to.
2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An ensign is a junior officer in the United States Navy. □ He had been a naval ensign stationed off Cuba. □ …Ensign Smith.
en|slave / I nsle I v/ (enslaves , enslaving , enslaved )
1 VERB To enslave someone means to make them into a slave. □ [be V -ed] They've been enslaved and had to do what they were told. □ [V n] I'd die myself before I'd let anyone enslave your folk ever again. □ [V -ed] George was born to an enslaved African mother.
2 VERB To enslave a person or society means to trap them in a situation from which they cannot escape. □ [V n] …the various cultures, cults and religions that have enslaved human beings for untold years. □ [be V -ed + to ] It would be a tragedy if both sexes were enslaved to the god of work. [Also V n + to ]
en|slave|ment / I nsle I vmənt/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Enslavement is the act of making someone into a slave or the state of being a slave. □ [+ of ] …the enslavement of African people.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N , adj N ] Enslavement is the state of being trapped in a situation from which it is difficult to escape. □ [+ to ] …the analysis of women's enslavement to appearance.
en|snare / I nsneə r / (ensnares , ensnaring , ensnared )
1 VERB If you ensnare someone, you gain power over them, especially by using dishonest or deceitful methods. □ [V n] Feminism is simply another device to ensnare women. □ [V -ed + in ] We find ourselves ensnared in employment acts which do not help resolve industrial disputes.
2 VERB If an animal is ensnared , it is caught in a trap. □ [be V -ed + on/in ] The spider must wait for prey to be ensnared on its web.
en|sue / I nsjuː , [AM ] -suː / (ensues , ensuing , ensued ) VERB [no cont] If something ensues , it happens immediately after another event, usually as a result of it. □ [V ] If the Europeans did not reduce subsidies, a trade war would ensue. □ [V ] A brief but embarrassing silence ensued.
en|su|ing / I nsjuː I ŋ, [AM ] -suː -/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ensuing events happen immediately after other events. □ The ensuing argument had been bitter. □ …any ensuing problems.
2 ADJ Ensuing months or years follow the time you are talking about. □ The two companies grew tenfold in the ensuing ten years.
en suite /ɒ n swiː t/ ADJ [ADJ n] An en suite bathroom is next to a bedroom and can only be reached by a door in the bedroom. An en suite bedroom has an en suite bathroom. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use private bathroom
en|sure ◆◆◇ / I nʃʊə r / (ensures , ensuring , ensured ) VERB To ensure something, or to ensure that something happens, means to make certain that it happens. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] Negotiators ensured that the treaty was a significant change in direction. □ [V n] …the President's Council, which ensures the supremacy of the National Party. SYNONYMS ensure VERB
guarantee: Surplus resources alone do not guarantee growth.
secure: Graham's achievements helped secure him the job.
assure: Ways must be found to assure our children a decent start in life.
make certain: To make extra certain, a police helicopter kept watch from the skies.
en|tail / I nte I l/ (entails , entailing , entailed ) VERB If one thing entails another, it involves it or causes it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Such a decision would entail a huge political risk. □ [V n v-ing] I'll never accept parole because that entails me accepting guilt.
en|tan|gle / I ntæ ŋg ə l/ (entangles , entangling , entangled )
1 VERB If one thing entangles itself with another, the two things become caught together very tightly. □ [V n + with/in ] The blade of the oar had entangled itself with something in the water. [Also V n]
2 VERB If something entangles you in problems or difficulties, it causes you to become involved in problems or difficulties from which it is hard to escape. □ [V n] Bureaucracy can entangle ventures for months. □ [V n + in/with ] His tactics were to entangle the opposition in a web of parliamentary procedure.
en|tan|gled / I ntæ ŋg ə ld/
1 ADJ If something is entangled in something such as a rope, wire, or net, it is caught in it very firmly. □ [+ in/with ] …a whale that became entangled in crab nets.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you become entangled in problems or difficulties, you become involved in problems or difficulties from which it is hard to escape. □ [+ in/with ] This case was bound to get entangled in international politics.
en|tan|gle|ment / I ntæ ŋg ə lmənt/ (entanglements )
1 N‑COUNT An entanglement is a complicated or difficult relationship or situation. □ …romantic entanglements. □ …a military and political entanglement the Government probably doesn't want.
2 N‑VAR If things become entangled, you can refer to this as entanglement . □ [+ with ] Many dolphins are accidentally killed through entanglement with fishing equipment.
en|tente /ɒ ntɒ nt/ (ententes ) N‑VAR An entente or an entente cordiale is a friendly agreement between two or more countries. □ [+ with ] The French entente with Great Britain had already been significantly extended.
en|ter ◆◆◇ /e ntə r / (enters , entering , entered )
1 VERB When you enter a place such as a room or building, you go into it or come into it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He entered the room briskly and stood near the door. □ [V ] As soon as I entered, they stopped and turned my way.
2 VERB If you enter an organization or institution, you start to work there or become a member of it. □ [V n] He entered the BBC as a general trainee.
3 VERB If something new enters your mind, you suddenly think about it. □ [V n] Dreadful doubts began to enter my mind.
4 VERB If it does not enter your head to do, think or say something, you do not think of doing that thing although you should have done. □ [V n that] It never enters his mind that anyone is better than him. □ [V n to-inf] Though she enjoyed flirting with Matt, it had not entered her head to have an affair with him.
5 VERB If someone or something enters a particular situation or period of time, they start to be in it or part of it. □ [V n] The war has entered its second month. □ [V n] A million young people enter the labour market each year.
6 VERB If you enter a competition, race, or examination, you officially state that you will compete or take part in it. □ [V n] I run so well I'm planning to enter some races. □ [V + for ] He entered for many competitions, winning several gold medals. □ [V ] To enter, simply complete the coupon on page 150.
7 VERB If you enter someone for a race or competition, you officially state that they will compete or take part in it. □ [V n + for ] Marie secretly entered him for the Championship. □ [V -ed] …some of the 150 projects entered for the awards. [Also V n]
8 VERB If you enter something in a notebook, register, or financial account, you write it down. □ [V n with prep/adv] Each week she meticulously entered in her notebooks all sums received. □ [V n prep/adv] Prue entered the passage in her notebook, then read it aloud again. [Also V n]
9 VERB To enter information into a computer or database means to record it there, for example by typing it on a keyboard. □ [V n + into ] When a baby is born, they enter that baby's name into the computer. □ [V n] A lot less time is now spent entering the data.
▸ enter into
1 PHRASAL VERB If you enter into something such as an agreement, discussion, or relationship, you become involved in it. You can also say that two people enter into something. [FORMAL ] □ [V P n + with ] I have not entered into any financial agreements with them. □ [V P n] The United States and Canada may enter into an agreement that would allow easier access to jobs across the border. □ [be V -ed P ] No correspondence will be entered into.
2 PHRASAL VERB If one thing enters into another, it is a factor in it. [FORMAL ] □ [V P n] There were also other factors that entered into the orchestration. SYNONYMS enter VERB 2
join: He joined the Army five years ago.
enlist: He enlisted as a private in the Mexican War.
enrol: He enrolled in a degree course at London's Royal College of Art.
sign up: He signed up as a steward with P&O Lines.
en|ter|prise ◆◇◇ /e ntə r pra I z/ (enterprises )
1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An enterprise is a company or business, often a small one. [BUSINESS ] □ There are plenty of small industrial enterprises.
2 N‑COUNT An enterprise is something new, difficult, or important that you do or try to do. □ Horse breeding is indeed a risky enterprise.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Enterprise is the activity of managing companies and businesses and starting new ones. [BUSINESS ] □ He is still involved in voluntary work promoting local enterprise. □ …a national program of subsidies to private enterprise.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Enterprise is the ability to think of new and effective things to do, together with an eagerness to do them. [APPROVAL ] □ …the spirit of enterprise worthy of a free and industrious people. SYNONYMS enterprise NOUN 1
company: Sheila found some work as a secretary in an insurance company.
firm: …a firm of heating engineers.
business: The company was a family business.
concern: If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.
operation: Thorn's electronics operation employs around 5,000 people.
e n|ter|prise zo ne (enterprise zones ) N‑COUNT An enterprise zone is an area, usually a depressed or inner-city area, where the government offers incentives in order to attract new businesses. [BUSINESS ] □ Because it is in an enterprise zone, taxes on non-food items are 3.5% instead of the usual 7%.
en|ter|pris|ing /e ntə r pra I z I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An enterprising person is willing to try out new, unusual ways of doing or achieving something. □ Some enterprising members found ways of reducing their expenses or raising their incomes.
en|ter|tain ◆◇◇ /e ntə r te I n/ (entertains , entertaining , entertained )
1 VERB If a performer, performance, or activity entertains you, it amuses you, interests you, or gives you pleasure. □ [be V -ed] They were entertained by top singers, dancers and celebrities. □ [V ] Children's television not only entertains but also teaches. ● en|ter|tain|ing ADJ □ To generate new money the sport needs to be more entertaining. □ This is a surprisingly entertaining film.
2 VERB If you entertain people, you provide food and drink for them, for example when you have invited them to your house. □ [V n] I don't like to entertain guests anymore. □ [V ] The Monroes continued to entertain extravagantly. ● en|ter|tain|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …a cosy area for entertaining and relaxing.
3 VERB If you entertain an idea or suggestion, you allow yourself to consider it as possible or as worth thinking about seriously. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] I feel how foolish I am to entertain doubts. □ [V n] I wouldn't entertain the idea of such an unsociable job.
en|ter|tain|er /e ntə r te I nə r / (entertainers ) N‑COUNT An entertainer is a person whose job is to entertain audiences, for example by telling jokes, singing, or dancing. □ Some have called him the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century.
en|ter|tain|ment ◆◇◇ /e ntə r te I nmənt/ (entertainments ) N‑VAR Entertainment consists of performances of plays and films, and activities such as reading and watching television, that give people pleasure. □ …the world of entertainment and international stardom.
en|thral / I nθrɔː l/ (enthrals , enthralling , enthralled ) in AM, use enthrall , enthralls VERB If you are enthralled by something, you enjoy it and give it your complete attention and interest. □ [be V -ed] The passengers were enthralled by the scenery. □ [V -ed] The fans sat enthralled in the darkened cinema.
en|throne / I nθroʊ n/ (enthrones , enthroning , enthroned )
1 VERB [usu passive] When kings, queens, emperors, or bishops are enthroned , they officially take on their role during a special ceremony. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The new emperor has been enthroned. □ [be V -ed + as ] He is expected to be enthroned early next year as the spiritual leader of the Church of England.
2 VERB If an idea is enthroned , it has an important place in people's life or thoughts. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] He was forcing the State to enthrone a particular brand of modernism. □ [V -ed] Calvinism was enthroned as the official faith of the new republic.
en|throne|ment / I nθroʊ nmənt/ (enthronements ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] The enthronement of a king, queen, emperor, or bishop is a ceremony in which they officially take on their role. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the enthronement of their new emperor.
en|thuse / I nθjuː z, [AM ] -θuː z/ (enthuses , enthusing , enthused )
1 VERB If you enthuse about something, you talk about it in a way that shows how excited you are about it. □ [V + about/over ] She enthuses about the taste, fragrance and character of Provencal cuisine. □ [V with quote] 'I've found the most wonderful house to buy!' she enthused. [Also V that]
2 VERB If you are enthused by something, it makes you feel excited and enthusiastic. □ [be V -ed] I was immediately enthused. □ [V n] Find a hobby or interest which enthuses you. [Also V ]
en|thu|si|asm ◆◇◇ / I nθjuː ziæzəm, [AM ] -θuː -/ (enthusiasms )
1 N‑VAR Enthusiasm is great eagerness to be involved in a particular activity which you like and enjoy or which you think is important. □ Their skill, enthusiasm and running has got them in the team.
2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An enthusiasm is an activity or subject that interests you very much and that you spend a lot of time on. □ Draw him out about his current enthusiasms and future plans. COLLOCATIONS enthusiasm NOUN 1
adjective + enthusiasm : contagious, infectious; boundless, unbridled, undimmed; boyish, youthful
verb + enthusiasm : express, share, show; dampen, lose; generate, inject, muster
en|thu|si|ast / I nθjuː ziæst, [AM ] -θuː -/ (enthusiasts ) N‑COUNT An enthusiast is a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject and who spends a lot of time on it. □ He is a great sports enthusiast. □ …keep-fit enthusiasts.
en|thu|si|as|tic / I nθjuː ziæ st I k, [AM ] -θuː -/ ADJ If you are enthusiastic about something, you show how much you like or enjoy it by the way that you behave and talk. □ [+ about ] Tom was very enthusiastic about the place. ● en|thu|si|as|ti|cal|ly / I nθjuː ziæ st I kli, [AM ] -θuː -/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ The announcement was greeted enthusiastically.
en|tice / I nta I s/ (entices , enticing , enticed ) VERB To entice someone to go somewhere or to do something means to try to persuade them to go to that place or to do that thing. □ [V n prep] Retailers have tried almost everything to entice shoppers through their doors. □ [V n to-inf] They'll entice doctors to move from the cities by paying them better salaries. [Also V n]
en|tice|ment / I nta I smənt/ (enticements ) N‑VAR An enticement is something which makes people want to do a particular thing. □ We were seduced by the doorway enticement of hot cardamom buns.
en|tic|ing / I nta I s I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is enticing is extremely attractive and makes you want to get it or to become involved with it. □ A prospective premium of about 30 per cent on their initial investment is enticing. ● en|tic|ing|ly ADV □ …laying out their stall enticingly.
en|tire ◆◆◇ / I nta I ə r / ADJ You use entire when you want to emphasize that you are referring to the whole of something, for example, the whole of a place, time, or population. [EMPHASIS ] □ He had spent his entire life in China as a doctor. □ There are only 60 swimming pools in the entire country. SYNONYMS entire ADJ
whole: We spent the whole summer in Italy that year.
complete: A complete tenement block was burnt to the ground.
en|tire|ly ◆◇◇ / I nta I ə r li/
1 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Entirely means completely and not just partly. □ …an entirely new approach. □ Fraud is an entirely different matter. □ Their price depended almost entirely on their scarcity.
2 ADV [ADV with v] Entirely is also used to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □ I agree entirely. □ Oh, the whole episode was entirely his fault. SYNONYMS entirely ADV 1
completely: …something completely different.
totally: Young people want something totally different from the old ways.
wholly: For urban areas this approach was wholly inadequate.
utterly: Everything about the country seemed utterly different from what I remembered.
en|tirety / I nta I ə r I ti/ PHRASE If something is used or affected in its entirety , the whole of it is used or affected. □ The peace plan has not been accepted in its entirety by all parties.
en|ti|tle ◆◇◇ / I nta I t ə l/ (entitles , entitling , entitled )
1 VERB If you are entitled to something, you have the right to have it or do it. □ [V n + to ] If the warranty is limited, the terms may entitle you to a replacement or refund. □ [V n to-inf] There are 23 Clubs throughout the U.S., and your membership entitles you to enjoy all of them.
2 VERB [usu passive] If the title of something such as a book, film, or painting is, for example, 'Sunrise', you can say that it is entitled 'Sunrise'. □ Chomsky's review is entitled 'Psychology and Ideology'. □ [V -ed quote] …a performance entitled 'United States'.
en|ti|tle|ment / I nta I t ə lmənt/ (entitlements ) N‑VAR An entitlement to something is the right to have it or do it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] They lose their entitlement to benefit when they start work.
en|tity /e nt I ti/ (entities ) N‑COUNT An entity is something that exists separately from other things and has a clear identity of its own. [FORMAL ] □ …the earth as a living entity.
en|tomb / I ntuː m/ (entombs , entombing , entombed )
1 VERB If something is entombed , it is buried or permanently trapped by something. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + in ] The city was entombed in volcanic lava. □ [V n] The Tel, an artificial mountain, entombs Jericho's ancient past. [Also V n + in ]
2 VERB [usu passive] When a person's dead body is entombed , it is buried in a grave or put into a tomb. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] Neither of them had any idea how long the body had been entombed.
ento|mol|ogy /e ntəmɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Entomology is the study of insects. ● ento|molo|gist /e ntəmɒ lədʒ I st/ (entomologists ) N‑COUNT □ …a research entomologist.
en|tou|rage /ɒ ntʊrɑː ʒ/ (entourages ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A famous or important person's entourage is the group of assistants, servants, or other people who travel with them.
en|trails /e ntre I lz/ N‑PLURAL The entrails of people or animals are their inside parts, especially their intestines.
entrance
➊ NOUN USES
➋ VERB USE
➊ en|trance ◆◇◇ /e ntrəns/ (entrances )
1 N‑COUNT The entrance to a place is the way into it, for example a door or gate. □ [+ to/into/of ] Beside the entrance to the church, turn right. □ He was driven out of a side entrance with his hand covering his face. □ A marble entrance hall leads to a sitting room.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can refer to someone's arrival in a place as their entrance , especially when you think that they are trying to be noticed and admired. □ If she had noticed her father's entrance, she gave no indication.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] When a performer makes his or her entrance on to the stage, he or she comes on to the stage.
4 N‑UNCOUNT If you gain entrance to a particular place, you manage to get in there. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Hewitt had gained entrance to the Hall by pretending to be a heating engineer.
5 N‑UNCOUNT If you gain entrance to a particular profession, society, or institution, you are accepted as a member of it. □ [+ to/into ] Entrance to universities and senior secondary schools was restricted. □ …entrance exams for the French civil service.
6 N‑SING If you make an entrance into a particular activity or system, you succeed in becoming involved in it. □ [+ into ] Charlie found his entrance into higher education completely miserable.
➋ en|trance / I ntrɑː ns, -træ ns/ (entrances , entrancing , entranced ) VERB If something or someone entrances you, they cause you to feel delight and wonder, often so that all your attention is taken up and you cannot think about anything else. □ [V n] As soon as I met Dick, he entranced me because he has a lovely voice. ● en|tranced ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] □ For the next three hours we sat entranced as the train made its way up the mountains. □ [+ by ] He is entranced by the kindness of her smile. ● en|tranc|ing ADJ □ The light reflected off the stone, creating a golden glow he found entrancing. SYNONYMS entrance NOUN ➊2
entry: He made his triumphal entry into Mexico City.
arrival: He was dead on arrival at the nearby hospital.
appearance: …last Christmas, when there'd been the welcome appearance of Cousin Fred.
e n|trance fee (entrance fees ) N‑COUNT An entrance fee is a sum of money which you pay before you go into somewhere such as a cinema or museum, or which you have to pay in order to join an organization or institution.
e n|trance hall (entrance halls ) N‑COUNT The entrance hall of a large house, hotel, or other large building, is the area just inside the main door.
en|trant /e ntrənt/ (entrants )
1 N‑COUNT An entrant is a person who has recently become a member of an institution such as a university. □ …a young school entrant.
2 N‑COUNT An entrant is a person who is taking part in a competition. □ All items entered for the competition must be the entrant's own work.
en|trap / I ntræ p/ (entraps , entrapping , entrapped ) VERB If you entrap someone, you trick or deceive them and make them believe or do something wrong. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The police have been given extra powers to entrap drug traffickers. □ [V n + into ] He saw education as a lie put about to entrap him into a lifetime of paying taxes.
en|trap|ment / I ntræ pmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Entrapment is the practice of arresting someone by using unfair or illegal methods. [LEGAL ] □ …allegations of police entrapment.
en|treat / I ntriː t/ (entreats , entreating , entreated ) VERB If you entreat someone to do something, you ask them very politely and seriously to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n to-inf] Trevor entreated them to delay their departure. □ [V with quote] 'Call me Earl!' he entreated. □ [V that] I earnestly entreat that we don't get caught out again. [Also V n, V n with quote]
en|treaty / I ntriː ti/ (entreaties ) N‑VAR An entreaty is a very polite, serious request. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] The FA has resisted all entreaties to pledge its support to the campaign.
en|trée /ɒ ntre I / (entrées ) also entree
1 N‑COUNT If you have an entrée to a social group, you are accepted and made to feel welcome by them. □ [+ into ] She had an entree into the city's cultivated society.
2 N‑COUNT At restaurants or formal dinners, the entrée is the main course, or sometimes a dish before the main course. □ Dinner features a hot entrée of chicken, veal, or lamb.
en|trench / I ntre ntʃ/ (entrenches , entrenching , entrenched ) VERB If something such as power, a custom, or an idea is entrenched , it is firmly established, so that it would be difficult to change it. □ [V n] …a series of measures designed to entrench democracy and the rule of law. □ [V pron-refl] These dictators have entrenched themselves politically and are difficult to move. ● en|trenched ADJ □ The recession remains deeply entrenched.
en|trench|ment / I ntre ntʃmənt/ (entrenchments )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Entrenchments are a series of long deep holes called trenches which are dug for defence by soldiers in war.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Entrenchment means the firm establishment of a system or your own position in a situation. □ [+ of ] …the entrenchment of democratic norms.
en|tre|pre|neur /ɒ ntrəprənɜː r / (entrepreneurs ) N‑COUNT An entrepreneur is a person who sets up businesses and business deals. [BUSINESS ]
en|tre|pre|neur|ial /ɒ ntrəprənɜː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Entrepreneurial means having the qualities that are needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. [BUSINESS ] □ …her prodigious entrepreneurial flair.
en|tre|pre|neur|ship /ɒ ntrəprənɜː r ʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Entrepreneurship is the state of being an entrepreneur, or the activities associated with being an entrepreneur.
en|tro|py /e ntrəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Entropy is a state of disorder, confusion, and disorganization. [TECHNICAL ]
en|trust / I ntrʌ st/ (entrusts , entrusting , entrusted ) VERB If you entrust something important to someone or entrust them with it, you make them responsible for looking after it or dealing with it. □ [V n + to ] If parents wanted to entrust their child to the best surgeons, they traveled to Bologna's medical school. □ [V n + with ] Her mother-in-law entrusted her with cooking tonight's feast for 30 friends and relatives. □ [be V -ed to-inf] They can be entrusted to solve major national problems. [Also V to n n]
en|try ◆◆◇ /e ntri/ (entries )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you gain entry to a particular place, you are able to go in. □ [+ to ] Bill was among the first to gain entry to Buckingham Palace when it opened to the public recently. □ [+ into ] Non-residents were refused entry into the region without authority from their own district. □ [+ to ] Entry to the museum is free. ● PHRASE No Entry is used on signs to indicate that you are not allowed to go into a particular area or go through a particular door or gate.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can refer to someone's arrival in a place as their entry , especially when you think that they are trying to be noticed and admired. □ [+ into ] He made his triumphal entry into Mexico City.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's entry into a particular society or group is their joining of it. □ [+ into ] …the minimum age for entry into a Brownie troop. □ [+ to ] …people who cannot gain entry to the owner-occupied housing sector.
4 N‑COUNT An entry in a diary, account book, computer file, or reference book is a short piece of writing in it. □ Violet's diary entry for 20 April 1917 records Brigit admitting to the affair.
5 N‑COUNT An entry for a competition is a piece of work, for example a story or drawing, or the answers to a set of questions, which you complete in order to take part in the competition. □ The closing date for entries is 31st December.
6 N‑SING Journalists sometimes use entry to refer to the total number of people taking part in an event or competition. For example, if a competition has an entry of twenty people, twenty people take part in it. □ [+ of ] Prize-money of nearly £90,000 has attracted a record entry of 14 horses from Britain and Ireland. □ Our competition has attracted a huge entry.
7 N‑UNCOUNT Entry in a competition is the act of taking part in it. □ [+ in/to ] Entry to this competition is by invitation only. □ …an entry form.
8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The entry to a place is the way into it, for example a door or gate. COLLOCATIONS entry NOUN
1
noun + entry : museum
adjective + entry : direct, free; forced, unlawful
verb + entry : gain, seek; grant, guarantee, permit; bar, deny, prevent, refuse
4
noun + entry : diary, dictionary, journal
5
adjective + entry : winning
verb + entry : send, submit; judge
e ntry-level
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Entry-level is used to describe basic low-cost versions of products such as cars or computers that are suitable for people who have no previous experience or knowledge of them. [BUSINESS ] □ Several companies are offering new, entry-level models in hopes of attracting more buyers.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Entry-level jobs are suitable for people who do not have previous experience or qualifications in a particular area of work. [BUSINESS ] □ Many entry-level jobs were filled by school leavers.
entry|way /e ntriwe I / (entryways ) N‑COUNT An entryway is a passage that is used as an entrance to a building. [mainly AM ]
en|twine / I ntwa I n/ (entwines , entwining , entwined )
1 VERB If one thing is entwined with another thing, or if you entwine two things, the two things are twisted around each other. □ [V ] His dazed eyes stare at the eels, which still writhe and entwine. □ [V n] The giraffes entwined their necks in the most astonishing manner. □ [V n + with ] He entwined his fingers with hers. □ [V -ed] …with silk ribbons and flowers entwined in their hair. [V n]
2 VERB If two things entwine or are entwined , they closely resemble or are linked to each other, and they are difficult to separate or identify. □ [V n] The book entwines the personal and the political to chart the history of the family. □ [V ] Once, years ago, he told me our lives should entwine. ● en|twined ADJ □ [+ with ] …before media manipulation became entwined with management.
E num|ber /iː nʌmbə r / (E numbers ) N‑COUNT E numbers are artificial substances which are added to some foods and drinks to improve their flavour or colour or to make them last longer. They are called E numbers because they are represented in Europe by code names which begin with the letter 'E'. [BRIT ]
enu|mer|ate / I njuː məre I t, [AM ] -nuː -/ (enumerates , enumerating , enumerated ) VERB When you enumerate a list of things, you name each one in turn. □ [V n] I enumerate the work that will have to be done.
enun|ci|ate / I nʌ nsie I t/ (enunciates , enunciating , enunciated ) VERB When you enunciate a word or part of a word, you pronounce it clearly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] His voice was harsh as he enunciated each word carefully. □ [V ] She enunciates very slowly and carefully. ● enun|cia|tion / I nʌnsie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ … his grammar always precise, his enunciation always perfect.
en|vel|op / I nve ləp/ (envelops , enveloping , enveloped ) VERB If one thing envelops another, it covers or surrounds it completely. □ [V n] That lovely, rich fragrant smell of the forest enveloped us. □ [V -ing] …an enveloping sense of well-being.
en|velope /e nvəloʊp, ɒ n-/ (envelopes )
1 N‑COUNT An envelope is the rectangular paper cover in which you send a letter to someone through the post.
2 PHRASE If someone pushes the envelope , they do something to a greater degree or in a more extreme way than it has ever been done before. □ There's a valuable place for fashion and design that pushes the envelope a bit.
en|vi|able /e nviəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You describe something such as a quality as enviable when someone else has it and you wish that you had it too. □ Japan is in the enviable position of having a budget surplus. □ They have enviable reputations as athletes.
en|vi|ous /e nviəs/ ADJ If you are envious of someone, you want something that they have. □ [+ of ] I don't think I'm envious of your success. □ Do I sound envious? I pity them, actually. □ …envious thoughts. ● en|vi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'You haven't changed,' I am often enviously told.
en|vi|ron|ment ◆◆◇ / I nva I ə rənmənt/ (environments )
1 N‑VAR Someone's environment is all the circumstances, people, things, and events around them that influence their life. □ Pupils in our schools are taught in a safe, secure environment. □ The moral characters of men are formed not by heredity but by environment.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your environment consists of the particular natural surroundings in which you live or exist, considered in relation to their physical characteristics or weather conditions. □ …the maintenance of a safe environment for marine mammals.
3 N‑SING The environment is the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. □ …persuading people to respect the environment. COLLOCATIONS environment NOUN
1
adjective + environment : safe, secure, stable, supportive; challenging, competitive, hostile, relaxed; economic, political, social
3
verb + environment : help, protect, respect, save; damage, harm, pollute SYNONYMS environment NOUN
1
conditions: The conditions are ripe for the spread of disease.
circumstances: The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times.
situation: She's in a hopeless situation.
background: The meeting takes place against a background of continuing political violence.
2
habitat: Few countries have as rich a diversity of habitat as South Africa.
territory: A cat's territory remains fixed for as long as the cat dominates it.
en|vi|ron|men|tal ◆◆◇ / I nva I ə rənme nt ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Environmental means concerned with the protection of the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. □ …the environmental claims being made for some products. □ Environmental groups plan to stage public protests during the conference. ● en|vi|ron|men|tal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …the high price of environmentally friendly goods.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Environmental means relating to or caused by the surroundings in which someone lives or something exists. □ It protects against environmental hazards such as wind and sun.
en|vi|ron|men|tal|ism / I nva I ə rənme nt ə l I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Environmentalism is used to describe actions and policies which show a concern with protecting and preserving the natural environment, for example by preventing pollution.
en|vi|ron|men|tal|ist / I nva I ə rənme nt ə l I st/ (environmentalists ) N‑COUNT An environmentalist is a person who is concerned with protecting and preserving the natural environment, for example by preventing pollution.
en|vi|rons / I nva I ərənz/ N‑PLURAL [with poss] The environs of a place consist of the area immediately surrounding it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the environs of Paris. □ The town and its environs are inviting, with recreational attractions and art museums.
en|vis|age / I nv I z I dʒ/ (envisages , envisaging , envisaged ) VERB If you envisage something, you imagine that it is true, real, or likely to happen. □ [V n] He envisages the possibility of establishing direct diplomatic relations in the future. □ [V v-ing] He had never envisaged spending the whole of his working life in that particular job. □ [V n v-ing] Personally, I envisage them staying together. [Also V that]
en|vi|sion / I nv I ʒ ə n/ (envisions , envisioning , envisioned ) VERB If you envision something, you envisage it. [AM , also BRIT , LITERARY ] □ [V n] In the future we envision a federation of companies. □ [V that] Most people do stop at this point, not envisioning that there is anything beyond. [Also V wh]
en|voy /e nvɔ I / (envoys )
1 N‑COUNT An envoy is someone who is sent as a representative from one government or political group to another.
2 N‑COUNT An envoy is a diplomat in an embassy who is immediately below the ambassador in rank.
envy /e nvi/ (envies , envying , envied )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Envy is the feeling you have when you wish you could have the same thing or quality that someone else has. □ [+ towards ] Gradually he began to acknowledge his feelings of envy towards his mother. □ They gazed in a mixture of envy and admiration at the beauty of the statue.
2 VERB If you envy someone, you wish that you had the same things or qualities that they have. □ [V n] I don't envy the young ones who've become TV superstars and know no other world. □ [V n n] He envied Caroline her peace.
3 N‑SING If a thing or quality is the envy of someone, they wish very much that they could have or achieve it. □ [+ of ] …an economic expansion that was the envy of many other states.
4 green with envy → see green
en|zyme /e nza I m/ (enzymes ) N‑COUNT An enzyme is a chemical substance that is found in living creatures which produces changes in other substances without being changed itself. [TECHNICAL ]
eon /iː ɒn/ → see aeon
EP /iː piː / (EPs ) N‑COUNT An EP is a record which lasts for about 8 minutes on each side. EP is an abbreviation for 'extended play'.
ep|aulette /e pəle t/ (epaulettes ) in AM, use epaulet N‑COUNT [usu pl] Epaulettes are decorations worn on the shoulders of certain uniforms, especially military ones.
épée /e I pe I / (épées ) also epee N‑COUNT An épée is a thin, light sword that is used in the sport of fencing.
ephem|era / I fe mərə/
1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to things which last for only a short time as ephemera . [LITERARY ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Ephemera is things people collect such as old postcards, posters, and bus tickets, which were only intended to last a short time when they were produced. □ …tickets and other printed ephemera.
ephem|er|al / I fe mərəl/ ADJ If you describe something as ephemeral , you mean that it lasts only for a very short time. [FORMAL ] □ He talked about the country's ephemeral unity being shattered by the defeat.
epic /e p I k/ (epics )
1 N‑COUNT An epic is a long book, poem, or film, whose story extends over a long period of time or tells of great events. □ …the Middle High German epic, 'Nibelungenlied', written about 1200. □ At three hours and 21 minutes, it is an over-long, standard Hollywood epic. ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] Epic is also an adjective. □ …epic narrative poems. □ Like 'Gone With The Wind' it's an unashamed epic romance.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is epic is very large and impressive. □ …Columbus's epic voyage of discovery.
epi|cen|tre /e pisentə r / (epicentres ) in AM, use epicenter N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The epicentre of an earthquake is the place on the Earth's surface directly above the point where it starts, and is the place where it is felt most strongly. □ The earthquake had its epicentre two-hundred kilometres north-east of the capital.
epi|cure /e p I kjʊə r / (epicures ) N‑COUNT An epicure is someone who enjoys eating food that is of very good quality, especially unusual or rare food. [FORMAL ]
epi|cu|rean /e p I kjʊəriː ən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Epicurean food is of very good quality, especially unusual or rare food. [FORMAL ] □ …an epicurean dish.
epi|dem|ic /e p I de m I k/ (epidemics )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If there is an epidemic of a particular disease somewhere, it affects a very large number of people there and spreads quickly to other areas. □ A flu epidemic is sweeping through Moscow. □ [+ of ] …a killer epidemic of yellow fever.
2 N‑COUNT If an activity that you disapprove of is increasing or spreading rapidly, you can refer to this as an epidemic of that activity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] …an epidemic of serial killings. □ Drug experts say it could spell the end of the crack epidemic.
epi|der|mis /e p I dɜː r m I s/ N‑SING Your epidermis is the thin, protective, outer layer of your skin. [TECHNICAL ]
epi|dur|al /e pidjʊə rəl, [AM ] -dʊ r-/ (epidurals ) N‑COUNT An epidural is a type of anaesthetic which is injected into a person's spine so that they cannot feel anything from the waist downwards. Epidurals are sometimes given to women when they are giving birth.
epi|gram /e p I græm/ (epigrams ) N‑COUNT An epigram is a short saying or poem which expresses an idea in a very clever and amusing way.
epi|lep|sy /e p I lepsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Epilepsy is a brain condition which causes a person to suddenly lose consciousness and sometimes to have fits.
epi|lep|tic /e p I le pt I k/ (epileptics )
1 ADJ Someone who is epileptic suffers from epilepsy. □ He was epileptic and refused to take medication for his condition. ● N‑COUNT An epileptic is someone who is epileptic. □ His wife is an epileptic.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An epileptic fit is caused by epilepsy. □ He suffered an epileptic fit.
epi|logue /e p I lɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (epilogues ) in AM, also use epilog N‑COUNT An epilogue is a passage or speech which is added to the end of a book or play as a conclusion.
epipha|ny / I p I fəni/ (epiphanies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Epiphany is a Christian festival on the 6th of January which celebrates the arrival of the wise men who came to see Jesus Christ soon after he was born.
2 N‑COUNT An epiphany is a moment of sudden insight or understanding. □ …Isaac Newton's epiphany about gravity and a falling apple.
epis|co|pal / I p I skəp ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Episcopal means relating to a branch of the Anglican Church in Scotland and the USA. □ …the Scottish Episcopal Church. □ …the Episcopal bishop of New York. □ …the Protestant Episcopal church.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Episcopal means relating to bishops. [FORMAL ] □ …episcopal conferences.
Epis|co|pa|li|an / I p I skəpe I liən/ (Episcopalians )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Episcopalian means belonging to the Episcopal Church.
2 N‑COUNT An Episcopalian is a member of the Episcopal Church.
epi|sode ◆◇◇ /e p I soʊd/ (episodes )
1 N‑COUNT You can refer to an event or a short period of time as an episode if you want to suggest that it is important or unusual, or has some particular quality. □ This episode is bound to be a deep embarrassment for Washington. □ [+ of ] Unfortunately it was a rather sordid episode of my life.
2 N‑COUNT An episode of something such as a series on radio or television or a story in a magazine is one of the separate parts in which it is broadcast or published. □ The final episode will be shown next Sunday. [Also + of ]
3 N‑COUNT An episode of an illness is short period in which a person who suffers from it is affected by it particularly badly. [MEDICAL ]
epi|sod|ic /e p I sɒ d I k/ ADJ Something that is episodic occurs at irregular and infrequent intervals. [FORMAL ] □ …episodic attacks of fever.
epis|tle / I p I s ə l/ (epistles )
1 N‑COUNT An epistle is a letter. [LITERARY ]
2 N‑COUNT In the Bible, the Epistles are a series of books in the New Testament which were originally written as letters to the early Christians.
epis|to|lary / I p I stələri, [AM ] -leri/ ADJ [ADJ n] An epistolary novel or story is one that is written as a series of letters. [FORMAL ]
epi|taph /e p I tɑːf, -tæf/ (epitaphs ) N‑COUNT An epitaph is a short piece of writing about someone who is dead, often carved on their grave.
epi|thet /e p I θet/ (epithets ) N‑COUNT An epithet is an adjective or short phrase which is used as a way of criticizing or praising someone. [FORMAL ] □ …the religious issue which led to the epithet 'bible-basher'.
epito|me / I p I təmi/ N‑SING If you say that a person or thing is the epitome of something, you are emphasizing that they are the best possible example of a particular type of person or thing. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] Maureen was the epitome of sophistication.
epito|mize / I p I təma I z/ (epitomizes , epitomizing , epitomized ) in BRIT, also use epitomise VERB If you say that something or someone epitomizes a particular thing, you mean that they are a perfect example of it. □ [be V -ed + by ] Lyonnais cooking is epitomized by the so-called 'bouchons'. □ [V n] …the sleek lift that epitomized the hotel's glossy decor.
EPO /iː piː oʊ / also epo N‑UNCOUNT EPO is a drug that can improve performance in sports and is used illegally by some sportspeople. EPO is short for 'erythropoietin'.
epoch /iː pɒk, [AM ] e pək/ (epochs ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a long period of time as an epoch , you mean that important events or great changes took place during it. □ The birth of Christ was the beginning of a major epoch of world history.
e poch-making ADJ [usu ADJ n] An epoch-making change or declaration is considered to be extremely important because it is likely to have a significant effect on a particular period of time. □ It was meant to sound like an epoch-making declaration. □ …an event of epoch-making significance in American political history.
epony|mous / I pɒ n I məs/ ADJ [ADJ n] An eponymous hero or heroine is the character in a play or book whose name is the title of that play or book. [FORMAL ]
epoxy / I pɒ ksi/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Epoxy resin or adhesive contains an artificial substance which sets hard when it is heated or when pressure is applied to it.
Ep|som salts /e psəm sɔː lts/ N‑UNCOUNT Epsom salts is a kind of white powder which you can mix with water and drink as a medicine to help you empty your bowels.
EQ /iː kjuː / (EQs ) N‑VAR A person's EQ is a measure of their interpersonal and communication skills. EQ is an abbreviation for 'emotional quotient'. Compare IQ . □ Guy was elected leader and then found to have the highest EQ on a nominal measure.
eq|uable /e kwəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as equable , you mean that they are calm, cheerful, and fair with other people, even in difficult circumstances. □ He was a man of the most equable temper. ● eq|uably ADV [ADV after v] □ She wasn't prepared to respond equably to Richardson's mood, and she spoke curtly.
equal ◆◇◇ /iː kwəl/ (equals , equalling , equalled ) in AM, use equaling , equaled 1 ADJ If two things are equal or if one thing is equal to another, they are the same in size, number, standard, or value. □ [+ to ] Investors can borrow an amount equal to the property's purchase price. □ …in a population having equal numbers of men and women. □ Research and teaching are of equal importance.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If different groups of people have equal rights or are given equal treatment, they have the same rights or are treated the same as each other, however different they are. □ We will be justly demanding equal rights at work. □ …the commitment to equal opportunities. □ …new legislation allowing companies to compete on equal terms.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that people are equal , you mean that they have or should have the same rights and opportunities as each other. □ We are equal in every way. □ At any gambling game, everyone is equal.
4 N‑COUNT Someone who is your equal has the same ability, status, or rights as you have. □ She was one of the boys, their equal. □ You should have married somebody more your equal.
5 ADJ If someone is equal to a particular job or situation, they have the necessary ability, strength, or courage to deal successfully with it. □ [+ to ] She was determined that she would be equal to any test the corporation put to them.
6 V‑LINK If something equals a particular number or amount, it is the same as that amount or the equivalent of that amount. □ [V amount] 9 percent interest less 7 percent inflation equals 2 percent.
7 VERB To equal something or someone means to be as good or as great as them. □ [V n] The victory equalled Southend's best in history.
8 PHRASE If you say ' other things being equal ' or ' all things being equal ' when talking about a possible situation, you mean if nothing unexpected happens or if there are no other factors which affect the situation. □ Other things being equal, most tenants would prefer single to shared rooms. SYNONYMS equal ADJ
1
identical: The two parties fought the last election on almost identical manifestos.
equivalent: Calls for equivalent wage increases are bound to be heard.
the same: Bihar had a population roughly the same as that of England.
uniform: The price rises will not be uniform across the country.
2
fair: I wanted them to get a fair deal.
even-handed: The administration wants to ensure the meetings appear even-handed.
equitable: We believe you can redistribute this money in a way that's equitable.
equali|ty / I kwɒ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Equality is the same status, rights, and responsibilities for all the members of a society, group, or family. □ [+ of ] …equality of the sexes.
equal|ize /iː kwəla I z/ (equalizes , equalizing , equalized ) in BRIT, also use equalise 1 VERB To equalize a situation means to give everyone the same rights or opportunities, for example in education, wealth, or social status. □ [V n] Such measures are needed to equalize wage rates between countries. ● equali|za|tion /iː kwəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the equalization of parenting responsibilities between men and women.
2 VERB In sports such as football, if a player equalizes , he or she scores a goal that makes the scores of the two teams equal. [BRIT ] □ [V ] Keegan equalized with only 16 minutes remaining. □ [V n] They showed little sign of equalising the Portsmouth striker's glorious 55th-minute shot.
equal|iz|er /iː kwəla I zə r / (equalizers ) also equaliser N‑COUNT [usu sing] In sports such as football, an equalizer is a goal or a point that makes the scores of the two teams equal. [BRIT ]
equal|ly ◆◇◇ /iː kwəli/
1 ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] Equally means in sections, amounts, or spaces that are the same size as each other. □ He asked that his property be divided equally between his sons. □ Try to eat at least three meals a day, at equally spaced intervals.
2 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV before v] Equally means to the same degree or extent. □ All these techniques are equally effective. □ Success doesn't only depend on what you do. What you don't do is equally important.
3 ADV Equally is used to introduce another comment on the same topic, which balances or contrasts with the previous comment. □ They needed his help, but equally they did not trust him. USAGE equally
Don’t use ‘equally’ in front of as
when you are comparing things. Don’t say, for example, ‘
He is equally as tall as his brother
’. Say ‘He is as tall as
his brother’. □
He was just as shocked as
I was.
□
He was an excellent pianist. Irene was equally brilliant
.
SYNONYMS
equally
ADV
1
evenly: The loss of jobs has been far more evenly spread across the regions.
uniformly: Microwaves heat water uniformly.
fairly: Water was precious and it had to be shared fairly between individuals.
e qual op|por|tu |nities N‑PLURAL Equal opportunities refers to the policy of giving everyone the same opportunities for employment, pay and promotion, without discriminating against particular groups. [BUSINESS ] □ The profession's leaders must take action now to promote equal opportunities for all.
e qual op|por|tu |nities em|plo y|er (equal opportunities employers ) N‑COUNT An equal opportunities employer is an employer who gives people the same opportunities for employment, pay, and promotion, without discrimination against anyone. [BUSINESS ] □ The police force is committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
e qual sign (equal signs ) in BRIT, also use equals sign N‑COUNT An equal sign is the sign =, which is used in arithmetic to indicate that two numbers or sets of numbers are equal.
equa|nim|ity /e kwən I m I ti, iː k-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] Equanimity is a calm state of mind and attitude to life, so that you never lose your temper or become upset. [FORMAL ] □ His sense of humour allowed him to face adversaries with equanimity.
equate / I kwe I t/ (equates , equating , equated ) VERB If you equate one thing with another, or if you say that one thing equates with another, you believe that they are strongly connected. □ [V n + with ] I'm always wary of men wearing suits, as I equate this with power and authority. □ [V n] The author doesn't equate liberalism and conservatism. □ [V + to/with ] The principle of hierarchy does not equate to totalitarian terror. ● equa|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the equation of gangsterism with business in Coppola's film.
equa|tion / I kwe I ʒ ə n/ (equations )
1 N‑COUNT An equation is a mathematical statement saying that two amounts or values are the same, for example 6x4=12x2.
2 N‑COUNT An equation is a situation in which two or more parts have to be considered together so that the whole situation can be understood or explained. □ The equation is simple: research breeds new products. □ New plans have taken chance out of the equation.
3 → see also equate
equa|tor / I kwe I tə r / N‑SING The equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the Earth at an equal distance from the North Pole and the South Pole.
equa|to|rial /e kwətɔː ri ə l, [AM ] iː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is equatorial is near or at the equator. □ …the equatorial island with a hundred and twenty thousand people living there.
eq|uer|ry / I kwe ri, [AM ] e kwəri/ (equerries ) N‑COUNT An equerry is an officer of a royal household or court who acts as a personal assistant to a member of the royal family.
eques|trian / I kwe striən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Equestrian means connected with the activity of riding horses. □ …his equestrian skills.
eques|tri|an|ism / I kwe striən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Equestrianism refers to sports in which people demonstrate their skill at riding and controlling a horse.
equi|dis|tant /iː kw I d I stənt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A place that is equidistant from two other places is the same distance away from each of these places. □ [+ from/between ] Horsey is equidistant from Great Yarmouth and Mundesley.
equi|lat|eral /iː kw I læ tərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shape or figure that is equilateral has sides that are all the same length. [TECHNICAL ] □ …an equilateral triangle.
equi|lib|rium /iː kw I l I briəm/ (equilibria )
1 N‑VAR Equilibrium is a balance between several different influences or aspects of a situation. [FORMAL ] □ Stocks seesawed ever lower until prices found some new level of equilibrium. □ For the economy to be in equilibrium, income must equal expenditure.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's equilibrium is their normal calm state of mind. □ I paused in the hall to take three deep breaths to restore my equilibrium.
equine /e kwa I n, [AM ] iː k-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Equine means connected with or relating to horses. □ …an outbreak of equine influenza.
equi|nox /iː kw I nɒks, e k-/ (equinoxes ) N‑COUNT An equinox is one of the two days in the year when day and night are of equal length. □ In the Chinese calendar, the Spring Equinox always occurs in the second month.
equip / I kw I p/ (equips , equipping , equipped )
1 VERB If you equip a person or thing with something, you give them the tools or equipment that are needed. □ [V n + with ] They equipped their vehicles with gadgets to deal with every possible contingency. □ [V n to-inf] Owners of restaurants would have to equip them to admit people with disabilities. □ [V n] The country did not possess the modern guns to equip the reserve army properly. ● equipped ADJ □ …well-equipped research buildings. □ [+ with ] The greenhouses come equipped with a ventilating system and aluminium screen door.
2 VERB If something equips you for a particular task or experience, it gives you the skills and attitudes you need for it, especially by educating you in a particular way. □ [V n + with ] Relative poverty, however, did not prevent Martin from equipping himself with an excellent education. □ [V n to-inf] A basic two-hour first aid course would equip you to deal with any of these incidents. [Also V n + for ] ● equipped ADJ □ Some students have emotional problems that teachers feel ill equipped to handle. □ [+ for ] When they leave school, they will be equipped for obtaining office jobs.
equip|ment ◆◆◇ / I kw I pmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Equipment consists of the things which are used for a particular purpose, for example a hobby or job. □ …computers, electronic equipment and machine tools. □ …outdoor playing equipment. USAGE equipment
Equipment
is an uncountable noun. Don’t talk about ‘
equipments
’ or ‘
an equipment
’. You can talk about a single item as a piece of equipment
. □
This radio is an important piece of equipment
.
□
…kitchen equipment
.
equi|table /e kw I təb ə l/ ADJ Something that is equitable is fair and reasonable in a way that gives equal treatment to everyone. □ We have an unsurpassed opportunity to transform the United States into a more prosperous, sustainable and equitable country. ● equi|tably ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ …a real attempt to allocate scarce resources more equitably.
equi|ties /e kw I tiz/
1 N‑PLURAL Equities are shares in a company that are owned by people who have a right to vote at the company's meetings and to receive part of the company's profits after the holders of preference shares have been paid. [BUSINESS ] □ Investors have poured money into U.S. equities.
2 → see also preference shares
equi|ty ◆◇◇ /e kw I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT In finance, your equity is the sum of your assets, for example the value of your house, once your debts have been subtracted from it. [BUSINESS ] □ To capture his equity, Murphy must either sell or refinance. □ …a Personal Equity Plan.
2 → see also negative equity
3 N‑UNCOUNT Equity is the quality of being fair and reasonable in a way that gives equal treatment to everyone. □ We base this call on grounds of social justice and equity.
equiva|lence / I kw I vələns/ N‑UNCOUNT If there is equivalence between two things, they have the same use, function, size, or value. □ [+ of ] …the equivalence of science and rationality.
equiva|lent ◆◇◇ / I kw I vələnt/ (equivalents )
1 N‑SING If one amount or value is the equivalent of another, they are the same. □ [+ of ] The equivalent of two tablespoons of polyunsaturated oils is ample each day. □ [+ of ] Even the cheapest car costs the equivalent of 70 years' salary for a government worker. ● ADJ Equivalent is also an adjective. □ [+ to ] A unit is equivalent to a glass of wine or a single measure of spirits. □ Calls for equivalent wage increases are bound to be heard.
2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The equivalent of someone or something is a person or thing that has the same function in a different place, time, or system. □ …the civil administrator of the West Bank and his equivalent in Gaza. □ …the Red Cross emblem, and its equivalent in Muslim countries, the Red Crescent. ● ADJ Equivalent is also an adjective. □ …a decrease of 10% in property investment compared with the equivalent period last year.
3 N‑SING You can use equivalent to emphasize the great or severe effect of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] His party has just suffered the equivalent of a near-fatal heart attack.
equivo|cal / I kw I vək ə l/
1 ADJ If you are equivocal , you are deliberately vague in what you say, because you want to avoid speaking the truth or making a decision. [FORMAL ] □ [+ about ] Many were equivocal about the idea. □ His equivocal response has done nothing to dampen the speculation.
2 ADJ If something is equivocal , it is difficult to understand, interpret, or explain, often because it has aspects that seem to contradict each other. [FORMAL ] □ Research in this area is somewhat equivocal. □ He was tortured by an awareness of the equivocal nature of his position.
equivo|cate / I kw I vəke I t/ (equivocates , equivocating , equivocated ) VERB When someone equivocates , they deliberately use vague language in order to deceive people or to avoid speaking the truth. □ [V + about/over ] He is equivocating a lot about what is going to happen if and when there are elections. □ [V ] He had asked her once again about her finances. And again she had equivocated. ● equivo|ca|tion / I kw I vəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu without N ] □ Why doesn't the President say so without equivocation?
er /ɜː r / Er is used in writing to represent the sound that people make when they hesitate, especially while they decide what to say next. □ I would challenge the, er, suggestion that we're in third place.
ER /iː ɑː r / (ERs ) N‑COUNT The ER is the part of a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illnesses are taken for emergency treatment. ER is an abbreviation for 'emergency room'. [AM ] in BRIT, use casualty , A & E
SUFFIX -er
1 forms nouns that refer to a person who performs a particular action, often because it is their job. For example, a teacher is someone who teaches.
2 also forms nouns which refer to tools and machines that perform a particular action. For example, a scanner is a machine that scans things.
era ◆◇◇ / I ə rə/ (eras ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a period of history or a long period of time as an era when you want to draw attention to a particular feature or quality that it has. □ …the nuclear era. □ [+ of ] It was an era of austerity. SYNONYMS era NOUN
time(s): We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.
age: …the age of steam and steel.
period: …the most difficult periods of history.
epoch: This was the beginning of a major epoch of world history.
day(s): He began to talk about the Ukraine of his uncle's day.
eradi|cate / I ræ d I ke I t/ (eradicates , eradicating , eradicated ) VERB To eradicate something means to get rid of it completely. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They are already battling to eradicate illnesses such as malaria and tetanus. □ [be V -ed] If tedious tasks could be eradicated, the world would be a much better place. ● eradi|ca|tion / I ræ d I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] He is seen as having made a significant contribution towards the eradication of corruption.
erase / I re I z, [AM ] I re I s/ (erases , erasing , erased )
1 VERB If you erase a thought or feeling, you destroy it completely so that you can no longer remember something or no longer feel a particular emotion. □ [V n] They are desperate to erase the memory of that last defeat in Cardiff. □ [V n + from ] Love was a word he'd erased from his vocabulary since Susan's going.
2 VERB If you erase sound which has been recorded on a tape or information which has been stored in a computer, you completely remove or destroy it. □ [V n] He was in the studio tearfully erasing all the tapes he'd slaved over. □ [be V -ed + from ] It appears the names were accidentally erased from computer disks. [Also V n + from ]
3 VERB If you erase something such as writing or a mark, you remove it, usually by rubbing it with a cloth. □ [V n] It was unfortunate that she had erased the message.
eras|er / I re I zə r , [AM ] -re I s-/ (erasers ) N‑COUNT An eraser is an object, usually a piece of rubber or plastic, which is used for removing something that has been written using a pencil or a pen. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □ …a large, flat, pink India-rubber eraser.
eras|ure / I re I ʒə r , [AM ] -re I ʃ-/ N‑UNCOUNT The erasure of something is the removal, loss, or destruction of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a further erasure of the U.K.'s thin manufacturing base.
ere /eə r / CONJ Ere means the same as 'before'. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ Take the water ere the clock strikes twelve.
e -read|er (e-readers ) N‑COUNT An e-reader is a device that you can carry with you and use to download and read texts in electronic form. E-reader is an abbreviation for 'e-book reader'. □ The number of people who owned an e-reader nearly doubled over the recent holiday season.
erect / I re kt/ (erects , erecting , erected )
1 VERB If people erect something such as a building, bridge, or barrier, they build it or create it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Opposition demonstrators have erected barricades in roads leading to the parliament building. □ [be V -ed] The building was erected in 1900–1901. □ [V n] We all unconsciously erect barriers against intimacy.
2 VERB If you erect a system, a theory, or an institution, you create it. □ [V n] Japanese proprietors are erecting a complex infrastructure of political influence throughout America. □ [V n] He erected a new doctrine of precedent.
3 ADJ People or things that are erect are straight and upright. □ Stand reasonably erect, your arms hanging naturally.
erec|tion / I re kʃ ə n/ (erections )
1 N‑COUNT If a man has an erection , his penis is stiff, swollen, and sticking up because he is sexually aroused.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The erection of something is the act of building it or placing it in an upright position. □ [+ of ] …the erection of temporary fencing to protect hedges under repair.
er|ga|tive /ɜː r gət I v/ ADJ An ergative verb is a verb that can be both transitive and intransitive, where the subject of the intransitive verb is the same as the object of the transitive verb. For example, 'open' is an ergative verb because you can say 'The door opened' or 'She opened the door'.
ergo /ɜː r goʊ/ ADV Ergo is sometimes used instead of 'therefore' to introduce a clause in which you mention something that is the consequence or logical result of what you have just said. [FORMAL or LITERARY ] □ Neither side would have an incentive to start a war. Ergo, peace would reign.
er|go|nom|ics /ɜː r gənɒ m I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Ergonomics is the study of how equipment and furniture can be arranged in order that people can do work or other activities more efficiently and comfortably.
er|mine /ɜː r m I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ermine is expensive white fur that comes from small animals called stoats.
erode / I roʊ d/ (erodes , eroding , eroded )
1 VERB If rock or soil erodes or is eroded by the weather, sea, or wind, it cracks and breaks so that it is gradually destroyed. □ [V ] By 1980, Miami beach had all but totally eroded. □ [be V -ed] Once exposed, soil is quickly eroded by wind and rain. [Also V n] ● erod|ed ADJ □ …the deeply eroded landscape.
2 VERB If someone's authority, right, or confidence erodes or is eroded , it is gradually destroyed or removed. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] His critics say his fumbling of the issue of reform has eroded his authority. □ [V ] Her status as the world's leading female singer eroded rapidly.
3 VERB If the value of something erodes or is eroded by something such as inflation or age, its value decreases. □ [V n] Competition in the financial marketplace has eroded profits. □ [V ] The value of the dollar began to erode rapidly just around this time.
erog|enous / I rɒ dʒ I nəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An erogenous part of your body is one where sexual pleasure can be felt or caused. [FORMAL ] □ A bare ankle is the new erogenous zone.
ero|sion / I roʊ ʒ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Erosion is the gradual destruction and removal of rock or soil in a particular area by rivers, the sea, or the weather. □ As their roots are strong and penetrating, they prevent erosion. □ [+ of ] …erosion of the river valleys. □ …soil erosion.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The erosion of a person's authority, rights, or confidence is the gradual destruction or removal of them. □ [+ of ] …the erosion of confidence in world financial markets. □ [+ of ] …an erosion of presidential power.
3 N‑UNCOUNT The erosion of support, values, or money is a gradual decrease in its level or standard. □ [+ of ] …the erosion of moral standards. □ [+ of ] …a dramatic erosion of support for the program.
erot|ic / I rɒ t I k/
1 ADJ If you describe something as erotic , you mean that it involves sexual feelings or arouses sexual desire. □ It might sound like some kind of wild fantasy, but it wasn't an erotic experience at all. □ …photographs of nude women in erotic poses. ● eroti|cal|ly / I rɒ t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The film is shot seductively, erotically.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Erotic art shows naked people or sexual acts, and is intended to produce feelings of sexual pleasure. □ Erotic paintings also became a fine art.
eroti|ca / I rɒ t I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Erotica means works of art that show or describe sexual activity, and which are intended to arouse sexual feelings.
eroti|cism / I rɒ t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Eroticism is sexual excitement, or the quality of being able to arouse sexual excitement. [FORMAL ] □ Almost all of Massenet's works are pervaded with an aura of eroticism.
err /ɜː r / (errs , erring , erred )
1 VERB If you err , you make a mistake. [FORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V + in ] It criticises the main contractor for seriously erring in its original estimates. □ [V ] If you make a threat be sure to carry it out if he errs again.
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