1
adapt: They have had to adapt themselves to a war economy.
accommodate: Some animal and plant species cannot accommodate to the rapidly changing conditions.
get used: This is how we do things here. You'll soon get used to it.
accustom: The team has accustomed itself to the pace of first division rugby.
3
alter: They have never altered their programmes by a single day.
adapt: Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office.
revise: The staff should work together to revise the school curriculum.
modify: The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.
amend: The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections.
ad|just|able /ədʒʌ stəb ə l/ ADJ If something is adjustable , it can be changed to different positions or sizes. □ The bags have adjustable shoulder straps. □ The seats are fully adjustable.
ad|just|er /ədʒʌ stə r / (adjusters ) also adjustor
1 N‑COUNT An adjuster is a device which allows you to alter a piece of equipment's position or setting. □ …a seat belt adjuster.
2 → see also loss adjuster
ad|just|ment /ədʒʌ stmənt/ (adjustments )
1 N‑COUNT An adjustment is a small change that is made to something such as a machine or a way of doing something. □ [+ to ] Compensation could be made by adjustments to taxation. □ [+ for ] Investment is up by 5.7% after adjustment for inflation. [Also + in ]
2 N‑COUNT An adjustment is a change in a person's behaviour or thinking. □ [+ to ] He will have to make major adjustments to his thinking if he is to survive in office.
ad|ju|tant /æ dʒʊtənt/ (adjutants ) N‑COUNT An adjutant is an officer in the army who deals with administrative work.
a d-li b (ad-libs , ad-libbing , ad-libbed ) also ad lib
1 VERB If you ad-lib something in a play or a speech, you say something which has not been planned or written beforehand. □ [V n] He began comically ad-libbing a script. □ [V n] He's good at ad-libbing his way out of trouble. □ [V ] He is rather disjointed when he ad-libs. □ [V -ed] …ad-libbed phrases.
2 N‑COUNT An ad-lib is something which is said without having been planned or written beforehand. □ Every time I fluffed a line Lenny got me out of trouble with a brilliant ad-lib. ● ADV [ADV after v] Ad lib is also an adverb. □ I spoke from the pulpit ad lib.
ad|man /æ dmæn/ (admen ) N‑COUNT An adman is someone who works in advertising. [INFORMAL ]
ad|min /æ dm I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Admin is the activity or process of organizing an institution or organization. [INFORMAL ] □ I have two assistants who help with the admin.
ad|min|is|ter /ædm I n I stə r / (administers , administering , administered )
1 VERB If someone administers something such as a country, the law, or a test, they take responsibility for organizing and supervising it. □ [V n] The plan calls for the U.N. to administer the country until elections can be held. [Also V n to n]
2 VERB If a doctor or a nurse administers a drug, they give it to a patient. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Paramedics are trained to administer certain drugs. [Also V n + to ]
ad|min|is|tra|tion ◆◆◇ /ædm I n I stre I ʃ ə n/ (administrations )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Administration is the range of activities connected with organizing and supervising the way that an organization or institution functions. □ Too much time is spent on administration. □ …a master's degree in business administration.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The administration of something is the process of organizing and supervising it. □ [+ of ] Standards in the administration of justice have degenerated.
3 N‑SING [usu n N ] The administration of a company or institution is the group of people who organize and supervise it. □ … a member of the college administration.
4 N‑COUNT You can refer to a country's government as the administration ; used especially in the United States. SYNONYMS administration NOUN 2
management: The dispute is about the management of the mining industry.
government: The first four years of government were completely disastrous.
control: The restructuring involves Mr Ronson giving up control of the company.
running: …the committee in charge of the day-to-day running of the party.
ad|min|is|tra|tive /ædm I n I strət I v, [AM ] -stre I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Administrative work involves organizing and supervising an organization or institution. □ Other industries have had to sack managers to reduce administrative costs.
ad|min|is|tra|tor /ædm I n I stre I tə r / (administrators ) N‑COUNT An administrator is a person whose job involves helping to organize and supervise the way that an organization or institution functions.
ad|mi|rable /æ dm I rəb ə l/ ADJ An admirable quality or action is one that deserves to be praised and admired. □ Beyton is an admirable character. ● ad|mi|rably /æ dm I rəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □ Peter had dealt admirably with the sudden questions about Keith.
ad|mi|ral /æ dmərəl/ (admirals ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE An admiral is a senior officer in a navy. □ …Admiral Hodges.
Ad|mi|ral|ty /æ dmərəlti/ N‑PROPER In Britain, the Admiralty is the government department that is in charge of the navy.
ad|mi|ra|tion /æ dm I re I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] Admiration is a feeling of great liking and respect for a person or thing. □ [+ for ] I have always had the greatest admiration for him. [Also + of ]
ad|mire ◆◇◇ /ədma I ə r / (admires , admiring , admired )
1 VERB If you admire someone or something, you like and respect them very much. □ [V n] He admired the way she had coped with life. □ [V n + for ] All those who knew him will admire him for his work.
2 VERB If you admire someone or something, you look at them with pleasure. □ [V n] We took time to stop and admire the view.
3 → see also admiring SYNONYMS admire VERB 1
respect: I want him to respect me as a career woman.
look up to: You're a popular girl, Grace, and a lot of the younger ones look up to you.
revere: Today he's still revered as the father of the nation.
ad|mir|er /ədma I ə rə r / (admirers ) N‑COUNT If you are an admirer of someone, you like and respect them or their work very much. □ [+ of ] He was an admirer of her grandfather's paintings.
ad|mir|ing /ədma I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An admiring expression shows that you like or respect someone or something. □ He cast her an admiring glance.
ad|mis|sible /ædm I s I b ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If evidence is admissible , it is allowed in a court of law. □ Convictions will rise steeply now photographic evidence is admissible.
ad|mis|sion /ædm I ʃ ə n/ (admissions )
1 N‑VAR Admission is permission given to a person to enter a place, or permission given to a country to enter an organization. Admission is also the act of entering a place. □ [+ to ] Students apply for admission to a particular college. □ [+ of ] …an increase in hospital admissions of children.
2 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] Admissions to a place such as a school or university are the people who are allowed to enter or join it. □ Each school sets its own admissions policy.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Admission at a park, museum, or other place is the amount of money that you pay to enter it. □ Gates open at 10.30am and admission is free. ● N‑UNCOUNT [N n] Admission is also used before a noun. □ The admission price is $8 for adults.
4 N‑VAR [N that] An admission is a statement that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true. □ By his own admission, he is not playing well. [Also + of ]
ad|mit ◆◆◇ /ædm I t/ (admits , admitting , admitted )
1 VERB If you admit that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true, you agree, often unwillingly, that it is true. □ [V that] I am willing to admit that I do make mistakes. □ [V + to ] Up to two thirds of 14 to 16 year olds admit to buying drink illegally. □ [V v-ing] I'd be ashamed to admit feeling jealous. □ [V n] None of these people will admit responsibility for their actions. □ [V with quote] 'Actually, most of my tennis is at club level,' he admitted.
2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is admitted to hospital, they are taken into hospital for treatment and kept there until they are well enough to go home. □ [be V -ed + to ] She was admitted to hospital with a soaring temperature. □ [be V -ed] He was admitted yesterday for treatment of blood clots in his lungs.
3 VERB If someone is admitted to an organization or group, they are allowed to join it. □ [be V -ed + to ] He was admitted to the Académie Culinaire de France. □ [V n] …the continued survival of men's clubs where there is often great resistance to admitting women.
4 VERB To admit someone to a place means to allow them to enter it. □ [V n] Embassy security personnel refused to admit him or his wife. □ [be V -ed + to ] Journalists are rarely admitted to the region. SYNONYMS admit VERB 1
confess: He had confessed to seventeen murders.
own up: The headmaster is waiting for someone to own up.
allow: Warren also allows that capitalist development may result in increased social inequality. COLLOCATIONS admit VERB 1
admit + noun : guilt, liability, responsibility, wrongdoing; defeat; error, mistake; charge, offence; assault, fraud, manslaughter, murder, theft
admit + adverb : privately, publicly; candidly, cheerfully, freely, openly, readily; grudgingly, reluctantly, ruefully, sheepishly
ad|mit|tance /ædm I t ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Admittance is the act of entering a place or institution or the right to enter it. □ [+ into/to ] We had not been able to gain admittance to the flat.
ad|mit|ted|ly /ædm I t I dli/ ADV You use admittedly when you are saying something which weakens the importance or force of your statement. □ It's only a theory, admittedly, but the pieces fit together.
ad|mix|ture /ædm I kstʃə r / N‑SING Admixture means the same as mixture . [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …an admixture of fact and fantasy.
ad|mon|ish /ædmɒ n I ʃ/ (admonishes , admonishing , admonished ) VERB If you admonish someone, you tell them very seriously that they have done something wrong. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + for ] They admonished me for taking risks with my health. □ [V n with quote] She admonished him gently, 'You should rest, not talk so much.' [Also V n, V n to-inf] ● ad|mon|ish|ment (admonishments ) N‑VAR □ Sometimes he gave them a severe admonishment.
ad|moni|tion /æ dmən I ʃ ə n/ (admonitions ) N‑VAR An admonition is a warning or criticism about someone's behaviour. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] She ignored the admonitions of her mother.
a d nau |seam PHRASE If someone does something ad nauseam , they do it repeatedly and over a long period of time so that it becomes annoying or boring. □ We discussed it ad nauseam.
ado /əduː / PHRASE If you do something without further ado or without more ado , you do it at once and do not discuss or delay it any longer. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ 'And now, without further ado, let me introduce our benefactor.'
ado|be /ədoʊ bi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Adobe is a mixture of mud and straw that is dried into bricks in the sun and used for building, especially in hot countries. □ …a few blocks of adobe houses.
ado|les|cence /æ dəle s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Adolescence is the period of your life in which you develop from being a child into being an adult. □ Some people become very self-conscious in adolescence.
ado|les|cent /æ dəle s ə nt/ (adolescents ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adolescent is used to describe young people who are no longer children but who have not yet become adults. It also refers to their behaviour. □ It is important that an adolescent boy should have an adult in whom he can confide. ● N‑COUNT An adolescent is an adolescent boy or girl. □ Young adolescents are happiest with small groups of close friends.
adopt ◆◆◇ /ədɒ pt/ (adopts , adopting , adopted )
1 VERB If you adopt a new attitude, plan, or way of behaving, you begin to have it. □ [V n] Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the complete withdrawal of troops. [Also V n as n] ● adop|tion /ədɒ pʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the adoption of Japanese management practices by British manufacturing.
2 VERB If you adopt someone else's child, you take it into your own family and make it legally your son or daughter. □ [V n] There are hundreds of people desperate to adopt a child. □ [V -ed] The adopted child has the right to see his birth certificate. [Also V ] ● adopt|er (adopters ) N‑COUNT □ A social worker is appointed to interview the prospective adopters. ● adop|tion (adoptions ) N‑VAR □ They gave their babies up for adoption. SYNONYMS adopt VERB
1
take on: Don't take on more responsibilities than you can handle.
embrace: The new rules have been embraced by government watchdog organizations.
assume: He contented himself by assuming an air of superiority.
2
take in: The monastery has taken in 26 refugees.
foster: She has since gone on to find happiness by fostering more than 100 children.
adop|tive /ədɒ pt I v/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's adoptive family is the family that adopted them. □ He was brought up by adoptive parents in London.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone's adoptive country or city is the one that they choose for their home, although they were not born there. □ They threatened to expel him from his adoptive country.
ador|able /ədɔː rəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is adorable , you are emphasizing that they are very attractive and you feel great affection for them. [EMPHASIS ] □ We have three adorable children.
ado|ra|tion /æ dɔːre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Adoration is a feeling of great admiration and love for someone or something. □ He had been used to female adoration all his life.
adore /ədɔː r / (adores , adoring , adored )
1 VERB [no cont] If you adore someone, you feel great love and admiration for them. □ [V n] She adored her parents and would do anything to please them.
2 VERB [no cont] If you adore something, you like it very much. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] My mother adores bananas and eats two a day.
ador|ing /ədɔː r I ŋ/ ADJ An adoring person is someone who loves and admires another person very much. □ She can still pull in adoring audiences. ● ador|ing|ly ADV □ …gazing adoringly at him.
adorn /ədɔː r n/ (adorns , adorning , adorned ) VERB If something adorns a place or an object, it makes it look more beautiful. □ [V n] His watercolour designs adorn a wide range of books.
adorn|ment /ədɔː r nmənt/ (adornments )
1 N‑VAR An adornment is something that is used to make a person or thing more beautiful. □ It was a building without any adornment or decoration.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Adornment is the process of making something more beautiful by adding something to it. □ Cosmetics are used for adornment.
adrena|lin /ədre nəl I n/ also adrenaline N‑UNCOUNT Adrenalin is a substance which your body produces when you are angry, scared, or excited. It makes your heart beat faster and gives you more energy. □ Seeing the crowd really got my adrenalin pumping.
adrift /ədr I ft/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a boat is adrift , it is floating on the water and is not tied to anything or controlled by anyone. □ They were spotted after three hours adrift in a dinghy.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is adrift , they feel alone with no clear idea of what they should do. □ Amy had the growing sense that she was adrift and isolated.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If something comes adrift , it is no longer attached to an object that it should be part of. [BRIT ] □ [+ from ] Three insulating panels had come adrift from the base of the vehicle.
adroit /ədrɔ I t/ ADJ Someone who is adroit is quick and skilful in their thoughts, behaviour, or actions. □ She is a remarkably adroit and determined politician.
ADSL /e I diː es e l/ ADSL is a method of transmitting digital information at high speed over telephone lines. ADSL is an abbreviation for 'asynchronous digital subscriber line'. [COMPUTING ] □ ADSL is always on, which makes your PC much more vulnerable to hacking.
adu|la|tion /æ dʒʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Adulation is uncritical admiration and praise of someone or something. □ The book was received with adulation by critics.
adu|la|tory /æ dʒʊle I təri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone makes an adulatory comment about someone, they praise them and show their admiration of them. □ …adulatory reviews.
adult ◆◆◇ /æ dʌlt, [AM ] ədʌ lt/ (adults )
1 N‑COUNT An adult is a mature, fully developed person. An adult has reached the age when they are legally responsible for their actions. □ Becoming a father signified that he was now an adult. □ Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An adult is a fully developed animal. □ …a pair of adult birds.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Adult means relating to the time when you are an adult, or typical of adult people. □ I've lived most of my adult life in London.
4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is adult about something, you think that they act in a mature, intelligent way, especially when faced with a difficult situation. [APPROVAL ] □ We were very adult about it. We discussed it rationally over a drink.
5 ADJ You can describe things such as films or books as adult when they deal with sex in a very clear and open way. □ …an adult movie. SYNONYMS adult ADJ 3
grown-up: I have grown-up children who're doing well.
mature: He was a man of mature years.
a dult edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT Adult education is education for adults in a variety of subjects, most of which are practical, not academic. Classes are often held in the evenings. □ Most adult education centres offer computing courses.
adul|ter|ate /ədʌ ltəre I t/ (adulterates , adulterating , adulterated ) VERB [usu passive] If something such as food or drink is adulterated , someone has made its quality worse by adding water or cheaper products to it. □ [be V -ed] The food had been adulterated to increase its weight. ● adul|tera|tion /ədʌ ltəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the adulteration of tobacco.
adul|ter|er /ədʌ ltərə r / (adulterers ) N‑COUNT An adulterer is someone who commits adultery.
adul|ter|ess /ədʌ ltr I s/ (adulteresses ) N‑COUNT An adulteress is a woman who commits adultery. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
adul|ter|ous /ədʌ ltərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An adulterous relationship is a sexual relationship between a married person and someone they are not married to. An adulterous person is someone who commits adultery.
adul|tery /ədʌ ltəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If a married person commits adultery , they have sex with someone that they are not married to. □ She is going to divorce him on the grounds of adultery.
adult|hood /æ dʌlthʊd, [AM ] ədʌ lt-/ N‑UNCOUNT Adulthood is the state of being an adult. □ Few people nowadays are able to maintain friendships into adulthood.
adv. Adv. is a written abbreviation for adverb .
ad|vance ◆◆◇ /ædvɑː ns, -væ ns/ (advances , advancing , advanced )
1 VERB To advance means to move forward, often in order to attack someone. □ [V prep/adv] The Allies began advancing on the city in 1943. □ [V ] The water is advancing at a rate of 5cm a day. □ [V -ing] …a picture of a man throwing himself before an advancing tank.
2 VERB To advance means to make progress, especially in your knowledge of something. □ [V ] Medical technology has advanced considerably.
3 → see also advanced
4 VERB If you advance someone a sum of money, you lend it to them, or pay it to them earlier than arranged. □ [V n n] I advanced him some money, which he would repay on our way home. □ [V n] The bank advanced $1.2 billion to help the country with debt repayments.
5 N‑COUNT An advance is money which is lent or paid to someone before they would normally receive it. □ She was paid a £100,000 advance for her next two novels.
6 VERB To advance an event, or the time or date of an event, means to bring it forward to an earlier time or date. □ [V n] Too much protein in the diet may advance the ageing process.
7 VERB If you advance a cause, interest, or claim, you support it and help to make it successful. □ [V n] When not producing art of his own, Oliver was busy advancing the work of others.
8 VERB [usu passive] When a theory or argument is advanced , it is put forward for discussion. □ [be V -ed] Many theories have been advanced as to why some women suffer from depression.
9 N‑VAR An advance is a forward movement of people or vehicles, usually as part of a military operation. □ [+ on ] …an advance on enemy positions.
10 N‑VAR An advance in a particular subject or activity is progress in understanding it or in doing it well. □ …the technological advances of the last four decades.
11 N‑SING If something is an advance on what was previously available or done, it is better in some way. □ [+ on ] This could be an advance on the present situation.
12 ADJ [ADJ n] Advance booking, notice, or warning is done or given before an event happens. □ They don't normally give any advance notice about which building they're going to inspect.
13 ADJ [ADJ n] An advance party or group is a small group of people who go on ahead of the main group. □ The 20-strong advance party will be followed by another 600 soldiers.
14 PHRASE If one thing happens or is done in advance of another, it happens or is done before the other thing. □ I had asked everyone to submit questions in advance of the meeting.
15 PHRASE If you do something in advance , you do it before a particular date or event. □ The subject of the talk is announced a week in advance.
ad|vanced ◆◇◇ /ædvɑː nst, -væ nst/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An advanced system, method, or design is modern and has been developed from an earlier version of the same thing. □ Without more training or advanced technical skills, they'll lose their jobs.
2 ADJ A country that is advanced has reached a high level of industrial or technological development. □ …a technologically advanced society.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An advanced student has already learned the basic facts of a subject and is doing more difficult work. An advanced course of study is designed for such students. □ The course is suitable for beginners and advanced students.
4 ADJ Something that is at an advanced stage or level is at a late stage of development. □ 'Medicare' is available to victims of advanced kidney disease. SYNONYMS advanced ADJ 1
sophisticated: …a large and sophisticated new British telescope.
up-to-date: This is Germany's most up to date electric power station.
state-of-the-art: …the production of state-of-the-art military equipment.
latest: I got to drive the latest model.
ad|vance|ment /ædvɑː nsmənt, -væ ns-/ (advancements )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] Advancement is progress in your job or in your social position. □ He cared little for social advancement.
2 N‑VAR The advancement of something is the process of helping it to progress or the result of its progress. □ [+ of ] …her work for the advancement of the status of women.
ad|van|tage ◆◆◇ /ædvɑː nt I dʒ, -væ n-/ (advantages )
1 N‑COUNT An advantage is something that puts you in a better position than other people. □ [+ over ] They are deliberately flouting the law in order to obtain an advantage over their competitors. □ [+ to ] A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Advantage is the state of being in a better position than others who are competing against you. □ Men have created a social and economic position of advantage for themselves over women.
3 N‑COUNT An advantage is a way in which one thing is better than another. □ [+ over ] This custom-built kitchen has many advantages over a standard one.
4 PHRASE If you take advantage of something, you make good use of it while you can. □ I intend to take full advantage of this trip to buy the things we need.
5 PHRASE If someone takes advantage of you, they treat you unfairly for their own benefit, especially when you are trying to be kind or to help them. □ He felt the church was taking advantage of her and pushing her to work too many hours.
6 PHRASE If you use or turn something to your advantage , you use it in order to benefit from it, especially when it might be expected to harm or damage you. □ The government have not been able to turn today's demonstration to their advantage. SYNONYMS advantage NOUN 3
benefit: I'm a great believer in the benefits of this form of therapy.
asset: Her leadership qualities were the greatest asset of the Conservative Party.
perk: One of the perks of being a student is cheap travel.
plus: Experience of any career in sales is a big plus.
ad|van|taged /ædvɑː nt I dʒd, -væ n-/ ADJ A person or place that is advantaged is in a better social or financial position than other people or places. □ Some cities are always going to be more advantaged.
ad|van|ta|geous /æ dvənte I dʒəs/ ADJ If something is advantageous to you, it is likely to benefit you. □ [+ to ] Free exchange of goods was advantageous to all.
ad|vent /æ dvent/ N‑UNCOUNT The advent of an important event, invention, or situation is the fact of it starting or coming into existence. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the leap forward in communication made possible by the advent of the mobile phone.
Ad|vent N‑UNCOUNT In the Christian church, Advent is the period between Advent Sunday, the Sunday closest to the 30th of November, and Christmas Day.
ad|ven|ture /ædve ntʃə r / (adventures )
1 N‑COUNT If someone has an adventure , they become involved in an unusual, exciting, and rather dangerous journey or series of events. □ I set off for a new adventure in the United States.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Adventure is excitement and willingness to do new, unusual, or rather dangerous things. □ Their cultural backgrounds gave them a spirit of adventure.
ad|ve n|ture pla y|ground (adventure playgrounds ) N‑COUNT An adventure playground is an area of land for children to play in, usually in cities or in a park. It has wooden structures and equipment such as ropes, nets, and rubber tyres. [BRIT ]
ad|ven|tur|er /ædve ntʃərə r / (adventurers ) N‑COUNT An adventurer is a person who enjoys going to new, unusual, and exciting places.
ad|ven|ture|some /ædve ntʃə r səm/ ADJ Adventuresome means the same as adventurous . [AM ] □ Every day was exciting and adventuresome.
ad|ven|tur|ism /ædve ntʃər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Adventurism is a willingness to take risks, especially in order to obtain an unfair advantage in politics or business. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Lenin dismissed guerrilla warfare as 'adventurism.'
ad|ven|tur|ist /ædve ntʃər I st/ (adventurists ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as adventurist , you disapprove of them because they are willing to take risks in order to gain an unfair advantage in business or politics. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …aggressive and adventurist foreign policy. ● N‑COUNT An adventurist is someone who behaves in an adventurist way. □ …political adventurists.
ad|ven|tur|ous /ædve ntʃərəs/
1 ADJ Someone who is adventurous is willing to take risks and to try new methods. Something that is adventurous involves new things or ideas. □ Warren was an adventurous businessman. □ The menu could have been more adventurous.
2 ADJ Someone who is adventurous is eager to visit new places and have new experiences. □ He had always wanted an adventurous life in the tropics.
ad|verb /æ dvɜː r b/ (adverbs ) N‑COUNT An adverb is a word such as 'slowly', 'now', 'very', 'politically', or 'fortunately' which adds information about the action, event, or situation mentioned in a clause.
a d|verb group (adverb groups ) N‑COUNT An adverb group or adverbial group is a group of words based on an adverb, such as 'very slowly' or 'fortunately for us'. An adverb group can also consist simply of an adverb.
ad|ver|bial /ædvɜː r biəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adverbial means relating to adverbs or like an adverb. □ …an adverbial expression.
ad|ver|sar|ial /æ dvə r seə riəl/ ADJ If you describe something as adversarial , you mean that it involves two or more people or organizations who are opposing each other. [FORMAL ] □ In our country there is an adversarial relationship between government and business.
ad|ver|sary /æ dvə r səri, [AM ] -seri/ (adversaries ) N‑COUNT Your adversary is someone you are competing with, or arguing or fighting against. □ His political adversaries were creating a certain amount of trouble for him.
ad|verse /æ dvɜː r s, [AM ] ædvɜː rs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Adverse decisions, conditions, or effects are unfavourable to you. □ Despite the adverse conditions, the road was finished in just eight months. ● ad|verse|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Price changes must not adversely affect the living standards of the people.
ad|ver|sity /ædvɜː r s I ti/ (adversities ) N‑VAR [oft in/of N ] Adversity is a very difficult or unfavourable situation. □ He showed courage in adversity.
ad|vert /æ dvɜː r t/ (adverts )
1 N‑COUNT An advert is an announcement online, in a newspaper, on television, or on a poster about something such as a product, event, or job. [BRIT ] □ [+ for ] I saw an advert for a job with a large engineering company. in AM, use ad 2 N‑COUNT If you say that an example of something is an advert for that thing in general, you mean that it shows how good that thing is. [BRIT ] □ [+ for ] This courtroom battle has been a poor advert for English justice.
3 N‑PLURAL You can use the adverts to refer to the interval in a commercial television programme, or between programmes, during which advertisements are shown. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ After the adverts, the presenter tried to pretend that everything was back to normal. in AM, use commercial break
ad|ver|tise ◆◇◇ /æ dvə r ta I z/ (advertises , advertising , advertised )
1 VERB If you advertise something such as a product, an event, or a job, you tell people about it online, in newspapers, on television, or on posters in order to encourage them to buy the product, go to the event, or apply for the job. □ [V n] The players can advertise baked beans, but not rugby boots. □ [V ] Religious groups are currently not allowed to advertise on television.
2 VERB If you advertise for someone to do something for you, for example to work for you or share your accommodation, you announce it online, in a newspaper, on television, or on a notice board. □ [V + for ] We advertised for staff in a local newspaper.
3 VERB If you do not advertise the fact that something is the case, you try not to let other people know about it. □ [V n] There is no need to advertise the fact that you are a single woman.
4 → see also advertising SYNONYMS advertise VERB 1
publicize: The author appeared on television to publicize her latest book.
promote: Weller has announced a full British tour to promote his second solo album.
plug: They're on the show just to plug their book or film.
ad|ver|tise|ment /ædvɜː r t I smənt, [AM ] æ dvə r ta I z-/ (advertisements )
1 N‑COUNT An advertisement is an announcement online, or in a newspaper, on television, or on a poster about something such as a product, event, or job. [WRITTEN ] □ Miss Parrish recently placed an advertisement in the local newspaper. [Also + for ]
2 N‑COUNT If you say that an example of something is an advertisement for that thing in general, you mean that it shows how good that thing is. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ for ] Both teams made so many mistakes that it was a poor advertisement for rugby league.
ad|ver|tis|er ◆◇◇ /æ dvə r ta I zə r / (advertisers ) N‑COUNT An advertiser is a person or company that pays for a product, event, or job to be advertised online, in a newspaper, on television, or on a poster.
ad|ver|tis|ing /æ dvə r ta I z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Advertising is the activity of creating advertisements and making sure people see them.
a d|ver|tis|ing agen|cy (advertising agencies ) N‑COUNT An advertising agency is a company whose business is to create advertisements for other companies or organizations. □ Advertising agencies are losing their once-powerful grip on brand marketing.
a d|ver|tis|ing cam|paign (advertising campaigns ) N‑COUNT An advertising campaign is a planned series of advertisements. □ The Government has launched an advertising campaign to encourage people to vote.
ad|ver|tori|al /æ dvɜː r tɔː riəl/ (advertorials ) N‑VAR An advertorial is an advertisement that uses the style of newspaper or magazine articles or television documentary programmes, so that it appears to be giving facts and not trying to sell a product.
ad|vice ◆◆◇ /ædva I s/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone advice , you tell them what you think they should do in a particular situation. □ [+ about ] Don't be afraid to ask for advice about ordering the meal. □ [+ on ] Your community officer can give you advice on how to prevent crime in your area. □ Take my advice and stay away from him! □ [+ of ] Most foreign nationals have now left the country on the advice of their governments.
2 PHRASE If you take advice or take legal advice , you ask a lawyer for his or her professional opinion on a situation. [FORMAL ] □ [+ on ] We are taking advice on legal steps to recover the money. USAGE advice
Advice
is an uncountable noun. Don’t say
advices
or
an advice
. You can say a piece of advice
. □
Could I give you a piece of advice
?
COLLOCATIONS
advice
NOUN
1
noun + advice : career, diet, investment, lifestyle, travel; parenting, relationship
adjective + advice : dietary, legal, medical, professional; expert, impartial, independent, specialist; helpful, practical, sage, sound
verb + advice : dispense, give, offer, provide; obtain, seek; follow, heed; ignore, reject
ad|vi ce co l|umn (advice columns ) N‑COUNT In a newspaper or magazine, the advice column contains letters from readers about their personal problems, and advice on what to do about them. [AM ] in BRIT, use agony column
ad|vi ce co l|umn|ist (advice columnists ) N‑COUNT An advice columnist is a person who writes a column in a newspaper or magazine in which they reply to readers who have written to them for advice on their personal problems. [AM ] in BRIT, use agony aunt
ad|vi ce line (advice lines ) N‑COUNT An advice line is a service that you can telephone in order to get advice about something. □ For help on crime prevention, call our 24-hour advice line.
ad|vis|able /ædva I zəb ə l/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you tell someone that it is advisable to do something, you are suggesting that they should do it, because it is sensible or is likely to achieve the result they want. [FORMAL ] □ Because of the popularity of the region, it is advisable to book hotels in advance. ● ad|vis|abil|ity /ædva I zəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] I have doubts about the advisability of surgery in this case.
ad|vise ◆◇◇ /ædva I z/ (advises , advising , advised )
1 VERB If you advise someone to do something, you tell them what you think they should do. □ [V n to-inf] The minister advised him to leave as soon as possible. □ [V n wh] Herbert would surely advise her how to approach the bank. □ [V + against ] I would strongly advise against it. □ [V that] Doctors advised that he should be transferred to a private room. [Also V with quote]
2 VERB If an expert advises people on a particular subject, he or she gives them help and information on that subject. □ [V n + on ] …an officer who advises undergraduates on money matters. □ [V + on ] A family doctor will be able to advise on suitable birth control.
3 VERB If you advise someone of a fact or situation, you tell them the fact or explain what the situation is. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + of ] I think it best that I advise you of my decision to retire.
4 → see also ill-advised , well advised
ad|vis|ed|ly /ædva I z I dli/ ADV [ADV after v] If you say that you are using a word or expression advisedly , you mean that you have deliberately chosen to use it, even though it may sound unusual, wrong, or offensive, because it draws attention to what you are saying. □ I say 'boys' advisedly because we are talking almost entirely about male behaviour. □ What a crazy scheme, and I use that term advisedly.
ad|vise|ment /ædva I zmənt/ PHRASE If someone in authority takes a matter under advisement , they decide that the matter needs to be considered more carefully, often by experts. [AM , FORMAL ] □ I will take the suggestion under advisement, and refer it to the board.
ad|vis|er ◆◇◇ /ædva I zə r / (advisers ) also advisor N‑COUNT An adviser is an expert whose job is to give advice to another person or to a group of people. □ In Washington, the President and his advisers spent the day in meetings. □ …a careers adviser. [Also + to ]
ad|vi|so|ry /ædva I zəri/ (advisories )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An advisory group regularly gives suggestions and help to people or organizations, especially about a particular subject or area of activity. [FORMAL ] □ …members of the advisory committee on the safety of nuclear installations.
2 N‑COUNT An advisory is an official announcement or report that warns people about bad weather, diseases, or other dangers or problems. [AM ] □ 26 states have issued health advisories.
ad|vo|ca|cy /æ dvəkəsi/
1 N‑SING Someone's advocacy of a particular action or plan is their act of recommending it publicly. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] I support your advocacy of free trade.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] An advocacy group or organization is one that tries to influence the decisions of a government or other authority. [AM ]
ad|vo|cate ◆◇◇ (advocates , advocating , advocated ) The verb is pronounced /æ dvəke I t/. The noun is pronounced /æ dvəkət/. 1 VERB If you advocate a particular action or plan, you recommend it publicly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Mr Williams is a conservative who advocates fewer government controls on business. □ [V -ed] …the tax policy advocated by the Opposition.
2 N‑COUNT An advocate of a particular action or plan is someone who recommends it publicly. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] He was a strong advocate of free market policies and a multi-party system.
3 N‑COUNT An advocate is a lawyer who speaks in favour of someone or defends them in a court of law. [LEGAL ]
4 N‑COUNT An advocate for a particular group is a person who works for the interests of that group. [AM ] □ [+ for ] …advocates for the homeless.
5 → see also devil's advocate SYNONYMS advocate VERB 1
recommend: We strongly recommend reporting the incident to the police.
support: They support a total ban on imported coal
champion: The amendments had been championed by pro-democracy activists.
encourage: Their task is to help encourage private investment in Russia. NOUN 2
supporter: Bradley was a major supporter of the 1986 tax reform plan.
champion: He was once known as a champion of social reform.
proponent: Halsey was a leading proponent of the values of progressive education.
aegis /iː dʒ I s/ PHRASE Something that is done under the aegis of a person or organization is done with their official support and backing. [FORMAL ] □ The space programme will continue under the aegis of the armed forces.
aeon /iː ɒn/ (aeons ) in AM, use eon N‑COUNT An aeon is an extremely long period of time. □ Aeons ago, there were deserts where there is now fertile land.
aer|ate /eə re I t/ (aerates , aerating , aerated ) VERB To aerate a substance means to cause air or gas to pass through it. □ [V n] Aerate the soil by spiking with a fork.
aer|ial /eə riəl/ (aerials )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You talk about aerial attacks and aerial photographs to indicate that people or things on the ground are attacked or photographed by people in aeroplanes. □ Weeks of aerial bombardment had destroyed factories and highways.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use aerial to describe things that exist or happen above the ground or in the air. □ The seagulls swirled in aerial combat over the barges.
3 N‑COUNT An aerial is a device or a piece of wire that receives television or radio signals and is usually attached to a radio, television, car, or building. [BRIT ] □ …the radio aerials of taxis and cars. in AM, use antenna
aerie /e ri/ → see eyrie
PREFIX aero-
is used at the beginning of words, especially nouns, that refer to things or activities connected with air or movement through the air. For example, aerodynamics is the science of how objects move through the air.
aero|bat|ics /eə rəbæ t I ks/ The form aerobatic is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Aerobatics are skilful displays of flying, usually to entertain people watching from the ground.
aero|bic /eəroʊ b I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Aerobic activity exercises and strengthens your heart and lungs. □ Aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping and helps you to burn up the fat.
aero|bics /eəroʊ b I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Aerobics is a form of exercise which increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, and strengthens your heart and lungs. The verb that follows aerobics may be either singular or plural. □ I'd like to join an aerobics class to improve my fitness.
aero|drome /eə rədroʊm/ (aerodromes ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An aerodrome is a place or area where small aircraft can land and take off. [BRIT ] in AM, use airdrome
aero|dy|nam|ic /eə roʊda I næ m I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something such as a car has an aerodynamic shape or design, it goes faster and uses less fuel than other cars because the air passes over it more easily. □ The secret of the machine lies in the aerodynamic shape of the frame. ● aero|dy|nami|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ Cars are becoming so aerodynamically efficient.
aero|dy|nam|ics /eə roʊda I næ m I ks/ The form aerodynamic is used as a modifier. In British English, aerodynamics is sometimes used as a plural noun, with a plural verb. N‑UNCOUNT Aerodynamics is the study of the way in which objects move through the air.
aero|nau|ti|cal /eə rənɔː t I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Aeronautical means involving or relating to the design and construction of aeroplanes. □ …the biggest aeronautical research laboratory in Europe.
aero|naut|ics /eə rənɔː t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Aeronautics is the science of designing and building aeroplanes.
aero|plane /eə rəple I n/ (aeroplanes ) N‑COUNT An aeroplane is a vehicle with wings and one or more engines that enable it to fly through the air. [BRIT ] in AM, use airplane
aero|sol /eə rəsɒl, [AM ] -sɔːl/ (aerosols ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An aerosol is a small container in which a liquid such as paint or deodorant is kept under pressure. When you press a button, the liquid is forced out as a fine spray or foam.
aero|space /eə roʊspe I s/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Aerospace companies are involved in developing and making rockets, missiles, space vehicles, and related equipment. □ …the U.S. aerospace industry.
aes|thete /iː sθiːt, [AM ] e s-/ (aesthetes ) in AM, also use esthete N‑COUNT An aesthete is someone who loves and appreciates works of art and beautiful things.
aes|thet|ic /iːsθe t I k, [AM ] es-/ in AM, also use esthetic ADJ Aesthetic is used to talk about beauty or art, and people's appreciation of beautiful things. □ …products chosen for their aesthetic appeal as well as their durability and quality. ● N‑SING The aesthetic of a work of art is its aesthetic quality. □ [+ of ] He responded very strongly to the aesthetic of this particular work. ● aes|theti|cal|ly /iːsθe t I kli, [AM ] es-/ ADV □ There is nothing aesthetically pleasing about this bridge.
aes|thet|ics /iːsθe t I ks, [AM ] es-/ in AM, also use esthetics N‑UNCOUNT Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the idea of beauty.
aeti|ol|ogy /iː tiɒ lədʒi/ → see etiology
afar /əfɑː r / ADV [usu from ADV , oft ADV after v] Afar means a long way away. [LITERARY ] □ Seen from afar, its towering buildings beckon the visitor in.
af|fable /æ fəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is affable is pleasant and friendly. □ Mr Brooke is an extremely affable and approachable man.
af|fair ◆◆◇ /əfeə r / (affairs )
1 N‑SING If an event or a series of events has been mentioned and you want to talk about it again, you can refer to it as the affair . □ The government has mishandled the whole affair. □ The affair began when customs officials inspected a convoy of 60 tankers.
2 N‑SING You can refer to an important or interesting event or situation as ' the … affair '. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ …a reduction of defence expenditures in the wake of the Suez affair.
3 N‑SING You can describe the main quality of an event by saying that it is a particular kind of affair . □ Michael said that his planned 10-day visit would be a purely private affair.
4 N‑SING You can describe an object as a particular kind of affair when you want to draw attention to a particular feature, or indicate that it is unusual. □ All their beds were distinctive; Mac's was an iron affair with brass knobs.
5 N‑COUNT If two people who are not married to each other have an affair , they have a sexual relationship. □ She was having an affair with someone at work.
6 → see also love affair
7 N‑PLURAL You can use affairs to refer to all the important facts or activities that are connected with a particular subject. □ He does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of another country.
8 → see also current affairs , state of affairs
9 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your affairs are all the matters connected with your life which you consider to be private and normally deal with yourself. □ The unexpectedness of my father's death meant that his affairs were not entirely in order.
10 N‑SING [poss N ] If you say that a decision or situation is someone's affair , you mean that it is their responsibility, and other people should not interfere. □ If you wish to make a fool of yourself, that is your affair.
af|fect ◆◆◇ /əfe kt/ (affects , affecting , affected )
1 VERB If something affects a person or thing, it influences them or causes them to change in some way. □ [V n] Nicotine adversely affects the functioning of the heart and arteries. □ [V -ed] …the worst-affected areas of Somalia.
2 VERB If a disease affects someone, it causes them to become ill. □ [V n] Arthritis is a crippling disease which affects people all over the world.
3 VERB If something or someone affects you, they make you feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or pity. □ [V n] Her experience of the last few hours has deeply affected her. SYNONYMS affect VERB 1
influence: They still influence what's played on the radio.
impact on: Such schemes mean little unless they impact on people.
alter: They have never altered their programmes by a single day.
af|fec|ta|tion /æ fekte I ʃ ə n/ (affectations ) N‑VAR If you say that someone's attitude or behaviour is an affectation , you disapprove of the fact that it is not genuine or natural, but is intended to impress other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I wore sunglasses all the time and people thought it was an affectation.
af|fect|ed /əfe kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as affected , you disapprove of the fact that they behave in an unnatural way that is intended to impress other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She had an affected air and a disdainful look.
af|fect|ing /əfe kt I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something such as a story or a piece of music as affecting , you think it is good because it makes you feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or pity. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □ …an affecting drama about a woman with a terminal illness.
af|fec|tion /əfe kʃ ə n/ (affections )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you regard someone or something with affection , you like them and are fond of them. □ She thought of him with affection. □ [+ for ] She had developed quite an affection for the place.
2 N‑PLURAL [with poss] Your affections are your feelings of love or fondness for someone. □ The distant object of his affections is Caroline.
af|fec|tion|ate /əfe kʃənət/ ADJ If you are affectionate , you show your love or fondness for another person in the way that you behave towards them. □ They seemed devoted to each other and were openly affectionate. ● af|fec|tion|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He looked affectionately at his niece.
af|fi|da|vit /æ f I de I v I t/ (affidavits ) N‑COUNT An affidavit is a written statement which you swear is true and which may be used as evidence in a court of law. [LEGAL ]
af|fili|ate (affiliates , affiliating , affiliated ) The noun is pronounced /əf I liət/. The verb is pronounced /əf I lie I t/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An affiliate is an organization which is officially connected with another, larger organization or is a member of it. [FORMAL ] □ The World Chess Federation has affiliates in around 120 countries.
2 VERB If an organization affiliates to or with another larger organization, it forms a close connection with the larger organization or becomes a member of it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + to/with ] All youth groups will have to affiliate to the National Youth Agency. [Also V ]
af|fili|at|ed /əf I lie I t I d/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] If an organization is affiliated with another larger organization, it is officially connected with the larger organization or is a member of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to/with ] There are 73 unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a professional person, such as a lawyer or doctor, is affiliated with an organization, they are officially connected with that organization or do some official work for it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with/to ] He will remain affiliated with the firm as a special associate director. □ …our affiliated members.
af|filia|tion /əf I lie I ʃ ə n/ (affiliations )
1 N‑VAR If one group has an affiliation with another group, it has a close or official connection with it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with/to ] The group has no affiliation to any political party.
2 N‑VAR If you have an affiliation with a group or another person, you have a close or official connection with them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with/to ] …Johnson's affiliation with shoe company Nike. □ They asked what her political affiliations were.
af|fin|ity /əf I n I ti/ (affinities ) N‑SING If you have an affinity with someone or something, you feel that you are similar to them or that you know and understand them very well. □ [+ with ] He has a close affinity with the landscape he knew when he was growing up.
af|fi n|ity card (affinity cards ) N‑COUNT An affinity card is a type of credit card. The bank which issues the card gives a small amount of money to a charity or institution each time the customer spends a certain amount with their card.
af|firm /əfɜː r m/ (affirms , affirming , affirmed )
1 VERB If you affirm that something is true or that something exists, you state firmly and publicly that it is true or exists. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] The courts have affirmed that the act can be applied to social media. □ [V n] …a speech in which he affirmed a commitment to lower taxes. □ [V with quote] 'This place is a dump,' affirmed Miss T. [Also V n to-inf] ● af|fir|ma|tion /æ fə r me I ʃ ə n/ (affirmations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The ministers issued an affirmation of their faith in the system.
2 VERB If an event affirms something, it shows that it is true or exists. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Everything I had accomplished seemed to affirm that opinion. ● af|fir|ma|tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □ [+ of ] The high turnout was an affirmation of the importance that the voters attached to the election.
af|firma|tive /əfɜː r mət I v/
1 ADJ An affirmative word or gesture indicates that you agree with what someone has said or that the answer to a question is 'yes'. [FORMAL ] □ Haig was desperately eager for an affirmative answer. ● af|firma|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'Is that clear?' Bob nodded his head affirmatively.
2 PHRASE If you reply to a question in the affirmative , you say 'yes' or make a gesture that means 'yes'. [FORMAL ] □ He asked me if I was ready. I answered in the affirmative.
3 ADJ In grammar, an affirmative clause is positive and does not contain a negative word.
af|fi rma|tive a c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Affirmative action is the policy of giving jobs and other opportunities to members of groups such as racial minorities or women who might not otherwise have them. [AM ] in BRIT, use positive discrimination
af|fix (affixes , affixing , affixed ) The verb is pronounced /əf I ks/. The noun is pronounced /æ f I ks/. 1 VERB If you affix one thing to another, you stick it or attach it to the other thing. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + to ] Complete the form and affix four tokens to its back. □ [V n] I covered the scroll in sealing wax, and affixed a red ribbon. □ [V -ed] …special storage racks affixed to the sides of buses. [Also V n prep/adv]
2 N‑COUNT An affix is a letter or group of letters, for example 'un-' or '-y', which is added to either the beginning or the end of a word to form a different word with a different meaning. For example, 'un-' is added to 'kind' to form 'unkind'. Compare prefix and suffix .
af|flict /əfl I kt/ (afflicts , afflicting , afflicted ) VERB If you are afflicted by pain, illness, or disaster, it affects you badly and makes you suffer. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + by/with ] Italy has been afflicted by political corruption for decades. □ [V n] There are two main problems which afflict people with hearing impairments.
af|flic|tion /əfl I kʃ ə n/ (afflictions ) N‑VAR An affliction is something which causes physical or mental suffering. [FORMAL ] □ Hay fever is an affliction which arrives at an early age.
af|flu|ence /æ fluəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Affluence is the state of having a lot of money or a high standard of living. [FORMAL ] □ The postwar era was one of new affluence for the working class.
af|flu|ent /æ fluənt/ ADJ If you are affluent , you have a lot of money. □ Today's affluent Indian tourists are also big spenders. ● N‑PLURAL The affluent are people who are affluent. □ The diet of the affluent has not changed much over the decades.
af|ford ◆◇◇ /əfɔː r d/ (affords , affording , afforded )
1 VERB If you cannot afford something, you do not have enough money to pay for it. □ [V n] My parents can't even afford a new refrigerator. □ [V to-inf] We couldn't afford to buy a new rug.
2 VERB If you say that you cannot afford to do something or allow it to happen, you mean that you must not do it or must prevent it from happening because it would be harmful or embarrassing to you. □ [V to-inf] We can't afford to wait. □ [V n] The country could not afford the luxury of an election.
3 VERB If someone or something affords you an opportunity or protection, they give it to you. [FORMAL ] □ [V n n] This affords us the opportunity to ask questions about how the systems might change. □ [V n] It was a cold room, but it afforded a fine view of the Old City. USAGE afford
You use afford with can , could , or be able to . Don’t say that someone ‘affords’ something. □ It’s too expensive – we can’t afford it. □ When will we be able to afford a new TV?
af|ford|able /əfɔː r dəb ə l/ ADJ If something is affordable , most people have enough money to buy it. □ …the availability of affordable housing. ● af|forda|bil|ity /əfɔː r dəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …research into homelessness and housing affordability.
af|for|esta|tion /æfɒ r I ste I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Afforestation is the process of planting large numbers of trees on land which has few or no trees on it. □ Since the Sixties, afforestation has changed the Welsh countryside.
af|fray /əfre I / N‑SING An affray is a noisy and violent fight, especially in a public place. [FORMAL ]
af|front /əfrʌ nt/ (affronts , affronting , affronted )
1 VERB If something affronts you, you feel insulted and hurt because of it. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] His reforms had so affronted many of his natural supporters in England. ● af|front|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ He pretended to be affronted, but inwardly he was pleased.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is an affront to you, it is an obvious insult to you. □ [+ to ] It's an affront to human dignity to keep someone alive like this.
Af|ghan /æ fgæn/ (Afghans ) ADJ Afghan means belonging or relating to Afghanistan, or to its people or language. □ …the Afghan capital, Kabul. ● N‑COUNT An Afghan is a person who comes from Afghanistan.
afi|cio|na|do /əf I ʃiənɑː doʊ/ (aficionados ) N‑COUNT If someone is an aficionado of something, they like it and know a lot about it. □ [+ of ] I happen to be an aficionado of the opera, and I love art museums. □ …a jazz aficionado.
afield /əfiː ld/
1 PHRASE Further afield or farther afield means in places or areas other than the nearest or most obvious one. □ They enjoy participating in a wide variety of activities, both locally and further afield.
2 PHRASE If someone comes from far afield , they come from a long way away. □ Many of those arrested came from far afield.
afire /əfa I ə r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is afire or is set afire , it is on fire or looks as if it is on fire.
aflame /əfle I m/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is on fire, you can say it is aflame . [LITERARY ]
afloat /əfloʊ t/
1 ADV [usu ADV after v, oft v-link ADV , n ADV ] If someone or something is afloat , they remain partly above the surface of water and do not sink. □ They talked modestly of their valiant efforts to keep the tanker afloat.
2 ADV [usu ADV after v, oft v-link ADV , n ADV ] If a person, business, or country stays afloat or is kept afloat , they have just enough money to pay their debts and continue operating. [BUSINESS ] □ They are borrowing just to stay afloat, not for investment.
afoot /əfʊ t/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that a plan or scheme is afoot , it is already happening or being planned, but you do not know much about it. □ Everybody knew that something awful was afoot.
afore|men|tioned /əfɔː r menʃ ə nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to the aforementioned person or subject, you mean the person or subject that has already been mentioned. [FORMAL ] □ A declaration will be issued at the end of the aforementioned U.N. conference.
afore|said /əfɔː r sed/ ADJ Aforesaid means the same as aforementioned . [FORMAL ] □ …the aforesaid organizations and institutions.
afoul /əfaʊ l/ PHRASE If you run afoul of someone or something, you do something which causes problems with them. [AM ] □ All of them had run afoul of the law at some time or other.
afraid ◆◇◇ /əfre I d/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are afraid of someone or afraid to do something, you are frightened because you think that something very unpleasant is going to happen to you. □ She did not seem at all afraid. □ [+ of ] I was afraid of the other boys. □ [+ to ] I'm still afraid to sleep in my own bedroom.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are afraid for someone else, you are worried that something horrible is going to happen to them. □ [+ for ] They were afraid for their own safety.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are afraid that something unpleasant will happen, you are worried that it may happen and you want to avoid it. □ I was afraid that nobody would believe me. □ [+ of ] The Government is afraid of losing the election.
4 PHRASE If you want to apologize to someone or to disagree with them in a polite way, you can say I'm afraid . [SPOKEN , POLITENESS ] □ We don't have anything like that, I'm afraid. □ I'm afraid I can't help you. USAGE afraid
Don’t use ‘afraid’ in front of a noun. For example, don’t say ‘
an afraid boy
’. Say ‘a frightened boy’. □
What's the best way to comfort a frightened child
?
afresh /əfre ʃ/ ADV [ADV after v] If you do something afresh , you do it again in a different way. □ They believe that the only hope for the French left is to start afresh.
Af|ri|can /æ fr I kən/ (Africans )
1 ADJ African means belonging or relating to the continent of Africa, or to its countries or people. □ …the African continent. □ …African countries.
2 ADJ African means belonging or relating to black people who come from Africa. □ …traditional African culture. □ …dance music with African roots.
3 ADJ African is used to describe someone, usually a black person, who comes from Africa. □ …African women. ● N‑COUNT An African is someone who is African. □ Fish is a staple in the diet of many Africans.
A frican-Ame rican (African-Americans ) N‑COUNT African-Americans are black people living in the United States who are descended from families that originally came from Africa. □ Today African-Americans are 12 percent of the population. ● ADJ African-American is also an adjective. □ …a group of African-American community leaders.
A frican-Caribbe an (African-Caribbeans ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] African-Caribbean refers to people from the Caribbean whose ancestors came from Africa. □ …modern African-Caribbean culture. ● N‑COUNT An African-Caribbean is someone who is African-Caribbean.
Af|ri|kaans /æ fr I kɑː ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Afrikaans is one of the official languages of South Africa.
Af|ri|kan|er /æ fr I kɑː nə r / (Afrikaners ) ADJ Afrikaner means belonging or relating to the white people in South Africa whose ancestors were Dutch. ● N‑COUNT An Afrikaner is someone who is Afrikaner.
Afro /æ froʊ/ (Afros )
1 ADJ Afro hair is very tightly curled and sticks out all around your head.
2 N‑COUNT An Afro is an Afro hairstyle.
Afro- /æ froʊ-/ COMB Afro- is used to form adjectives and nouns that describe something that is connected with Africa. □ …very well known Afro-American family. □ …an Afro-centric fashion show.
A fro-Caribbe an (Afro-Caribbeans ) ADJ Afro-Caribbean refers to people from the Caribbean whose ancestors came from Africa. □ …Britain's Afro-Caribbean community. ● N‑COUNT An Afro-Caribbean is someone who is Afro-Caribbean.
aft /ɑː ft, æ ft/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] If you go aft in a boat or plane, you go to the back of it. If you are aft , you are in the back.
af|ter ◆◆◆ /ɑː ftə r , æ ftə r / In addition to the uses shown below, after is used in phrasal verbs such as 'ask after', 'look after', and 'take after'. 1 PREP If something happens after a particular date or event, it happens during the period of time that follows that date or event. □ After 19 May, strikes were occurring on a daily basis. □ After breakfast Amy ordered a taxi. □ It wasn't until after Christmas that I met Paul. ● CONJ After is also a conjunction. □ Marina cared for him after he seriously injured his eye several years ago.
2 PREP [PREP v-ing] If you do one thing after doing another, you do it during the period of time that follows the other thing. □ After completing and signing it, please return the form to us in the envelope provided. □ …women who have changed their mind after deciding not to have children.
3 PREP You use after when you are talking about time. For example, if something is going to happen during the day after or the weekend after a particular time, it is going to happen during the following day or during the following weekend. □ She's leaving the day after tomorrow. ● ADV [ADV after v] After is also an adverb. □ Tomorrow. Or the day after.
4 PREP If you go after someone, you follow or chase them. □ He walked out, and Louise went after him. □ …people who were after him for large amounts of money.
5 PREP If you are after something, you are trying to get it. □ They were after the money. □ I did eventually find what I was after.
6 PREP If you call, shout, or stare after someone, you call, shout, or stare at them as they move away from you. □ 'Come back!' he called after me.
7 PREP If you tell someone that one place is a particular distance after another, you mean that it is situated beyond the other place and further away from you. □ A few kilometres after the village, turn right to Montelabate.
8 PREP If one thing is written after another thing on a page, it is written following it or underneath it. □ I wrote my name after Penny's.
9 PREP You use after in order to give the most important aspect of something when comparing it with another aspect. □ After Germany, America is Britain's second-biggest customer.
10 PREP To be named after someone means to be given the same name as them. [BRIT ] □ He persuaded Virginia to name the baby after him. in AM, use for 11 CONVENTION If you say ' after you ' to someone, you are being polite and allowing them to go in front of you or through a doorway before you do. [POLITENESS ]
12 PREP After is used when telling the time. If it is, for example, ten after six , the time is ten minutes past six. [AM ]
13 after all → see all
14 PHRASE If you do something to several things one after the other or one after another , you do it to one, then the next, and so on, with no break between your actions. □ Sybil ate three biscuits, one after the other.
15 PHRASE If something happens day after day or year after year , it happens every day or every year, for a long time. □ …people who'd been coming here year after year.
after- /ɑː ftə r -, æ ftə r -/ COMB [ADJ n] After- is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something takes place or exists after an event or process. □ …an after-dinner speech. □ After-tax profit fell by 28 percent.
after|care /ɑː ftə r keə r , æ f-/ in BRIT, also use after-care N‑UNCOUNT Aftercare is the nursing and care of people who have been treated in hospital, and who are now recovering. □ As part of the treatment, he attended 15 weeks of after-care.
a fter-effect (after-effects ) in AM, use aftereffect N‑COUNT [usu pl] The after-effects of an event, experience, or substance are the conditions which result from it. □ [+ of ] …people still suffering from the after-effects of the accident.
after|glow /ɑː ftə r gloʊ, æ f-/
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The afterglow is the glow that remains after a light has gone, for example after the sun has gone down. [LITERARY ] □ …the light of the sunset's afterglow.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the good feeling or effects that remain after an event as the afterglow . □ [+ of ] …basking in the afterglow of their Champions League victory.
a fter-hou rs ADJ [ADJ n] You use after-hours to describe activities which happen after the end of the usual time for them. □ The school offers after-hours childcare.
after|life /ɑː ftə r la I f, æ f-/ (afterlives ) also after-life N‑COUNT [usu sing] The afterlife is a life that some people believe begins when you die, for example a life in heaven or as another person or animal.
after|market /ɑː ftə r mɑː r k I t, æ f-/
1 N‑SING The aftermarket is all the related products that are sold after an item, especially a car, has been bought. [BUSINESS ]
2 N‑SING The aftermarket in shares and bonds is the buying and selling of them after they have been issued. [BUSINESS ]
after|math /ɑː ftə r mɑːθ, æ ftə r mæθ/ N‑SING The aftermath of an important event, especially a harmful one, is the situation that results from it. □ [+ of ] In the aftermath of the coup, the troops opened fire on the demonstrators.
after|noon ◆◆◇ /ɑː ftə r nuː n, æ f-/ (afternoons ) N‑VAR The afternoon is the part of each day which begins at lunchtime and ends at about six o'clock. □ He's arriving in the afternoon. □ He had stayed in his room all afternoon. □ …an afternoon news conference.
a fter|noon tea (afternoon teas ) N‑VAR Afternoon tea is a small meal you can have in the afternoon. It includes a cup of tea and food such as sandwiches and cakes. [BRIT ]
after|party /ɑː ftə r pɑː r t I , æ f-/ (afterparties ) N‑COUNT An afterparty is a small party held after a larger event, to which only a small group of guests is invited. □ He met her at a fashion-show afterparty.
a fter-sales se r|vice (after-sales services ) N‑VAR A company's after-sales service is all the help and information that it provides to customers after they have bought a particular product. [BUSINESS ] □ …a local retailer who offers a good after-sales service. □ They attempt to keep the car buyer as a long-term customer by offering after-sales service.
a fter-schoo l ADJ [ADJ n] After-school activities are those that are organized for children in the afternoon or evening after they have finished school. □ …an after-school childcare scheme.
after|shave /ɑː ftə r ʃe I v, æ f-/ (aftershaves ) also after-shave N‑VAR Aftershave is a liquid with a pleasant smell that men sometimes put on their faces after shaving.
after|shock /ɑː ftə r ʃɒk, æ f-/ (aftershocks )
1 N‑COUNT Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes which occur after a large earthquake.
2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to the effects of an important event, especially a bad one, as the aftershock . [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] They were already under stress, thanks to the aftershock of last year's drought.
after|taste /ɑː ftə r te I st, æ f-/ also after-taste N‑SING An aftertaste is a taste that remains in your mouth after you have finished eating or drinking something.
after|thought /ɑː ftə r θɔːt, æ f-/ (afterthoughts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you do or say something as an afterthought , you do or say it after something else as an addition, perhaps without careful thought. □ Almost as an afterthought he added that he missed her.
after|wards ◆◇◇ /ɑː ftə r wə r dz, æ f-/ The form afterward is also used, mainly in American English. ADV If you do something or if something happens afterwards , you do it or it happens after a particular event or time that has already been mentioned. □ Shortly afterwards, police arrested four suspects. □ James was taken to hospital but died soon afterwards.
after|word /ɑː ftə r wɜː r d/ N‑SING An afterword is a short essay at the end of a book, usually written by the author.
again ◆◆◆ /əge n, əge I n/
1 ADV [ADV with v] You use again to indicate that something happens a second time, or after it has already happened before. □ He kissed her again. □ Again there was a short silence. □ I don't ever want to go through anything like that again.
2 ADV [ADV after v] You use again to indicate that something is now in a particular state or place that it used to be in. □ He opened his attaché-case, removed a folder, then closed it again. □ I started to feel good about myself again.
3 ADV You can use again when you want to point out that there is a similarity between the subject that you are talking about now and a previous subject. □ Again the pregnancy was very similar to my previous two.
4 ADV You can use again in expressions such as but again , then again , and there again when you want to introduce a remark which contrasts with or weakens something that you have just said. □ It's easier to take a taxi. But then again you can't always get one.
5 ADV You can add again to the end of your question when you are asking someone to tell you something that you have forgotten or that they have already told you. [SPOKEN ] □ Sorry, what's your name again?
6 ADV You use again in expressions such as half as much again when you are indicating how much greater one amount is than another amount that you have just mentioned or are about to mention. □ Properties in the seaside resorts cost at least half as much again as those in the surrounding country.
7 PHRASE You can use again and again or time and again to emphasize that something happens many times. [EMPHASIS ] □ He would go over his work again and again until he felt he had it right.
8 now and again → see now
9 once again → see once
against ◆◆◆ /əge nst, əge I nst/ In addition to the uses shown below, against is used in phrasal verbs such as 'come up against', 'guard against', and 'hold against'. 1 PREP If one thing is leaning or pressing against another, it is touching it. □ She leaned against him. □ On a table pushed against a wall there were bottles of water. □ …the rain beating against the window panes.
2 PREP If you are against something such as a plan, policy, or system, you think it is wrong, bad, or stupid. □ Taxes are unpopular–it is understandable that voters are against them. □ Joan was very much against commencing drug treatment. □ …a march to protest against job losses. ● ADV [ADV after v] Against is also an adverb. □ The vote for the suspension of the party was 283 in favour with 29 against.
3 PREP If you compete against someone in a game, you try to beat them. □ The tour will include games against the Australian Barbarians.
4 PREP If you take action against someone or something, you try to harm them. □ Security forces are still using violence against opponents of the government.
5 PREP If you take action against a possible future event, you try to prevent it. □ …the fight against crime. □ I must warn you against raising your hopes.
6 PREP If you do something against someone's wishes, advice, or orders, you do not do what they want you to do or tell you to do. □ He discharged himself from hospital against the advice of doctors.
7 PREP If you do something in order to protect yourself against something unpleasant or harmful, you do something which will make its effects on you less serious if it happens. □ A business needs insurance against risks such as fire and flood.
8 PHRASE If you have something against someone or something, you dislike them. □ Have you got something against women, Les?
9 PREP If something is against the law or against the rules, there is a law or a rule which says that you must not do it. □ It is against the law to detain you against your will for any length of time.
10 PREP If you are moving against a current, tide, or wind, you are moving in the opposite direction to it. □ …swimming upstream against the current.
11 PREP If something happens or is considered against a particular background of events, it is considered in relation to those events, because those events are relevant to it. □ The profits rise was achieved against a backdrop of falling metal prices.
12 PREP If something is measured or valued against something else, it is measured or valued by comparing it with the other thing. □ Our policy has to be judged against a clear test: will it improve the standard of education? □ The U.S. dollar is down against most foreign currencies today.
13 PHRASE If you discuss a particular set of facts or figures as against another set, you are comparing or contrasting the two sets of facts or figures. □ The study found that the average length of US TV breaks was 141 seconds as against 236 seconds in Britain.
14 PREP The odds against something happening are the chances or odds that it will not happen. □ The odds against him surviving are incredible. ● ADV [n ADV ] Against is also an adverb. □ What were the odds against?
15 up against → see up ➋
16 against the clock → see clock
agape /əge I p/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as having their mouth agape , their mouth is open very wide, often because they are very surprised by something. [WRITTEN ] □ She stood looking at Carmen with her mouth agape.
ag|ate /æ g I t/ (agates ) N‑VAR Agate is a very hard stone which is used to make jewellery.
age ◆◆◆ /e I dʒ/ (ages , ageing , aging , aged ) The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English. 1 N‑VAR Your age is the number of years that you have lived. □ She has a nephew who is just ten years of age. □ [+ of ] At the age of sixteen he qualified for a place at the University of Hamburg. □ I admired him for being so confident at his age.
2 N‑VAR The age of a thing is the number of years since it was made. □ [+ of ] Everything in the room looks in keeping with the age of the building.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Age is the state of being old or the process of becoming older. □ Perhaps he has grown wiser with age. □ The fabric was showing signs of age.
4 VERB When someone ages , or when something ages them, they seem much older and less strong or less alert. □ [V ] He had always looked so young, but he seemed to have aged in the last few months. □ [V n] He was only in his mid-thirties, but already worry had aged him.
5 N‑COUNT An age is a period in history. □ [+ of ] …the age of steam and steel. □ …items of Bronze Age pottery.
6 N‑COUNT You can say an age or ages to mean a very long time. [INFORMAL ] □ He waited what seemed an age. □ The bus took absolutely ages to arrive.
7 → see also aged , ageing , coming of age , dark age , golden age , Ice Age , Iron Age , middle age , Stone Age
8 PHRASE If someone tells you to act your age , they are telling you to behave in a way that is suitable for someone your age, because they think you are behaving in a childish way. [DISAPPROVAL ]
9 PHRASE If something comes of age , it reaches an important stage of development and is accepted by a large number of people. □ The New York Yankees' stadium is where baseball came of age.
10 PHRASE When someone comes of age , they become legally an adult. □ The company was to be held in trust for Eddie until he came of age.
11 PHRASE Someone who is under age is not legally old enough to do something, for example to buy an alcoholic drink. □ Because she was under age, her parents were still responsible for her. □ …under age smoking. SYNONYMS age NOUN 6
time: We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.
era: It was an era of austerity.
period: No reference to their existence appears in any literature of the period.
epoch: The birth of Christ was the beginning of a major epoch of world history.
a ge-appro priate ADJ Something that is age-appropriate is suitable for the age that a person is. □ That dress isn't really age-appropriate.
aged ◆◇◇ Pronounced /e I dʒd/ for meaning 1 , and /e I dʒ I d/ for meanings 2 and 3 . 1 ADJ You use aged followed by a number to say how old someone is. □ Alan has two children, aged eleven and nine.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Aged means very old. □ She has an aged parent who's capable of being very difficult.
3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to all people who are very old as the aged . [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ …people who work with the aged.
4 → see also middle-aged
a ge group (age groups ) N‑COUNT An age group is the people in a place or organization who were born during a particular period of time, for example all the people aged between 18 and 25. □ …a style that would appeal to all age groups.
age|ing /e I dʒ I ŋ/ also aging
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is ageing is becoming older and less healthy or efficient. □ John lives with his ageing mother. □ Ageing aircraft need more frequent safety inspections.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Ageing is the process of becoming old or becoming worn out.
age|ism /e I dʒ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Ageism is unacceptable behaviour that occurs as a result of the belief that older people are of less value than younger people. [DISAPPROVAL ]
age|ist /e I dʒ I st/ ADJ Ageist behaviour is unacceptable behaviour based on the belief that older people are of less value than younger people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …ageist bias from employers.
age|less /e I dʒləs/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as ageless , you mean that they never seem to look any older. [LITERARY ] □ She was rich, beautiful and seemingly ageless.
2 ADJ If you describe something as ageless , you mean that it is impossible to tell how old it is, or that it seems to have existed for ever. [LITERARY ] □ …the ageless oceans.
a ge lim|it (age limits ) N‑COUNT An age limit is the oldest or youngest age at which you are allowed under particular regulations to do something. □ In some cases there is a minimum age limit.
agen|cy ◆◆◇ /e I dʒənsi/ (agencies )
1 N‑COUNT An agency is a business which provides a service on behalf of other businesses. [BUSINESS ] □ We had to hire maids through an agency.
2 → see also advertising agency , employment agency , press agency , travel agency
3 N‑COUNT An agency is a government organization responsible for a certain area of administration. □ …the government agency which monitors health and safety at work in Britain. COLLOCATIONS agency NOUN
1
noun + agency : advertising, marketing; employment, recruitment; news
3
noun + agency : aid, development, funding; intelligence, security
agen|da ◆◇◇ /ədʒe ndə/ (agendas )
1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the political issues which are important at a particular time as an agenda . □ [+ on ] Does television set the agenda on foreign policy? □ The Danish president will put environmental issues high on the agenda.
2 → see also hidden agenda
3 N‑COUNT An agenda is a list of the items that have to be discussed at a meeting. □ This is sure to be an item on the agenda next week.
agent ◆◆◇ /e I dʒənt/ (agents )
1 N‑COUNT An agent is a person who looks after someone else's business affairs or does business on their behalf. [BUSINESS ] □ You are buying direct, rather than through an agent.
2 → see also estate agent , press agent , travel agent
3 N‑COUNT An agent in the arts world is a person who gets work for an actor or musician, or who sells the work of a writer to publishers.
4 N‑COUNT An agent is a person who works for a country's secret service. □ [+ for ] All these years he's been an agent for the East.
5 N‑COUNT A chemical that has a particular effect or is used for a particular purpose can be referred to as a particular kind of agent . □ …the bleaching agent in white flour.
agent pro|vo|ca|teur /æ ʒɒn prɒvɒkətɜː r / (agents provocateurs ) N‑COUNT An agent provocateur is a person who is employed by the government or the police to encourage certain groups of people to break the law, so they can arrest them or make them lose public support. □ Agents provocateurs may seek to discredit the opposition.
a ge of con|se nt N‑SING The age of consent is the age at which a person can legally agree to having a sexual relationship. □ He was under the age of consent.
a ge-o ld ADJ [usu ADJ n] An age-old story, tradition, or problem has existed for many generations or centuries. [WRITTEN ] □ This age-old struggle for control had led to untold bloody wars.
ag|glom|era|tion /əglɒ məre I ʃ ə n/ (agglomerations ) N‑VAR An agglomeration of things is a lot of different things gathered together, often in no particular order or arrangement. [FORMAL ]
ag|gran|dize /əgræ nda I z/ (aggrandizes , aggrandizing , aggrandized ) in BRIT, also use aggrandise VERB To aggrandize someone means to make them seem richer, more powerful, and more important than they really are. To aggrandize a building means to make it more impressive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V pron-refl] At the dinner table, my father would go on and on, showing off, aggrandising himself. □ [V n] …plans to aggrandise the building.
ag|gran|dize|ment /əgræ nd I zmənt/ in BRIT, also use aggrandisement 1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone does something for aggrandizement , they do it in order to get power, wealth, and importance for themselves. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Economic necessity had prevailed over military aggrandizement.
2 → see also self-aggrandizement
ag|gra|vate /æ grəve I t/ (aggravates , aggravating , aggravated )
1 VERB If someone or something aggravates a situation, they make it worse. □ [V n] Stress and lack of sleep can aggravate the situation.
2 VERB If someone or something aggravates you, they make you annoyed. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] What aggravates you most about this country? ● ag|gra|vat|ing ADJ □ You don't realise how aggravating you can be. ● ag|gra|va|tion /æ grəve I ʃ ə n/ (aggravations ) N‑VAR □ I just couldn't take the aggravation.
ag|gra|vat|ed /æ grəve I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Aggravated is used to describe a serious crime which involves violence. [LEGAL ] □ He was jailed for aggravated assault.
ag|gre|gate /æ gr I gət/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] An aggregate amount or score is made up of several smaller amounts or scores added together. □ Their previous four wins had provided an aggregate score of 12-7 in their favour. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Aggregate is also a noun. □ The highest aggregate came in the third round where Leeds and Middlesbrough drew 4-4.
2 N‑COUNT An aggregate is a number of people or things that are being considered as a single thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …society viewed as an aggregate of individuals.
ag|gres|sion /əgre ʃ ə n/ (aggressions )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Aggression is a quality of anger and determination that makes you ready to attack other people. □ Aggression is by no means a male-only trait.
2 N‑VAR Aggression is violent and attacking behaviour. □ The raid was an unjustifiable act of aggression.
ag|gres|sive ◆◇◇ /əgre s I v/
1 ADJ An aggressive person or animal has a quality of anger and determination that makes them ready to attack other people. □ Some children are much more aggressive than others. □ Aggressive behaviour is a sign of emotional distress. ● ag|gres|sive|ly ADV □ They'll react aggressively. ● ag|gres|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Her aggressiveness made it difficult for him to explain his own feelings.
2 ADJ People who are aggressive in their work or other activities behave in a forceful way because they are very eager to succeed. □ He is respected as a very aggressive and competitive executive. ● ag|gres|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ …countries noted for aggressively pursuing energy efficiency.
ag|gres|sor /əgre sə r / (aggressors ) N‑COUNT The aggressor in a fight or battle is the person, group, or country that starts it. □ They have been the aggressors in this conflict.
ag|grieved /əgriː vd/ ADJ If you feel aggrieved , you feel upset and angry because of the way in which you have been treated. □ [+ at ] I really feel aggrieved at this sort of thing.
ag|gro /æ groʊ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Aggro is the difficulties and problems that are involved in something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Simply phone the ticket hot-line and all that aggro will be a thing of the past.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Aggro is aggressive or violent behaviour. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ They could see there wasn't going to be any aggro and they left us to it.
aghast /əgɑː st, əgæ st/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If you are aghast , you are filled with horror and surprise. [FORMAL ] □ She watched aghast as his life flowed away. [Also + at ]
ag|ile /æ dʒa I l, [AM ] -dʒ ə l/
1 ADJ Someone who is agile can move quickly and easily. □ At 20 years old he was not as agile as he is now. ● agil|ity /ədʒ I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ She blinked in surprise at his agility.
2 ADJ If you have an agile mind, you think quickly and intelligently. □ She was quick-witted and had an extraordinarily agile mind. ● agil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ His intellect and mental agility have never been in doubt.
ag|ing /e I dʒ I ŋ/ → see age , ageing
agi|tate /æ dʒ I te I t/ (agitates , agitating , agitated )
1 VERB If people agitate for something, they protest or take part in political activity in order to get it. □ [V + for ] The women who worked in these mills had begun to agitate for better conditions. [Also V , V for n to-inf]
2 VERB If you agitate something, you shake it so that it moves about. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] All you need to do is gently agitate the water with a finger or paintbrush.
3 VERB If something agitates you, it worries you and makes you unable to think clearly or calmly. □ [V n] The thought of them getting her possessions when she dies agitates her.
4 → see also agitation
agi|tat|ed /æ dʒ I te I t I d/ ADJ If someone is agitated , they are very worried or upset, and show this in their behaviour, movements, or voice. □ Susan seemed agitated about something.
agi|ta|tion /æ dʒ I te I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is in a state of agitation , they are very worried or upset, and show this in their behaviour, movements, or voice. □ Danny returned to Father's house in a state of intense agitation.
2 → see also agitate
agi|ta|tor /æ dʒ I te I tə r / (agitators ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone involved in politics as an agitator , you disapprove of them because of the trouble they cause in organizing campaigns and protests. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a famous actress who was accused of being a political agitator.
agit|prop /æ dʒ I tprɒp/ also agit-prop N‑UNCOUNT Agitprop is the use of artistic forms such as drama or posters to further political aims.
aglow /əgloʊ /
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is aglow , it is shining and bright with a soft, warm light. [LITERARY ] □ [+ with ] The night skies will be aglow with fireworks.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is aglow or if their face is aglow , they look excited. [LITERARY ] □ 'It was incredible,' Kurt says, suddenly aglow. [Also + with ]
AGM /e I dʒiː e m/ (AGMs ) also agm N‑COUNT The AGM of a company or organization is a meeting which it holds once a year in order to discuss the previous year's activities and accounts. AGM is an abbreviation for 'Annual General Meeting'. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]
ag|nos|tic /ægnɒ st I k/ (agnostics )
1 N‑COUNT An agnostic believes that it is not possible to know whether God exists or not. Compare atheist .
2 ADJ Agnostic means relating to agnostics or to their beliefs. □ You grew up in an agnostic household and have never been able to bring yourself to believe in God.
ag|nos|ti|cism /ægnɒ st I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Agnosticism is the belief that it is not possible to say definitely whether or not there is a God. Compare atheism .
ago ◆◆◆ /əgoʊ / ADV [ADV with v, n ADV ] You use ago when you are referring to past time. For example, if something happened one year ago , it is one year since it happened. If it happened a long time ago , it is a long time since it happened. □ He was killed a few days ago in a skiing accident. □ The meeting is the first since the war began 14 years ago. □ Harry's daughter is dead. She died long ago. USAGE ago
Don’t use ago
and since
together. Don’t say, for example, ‘
It's three years ago since it happened
’. Say ‘It happened three years ago’ or ‘It is three years since it happened’. □
It's two weeks since
I wrote to you.
agog /əgɒ g/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are agog , you are excited about something, and eager to know more about it.
ago|nize /æ gəna I z/ (agonizes , agonizing , agonized ) in BRIT, also use agonise VERB If you agonize over something, you feel very anxious about it and spend a long time thinking about it. □ [V + over/about ] Perhaps he was agonizing over the moral issues involved. [Also V ]
ago|nized /æ gəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use agonised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Agonized describes something that you say or do when you are in great physical or mental pain. □ …the agonised look on his face.
ago|niz|ing /æ gəna I z I ŋ/ in BRIT, also use agonising 1 ADJ Something that is agonizing causes you to feel great physical or mental pain. □ He did not wish to die the agonizing death of his mother and brother. ● ago|niz|ing|ly ADV □ Progress was agonizingly slow.
2 ADJ Agonizing decisions and choices are very difficult to make. □ He now faced an agonizing decision about his immediate future.
ago|ny /æ gəni/ N‑UNCOUNT Agony is great physical or mental pain. □ She called out in agony.
a go|ny aunt (agony aunts ) N‑COUNT An agony aunt is a person who writes a column in a newspaper or magazine in which they reply to readers who have written to them for advice on their personal problems. [BRIT ] in AM, use advice columnist
a go|ny col|umn (agony columns ) N‑COUNT In a British newspaper or magazine, the agony column contains letters from readers about their personal problems, and advice on what to do about them. [BRIT ] in AM, use advice column
ago|ra|pho|bia /æ gərəfoʊ biə/ N‑UNCOUNT Agoraphobia is the fear of open or public places.
ago|ra|pho|bic /æ gərəfoʊ b I k/ (agoraphobics ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is agoraphobic suffers from agoraphobia. ● N‑COUNT An agoraphobic is someone who suffers from agoraphobia.
agrar|ian /əgreə riən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Agrarian means relating to the ownership and use of land, especially farmland, or relating to the part of a society or economy that is concerned with agriculture.
agree ◆◆◆ /əgriː / (agrees , agreeing , agreed )
1 VERB If people agree with each other about something, they have the same opinion about it or say that they have the same opinion. □ [V ] If we agreed all the time it would be a bit boring, wouldn't it? □ [V + on ] Both have agreed on the need for the money. □ [V ] So we both agree there's a problem? □ [V + with ] I see your point but I'm not sure I agree with you. □ [V + with ] I agree with you that the open system is by far the best. □ [V ] 'It's appalling.'—'It is. I agree.' □ [V that] I agree that the demise of London zoo would be terrible. □ [V + with ] I agree with every word you've just said. □ [V with quote] 'Frankly I found it rather frightening.' 'A little startling,' Mark agreed.
2 VERB If you agree to do something, you say that you will do it. If you agree to a proposal, you accept it. □ [V to-inf] He agreed to pay me for the drawings. □ [V + to ] Donna agreed to both requests. [Also V ]
3 VERB If people agree on something, or in British English if they agree something, they all decide to accept or do something. □ [V + on/upon ] The warring sides have agreed on an unconditional ceasefire. □ [V n] We never agreed a date. □ [V n + with ] The court had given the unions until September to agree terms with a buyer.
4 PHRASE If two people who are arguing about something agree to disagree or agree to differ , they decide to stop arguing because neither of them is going to change their opinion. □ You and I are going to have to agree to disagree then.
5 VERB If you agree with an action or suggestion, you approve of it. □ [V + with ] I don't agree with what they're doing.
6 VERB If one account of an event or one set of figures agrees with another, the two accounts or sets of figures are the same or are consistent with each other. □ [V + with ] His second statement agrees with facts as stated by the other witnesses. [Also V ]
7 VERB [with neg] If some food that you eat does not agree with you, it makes you feel ill. □ [V + with ] I don't think the food here agrees with me.
8 VERB In grammar, if a word agrees with a noun or pronoun, it has a form that is appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun. For example, in 'He hates it', the singular verb agrees with the singular pronoun 'he'.
9 → see also agreed USAGE agree
Don’t say that you ‘agree’ something, or that you ‘
are agreed with it
’. Also, when you use ‘agree’ in this sense, don’t use progressive forms. Don’t say ‘
I am agreeing with Mark
’. □
I agree with
Mark.
□
He agreed with
my idea.
agree|able /əgriː əb ə l/
1 ADJ If something is agreeable , it is pleasant and you enjoy it. □ …workers in more agreeable and better paid occupations.
2 ADJ If someone is agreeable , they are pleasant and try to please people. □ …lunch with an agreeable friend.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are agreeable to something or if it is agreeable to you, you are willing to do it or to allow it to happen. [FORMAL ] □ If you are agreeable, my PA will make all the necessary arrangements. □ [+ to ] …a solution that would be agreeable to all.
agreed /əgriː d/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If people are agreed on something, they have reached a joint decision on it or have the same opinion about it. □ [+ on ] Okay, so are we agreed on going north? □ Everyone is agreed that something needs to be done about the situation.
2 CONVENTION When you are discussing something, you can say ' Agreed? ' to check whether the other people agree with what you have just said. You can say ' Agreed ' if you agree with what someone has just said. [FORMAL , SPOKEN , FORMULAE ] □ 'That means we move out today. Agreed?'—'Agreed.'
3 → see also agree
agree|ment ◆◆◇ /əgriː mənt/ (agreements )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An agreement is a formal decision about future action which is made by two or more countries, groups, or people. □ It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached. □ The two countries signed an agreement to jointly launch satellites.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Agreement on something is a joint decision that a particular course of action should be taken. □ [+ on ] The two men had not reached agreement on any issues.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Agreement with someone means having the same opinion as they have. □ The judge kept nodding in agreement. ● PHRASE If you are in agreement with someone, you have the same opinion as they have. □ [+ with ] Not all scholars are in agreement with her, however.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Agreement to a course of action means allowing it to happen or giving it your approval. □ The clinic doctor will then write to your GP to get his agreement. ● PHRASE If you are in agreement with a plan or proposal, you approve of it. □ [+ with ] The president was in full agreement with the proposal.
5 N‑UNCOUNT If there is agreement between two accounts of an event or two sets of figures, they are the same or are consistent with each other. □ [+ with ] Many other surveys have produced results essentially in agreement with these figures.
6 N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, agreement refers to the way that a word has a form appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun it relates to. COLLOCATIONS agreement NOUN 1
noun + agreement : free trade, loan, peace, tenancy; confidentiality, non-disclosure
adjective + agreement : binding, enforceable, unenforceable, voluntary; bilateral, formal, mutual; verbal, written
verb + agreement : negotiate; come to, reach; sign SYNONYMS agreement NOUN
1
treaty: …negotiations over a 1992 treaty on global warming.
arrangement: The caves can be visited only by prior arrangement.
deal: Japan will have to do a deal with America on rice imports.
settlement: Our objective must be to secure a peace settlement.
4
assent: Without their assent a political settlement cannot be reached.
consent: At approximately 11:30 p.m., Pollard finally gave his consent to the search.
ag|ri|busi|ness /æ grib I zn I s/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Agribusiness is the various businesses that produce, sell, and distribute farm products, especially on a large scale. [BUSINESS ]
ag|ri|cul|tur|al ◆◇◇ /æ gr I kʌ ltʃərəl/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Agricultural means involving or relating to agriculture. □ …agricultural land. □ …corn and other agricultural products.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An agricultural place or society is one in which agriculture is important or highly developed. □ …traditional agricultural societies.
ag|ri|cul|tur|al|ist /æ gr I kʌ ltʃərəl I st/ (agriculturalists ) N‑COUNT An agriculturalist is someone who is an expert on agriculture and who advises farmers.
ag|ri|cul|ture ◆◇◇ /æ gr I kʌltʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Agriculture is farming and the methods that are used to raise and look after crops and animals. □ The Ukraine is strong both in industry and agriculture. SYNONYMS agriculture NOUN
farming: Modern intensive farming is subsidised by cheap oil.
husbandry: …soil-conserving methods of good husbandry.
PREFIX agro-
is used to form nouns and adjectives which refer to things relating to agriculture, or to agriculture combined with another activity. For example, agronomics is the branch of economics that studies how land is used in farming.
agrono|mist /əgrɒ nəm I st/ (agronomists ) N‑COUNT An agronomist is someone who studies the growing and harvesting of crops.
aground /əgraʊ nd/ ADV [ADV after v] If a ship runs aground , it touches the ground in a shallow part of a river, lake, or the sea, and gets stuck.
ah /ɑː / EXCLAM Ah is used in writing to represent a noise that people make in conversation, for example to acknowledge or draw attention to something, or to express surprise or disappointment. [FEELINGS ] □ Ah, so many questions, so little time.
aha /ɑːhɑː / EXCLAM Aha is used in writing to represent a noise that people make in conversation, for example to express satisfaction or surprise. [FEELINGS ] □ Aha! Here at last, the answer to my question.
ahead
➊ ADVERB USES
➋ PREPOSITION USES
➊ ahead ◆◆◇ /əhe d/ In addition to the uses shown below, ahead is used in phrasal verbs such as 'get ahead', 'go ahead', and 'press ahead'. 1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Something that is ahead is in front of you. If you look ahead , you look directly in front of you. □ Brett looked straight ahead. □ I peered ahead through the front screen. □ The road ahead was now blocked solid. □ Ahead, I saw the only tree for miles.
2 ADV [ADV after v] You use ahead with verbs such as 'push', 'move', and 'forge' to indicate that a plan, scheme, or organization is making fast progress. □ We are moving ahead with plans to send financial aid.
3 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you are ahead in your work or achievements, you have made more progress than you expected to and are performing well. □ First half profits have charged ahead from £127.6m to £134.2m. □ [+ in ] Children in small classes are several months ahead in reading.
4 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If a person or a team is ahead in a competition, they are winning. □ Scotland were ahead in their European championship qualifier in Iceland. □ A goal would have put Dublin 6-1 ahead.
5 ADV [v-link ADV , ADV after v, n ADV ] Ahead also means in the future. □ A much bigger battle is ahead for the president. □ Now I can remember without mourning, and begin to look ahead.
6 ADV [ADV after v] If you prepare or plan something ahead , you do it some time before a future event so that everything is ready for that event to take place. □ The government wants figures that help it to plan ahead. □ Summer weddings need to be arranged months ahead.
7 ADV [ADV after v] If you go ahead , or if you go on ahead , you go in front of someone who is going to the same place so that you arrive there some time before they do. □ I went ahead and waited with Sean.
➋ ahea d of ◆◇◇
→ Please look at categories 7 and 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 PHRASE If someone is ahead of you, they are directly in front of you. If someone is moving ahead of you, they are in front of you and moving in the same direction. □ I saw a man in a blue jacket thirty metres ahead of me. □ She walked ahead of Helene up the steps into the hotel.
2 PHRASE If an event or period of time lies ahead of you, it is going to happen or take place soon or in the future. □ I tried to think about all the problems that were ahead of me tomorrow. □ She spent all night thinking about the future that lay ahead of her. □ We have a very busy day ahead of us today.
3 PHRASE In a competition, if a person or team does something ahead of someone else, they do it before the second person or team. □ Robertson's team crossed five metres ahead of their rivals.
4 PHRASE If something happens ahead of schedule or ahead of time, it happens earlier than was planned. □ This dish may be prepared a day ahead of time and refrigerated.
5 PHRASE If someone is ahead of someone else, they have made more progress and are more advanced in what they are doing. □ Henry generally stayed ahead of the others in the academic subjects.
6 one step ahead of someone or something → see step
7 ahead of your time → see time
ahem /əhe m/ CONVENTION In writing, ahem is used to show that someone is being ironic. Ahem is also used to show that someone wants to get another person's attention. □ It is not unknown for valuable display items to go, ahem, missing.
ahold /əhoʊ ld/
1 PHRASE If you get ahold of someone or something, you manage to contact, find, or get them. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ I tried again to get ahold of my cousin Joan.
2 PHRASE If you get ahold of yourself , you force yourself to become calm and sensible after a shock or in a difficult situation. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ I'm going to have to get ahold of myself.
ahoy /əhɔ I / EXCLAM Ahoy is something that people in boats shout in order to attract attention. □ Ahoy there! □ Ship ahoy!
AI /e I a I / N‑UNCOUNT AI is an abbreviation for artificial intelligence , or artificial insemination .
aid ◆◆◆ /e I d/ (aids , aiding , aided )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Aid is money, equipment, or services that are provided for people, countries, or organizations who need them but cannot provide them for themselves. □ [+ to ] …convoys delivering humanitarian aid to besieged or isolated communities. □ They have already pledged billions of dollars in aid. □ …food aid convoys.
2 VERB To aid a country, organization, or person means to provide them with money, equipment, or services that they need. □ [V n] The ministry is working through international associations to aid the refugees. ● -aided COMB □ …grant-aided factories. □ …state-aided schools.
3 VERB To aid someone means to help or assist them. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] …a software system to aid managers in advanced decision-making. □ [V -ed] The hunt for her killer will continue, with police aided by the army and air force. [Also V n to-inf] ● N‑UNCOUNT Aid is also a noun. □ He was forced to turn for aid to his former enemy.
4 N‑UNCOUNT If you perform a task with the aid of something, you need or use that thing to perform that task. □ [+ of ] He succeeded with the aid of a completely new method he discovered.
5 N‑COUNT An aid is an object, device, or technique that makes something easier to do. □ [+ to ] The book is an invaluable aid to teachers of literature.
6 VERB If something aids a process, it makes it easier or more likely to happen. □ [V n] The export sector will aid the economic recovery. □ [V + in ] Calcium may aid in the prevention of colon cancer.
7 → see also Band-Aid , first aid , hearing aid , legal aid
8 PHRASE An activity or event in aid of a particular cause or charity is intended to raise money for that cause or charity. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a charity performance in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
9 PHRASE If you come or go to someone's aid , you try to help them when they are in danger or difficulty. COLLOCATIONS aid NOUN
1
noun + aid : development, food; government, state
adjective + aid : humanitarian, legal, medical, military; foreign, international, overseas; economic, financial
verb + aid : deliver, distribute, pledge, provide; cut, increase, suspend, withdraw; need, receive
4
verb + aid : enlist
5
noun + aid : buoyancy, hearing, mobility, teaching
adjective + aid : electronic, navigational, visual VERB
2
aid + noun : refugees; economy, research
3
aid + noun : digestion, identification, understanding SYNONYMS aid NOUN
1
handout: Soldiers oversee the food handouts.
relief: …famine relief.
support: …the government's proposal to cut agricultural support by only about 15%.
charity: Her husband is unemployed and the family depends on charity.
assistance: We shall offer you assistance with legal expenses up to $5,000.
4
backing: He said the president had the full backing of his government to negotiate a deal.
support: The prime minister gave his full support to the government's reforms.
assistance: Since 1976 he has been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.
aide /e I d/ (aides ) N‑COUNT An aide is an assistant to someone who has an important job, especially in government or in the armed forces. □ [+ to ] …a close aide to the Prime Minister.
aide-de-camp /e I d də kɒ m/ (aides-de-camp ) N‑COUNT An aide-de-camp is an officer in the armed forces who helps an officer of higher rank. □ [+ to ] …a colonel who had been aide-de-camp to the king.
aide-memoire /e I d me mwɑː r / (aide-memoires ) also aide-mémoire N‑COUNT An aide-memoire is something such as a list that you use to remind you of something.
AIDS ◆◆◇ /e I dz/ N‑UNCOUNT AIDS is a disease which destroys the natural system of protection that the body has against other diseases. AIDS is an abbreviation for 'acquired immune deficiency syndrome'.
ail /e I l/ (ails , ailing , ailed ) VERB If something ails a group or area of activity, it is a problem or source of trouble for that group or for people involved in that activity. □ [V n] A full-scale debate is under way on what ails the industry.
ailer|on /e I lərɒn/ (ailerons ) N‑COUNT An aileron is a section on the back edge of the wing of an aircraft that can be raised or lowered in order to control the aircraft's movement.
ail|ing /e I l I ŋ/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ailing organization or society is in difficulty and is becoming weaker. □ The rise in overseas sales is good news for the ailing American economy.
2 ADJ If someone is ailing , they are ill and are not getting better. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
ail|ment /e I lmənt/ (ailments ) N‑COUNT An ailment is an illness, especially one that is not very serious. □ The pharmacist can assist you with the treatment of common ailments.
aim ◆◆◇ /e I m/ (aims , aiming , aimed )
1 VERB If you aim for something or aim to do something, you plan or hope to achieve it. □ [V + for/at ] He is aiming for the 100 metres world record. □ [V to-inf] …an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.
2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The aim of something that you do is the purpose for which you do it or the result that it is intended to achieve. □ [+ of ] The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.
3 V-PASSIVE If an action or plan is aimed at achieving something, it is intended or planned to achieve it. □ [be V -ed at n/v-ing] The new measures are aimed at tightening existing sanctions. □ [V -ed] …talks aimed at ending the war.
4 VERB If you aim to do something, you decide or want to do it. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] Are you aiming to visit the gardens?
5 VERB [usu passive] If your actions or remarks are aimed at a particular person or group, you intend that the person or group should notice them and be influenced by them. □ [be V -ed + at ] The stark message was aimed at the heads of some of Britain's biggest banks. □ [V -ed] Advertising aimed at children should be curbed.
6 VERB If you aim a weapon or object at something or someone, you point it towards them before firing or throwing it. □ [V n + at ] He was aiming the rifle at Wade. □ [V -ed] …a missile aimed at the arms factory. □ [V + at ] I didn't know I was supposed to aim at the same spot all the time. [Also V ]
7 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Your aim is your skill or action in pointing a weapon or other object at its target. □ He stood with the gun in his right hand and his left hand steadying his aim.
8 VERB If you aim a kick or punch at someone, you try to kick or punch them. □ [V n prep/adv] They aimed kicks at his shins. [Also V n]
9 PHRASE When you take aim , you point a weapon or object at someone or something, before firing or throwing it. □ She had spotted a man with a shotgun taking aim.
10 PHRASE If you take aim at someone or something, you criticize them strongly. [AM ] □ Republican strategists are taking particular aim at Democratic senators.
aim|less /e I mləs/ ADJ A person or activity that is aimless has no clear purpose or plan. □ After several hours of aimless searching they were getting low on fuel. ● aim|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ I wandered around aimlessly.
ain't /e I nt/ People sometimes use ain't instead of 'am not', 'aren't', 'isn't', 'haven't', and 'hasn't'. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. [DIALECT , SPOKEN ] □ Well, it's obvious, ain't it?
air ◆◆◆ /eə r / (airs , airing , aired )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Air is the mixture of gases which forms the Earth's atmosphere and which we breathe. □ Draughts help to circulate air. □ Keith opened the window and leaned out into the cold air. □ …water and air pollutants.
2 N‑SING The air is the space around things or above the ground. □ Government troops broke up the protest by firing their guns in the air.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n, by N ] Air is used to refer to travel in aircraft. □ Air travel will continue to grow at about 6% per year. □ Casualties had to be brought to hospital by air.
4 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has a particular air , you mean that they give this general impression. □ [+ of ] Jennifer regarded him with an air of amusement.
5 N‑PLURAL If you say that someone is putting on airs or giving themselves airs , you are criticizing them for behaving as if they are better than other people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ We're poor and we never put on airs.
6 VERB If a broadcasting company airs a television or radio programme, they show it on television or broadcast it on the radio. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] Tonight PBS will air a documentary called 'Democracy In Action'. ● air|ing N‑SING □ [+ of ] …the airing of offensive material.
7 VERB If you air your opinions, you make them known to people. □ [be V -ed] The whole issue was thoroughly aired at the meeting.
8 VERB If you air a room or building, you let fresh air into it. □ [V n] One day a week her mother systematically cleaned and aired each room.
9 VERB If you air clothing or bedding, you put it somewhere warm to make sure that it is completely dry.
10 PHRASE If you do something to clear the air , you do it in order to resolve any problems or disagreements that there might be. □ …an inquiry just to clear the air and settle the facts of the case.
11 PHRASE If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about. □ There was great excitement in the air.
12 PHRASE If someone is on the air , they are broadcasting on radio or television. If a programme is on the air , it is being broadcast on radio or television. If it is off the air , it is not being broadcast. □ She is going on the air as presenter of a new show. □ This message did not reach me until after the programme went off the air.
13 PHRASE If someone or something disappears into thin air , they disappear completely. If someone or something appears out of thin air , they appear suddenly and mysteriously. □ He had materialized out of thin air; I had not seen or heard him coming.
14 PHRASE If you say that a decision or a situation is up in the air , you mean that it has not yet been completely settled or planned. □ With his contract expiring during the summer, the defender's future is up in the air.
15 PHRASE If you say that you are walking on air or floating on air , you mean that you feel extremely happy about something. □ As soon as I know I'm in the team it's like I'm walking on air.
ai r a m|bu|lance (air ambulances ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] An air ambulance is a helicopter or plane that is used for taking people to hospital.
air|bag /eə r bæg/ (airbags ) also air bag N‑COUNT An airbag is a safety device in a car which automatically fills with air if the car crashes, and is designed to protect the people in the car when they are thrown forward in the crash.
ai r base (air bases ) also airbase N‑COUNT An air base is a centre where military aircraft take off or land and are serviced, and where many of the centre's staff live.
air|bed /eə r bed/ (airbeds ) also air bed N‑COUNT An airbed is a plastic or rubber mattress which can be folded or stored flat and which you fill with air before you use it.
air|borne /eə r bɔː r n/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an aircraft is airborne , it is in the air and flying. □ The pilot did manage to get airborne.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Airborne troops use parachutes to get into enemy territory. □ The allies landed thousands of airborne troops.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Airborne means in the air or carried in the air. □ Many people are allergic to airborne pollutants such as pollen.
ai r brake (air brakes ) N‑COUNT Air brakes are brakes which are used on heavy vehicles such as buses and trains and which are operated by means of compressed air.
air|brush /eə r brʌʃ/ (airbrushes , airbrushing , airbrushed )
1 N‑COUNT An airbrush is an artist's tool which sprays paint onto a surface.
2 VERB To airbrush a photograph or other image means to change it using an airbrush, especially to make it more beautiful or perfect. □ [V -ed] …bits of photographs cut, pasted and then airbrushed to create a convincing whole. [Also V n]
Air|bus /eə r bʌs/ (Airbuses ) N‑COUNT An Airbus is an aeroplane which is designed to carry a large number of passengers for fairly short distances. [TRADEMARK ]
ai r-con N‑UNCOUNT Air-con is the same as air conditioning . [INFORMAL ] □ The bus is a 45-seater with air-con and video screens.
ai r con|di |tioned ADJ If a room or vehicle is air conditioned , the air in it is kept cool and dry by means of a special machine. □ …our new air conditioned trains.
ai r con|di |tion|er (air conditioners ) N‑COUNT An air conditioner is a machine which keeps the air in a building cool and dry.
ai r con|di |tion|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Air conditioning is a method of providing buildings and vehicles with cool dry air.
ai r-cooled ADJ [usu ADJ n] An air-cooled engine is prevented from getting too hot when it is running by cool air that passes over it, rather than being cooled by a liquid. □ The car was powered by a four cylinder air-cooled engine.
air|craft ◆◆◇ /eə r krɑːft, -kræft/ (aircraft ) N‑COUNT An aircraft is a vehicle which can fly, for example an aeroplane or a helicopter. □ The return flight of the aircraft was delayed. □ At least three military aircraft were destroyed. COLLOCATIONS aircraft NOUN
noun + aircraft : combat, enemy, fighter, reconnaissance, surveillance; passenger, transport
adjective + aircraft : commercial, military; pilotless, unmanned; light
verb + aircraft : fly
ai r|craft car|ri|er (aircraft carriers ) N‑COUNT An aircraft carrier is a warship with a long, flat deck where aircraft can take off and land.
air|crew /eə r kruː/ (aircrews ) also air crew N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The aircrew on a plane are the pilot and other people who are responsible for flying it and for looking after any passengers who are on it.
air|drome /eə r droʊm/ (airdromes ) N‑COUNT An airdrome is a place or area where small aircraft can land and take off. [AM ] in BRIT, use aerodrome
ai r drop (air drops , air dropping , air dropped ) also airdrop , air-drop
1 N‑COUNT An air drop is a delivery of supplies by aircraft to an area that is hard to get to. The supplies are dropped from the aircraft on parachutes.
2 VERB If a country or organization air drops supplies to a place, it drops supplies there from aircraft. [Also V n]
air|fare /eə r fe r / (airfares ) N‑COUNT The airfare to a place is the amount it costs to fly there.
air|field /eə r fiːld/ (airfields ) N‑COUNT An airfield is an area of ground where aircraft take off and land. It is smaller than an airport.
air|flow /eə r floʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT The airflow around an object or vehicle is the way that the air flows around it.
ai r force ◆◇◇ (air forces ) N‑COUNT An air force is the part of a country's armed forces that is concerned with fighting in the air. □ …the United States Air Force.
ai r fresh|en|er (air fresheners ) N‑VAR An air freshener is a product people can buy which is meant to make rooms smell pleasant.
air|gun /eə r gʌn/ (airguns ) also air gun N‑COUNT An airgun is a gun which is fired by means of air pressure.
air|head /eə r hed/ (airheads ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone, especially a young woman, as an airhead , you are critical of them because you think they are not at all clever and are interested only in unimportant things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
ai r|ing cup|board (airing cupboards ) N‑COUNT In British houses, an airing cupboard is a warm cupboard where you put clothes and other things that have been washed and partly dried, to make sure they are completely dry.
air|less /eə r ləs/ ADJ If a place is airless , there is no fresh air in it. □ …a dark, airless room.
air|lift /eə r l I ft/ (airlifts , airlifting , airlifted )
1 N‑COUNT An airlift is an operation to move people, troops, or goods by air, especially in a war or when land routes are closed. □ [+ of ] The UK and the USA organized an airlift of supplies.
2 VERB If people, troops, or goods are airlifted somewhere, they are carried by air, especially in a war or when land routes are closed. □ [be V -ed + to ] The injured were airlifted to hospital in Prestwick.
air|line ◆◆◇ /eə r la I n/ (airlines ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An airline is a company which provides regular services carrying people or goods in aeroplanes. □ …the Dutch national airline KLM.
air|lin|er /eə r la I nə r / (airliners ) N‑COUNT An airliner is a large aeroplane that is used for carrying passengers.
air|lock /eə r lɒk/ (airlocks ) also air lock
1 N‑COUNT An airlock is a small room that is used to move between areas which do not have the same air pressure, for example in a spacecraft or submarine.
2 N‑COUNT An airlock is a bubble of air in a pipe that prevents liquid from flowing through.
air|mail /eə r me I l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n, by N ] Airmail is the system of sending letters, parcels, and goods by air. □ …an airmail letter. □ Goods are generally shipped by airmail.
air|man /eə r mən/ (airmen ) N‑COUNT An airman is a man who flies aircraft, especially one who serves in his country's air force.
ai r miles N‑PLURAL Air miles are points that you collect when you buy certain goods or services and which you can use to pay for air travel.
ai r pis|tol (air pistols ) N‑COUNT An air pistol is a small gun which is fired by means of air pressure.
air|plane /eə r ple I n/ (airplanes ) N‑COUNT An airplane is a vehicle with wings and one or more engines that enable it to fly through the air. [AM ] in BRIT, use aeroplane
air|play /eə r ple I / N‑UNCOUNT The airplay which a piece of popular music receives is the number of times it is played on the radio. □ Our first single got a lot of airplay.
air|port ◆◆◇ /eə r pɔː r t/ (airports ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An airport is a place where aircraft land and take off, which has buildings and facilities for passengers. □ …Heathrow Airport, the busiest international airport in the world.
ai r|port no v|el (airport novels ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to long novels such as thrillers and romances that are written in a popular style as airport novels .
ai r|port tax (airport taxes ) N‑VAR Airport tax is a tax that airline passengers have to pay in order to use an airport. □ Overnight return flights cost from £349 including airport taxes.
ai r pow|er also airpower N‑UNCOUNT A nation's air power is the strength of its air force. □ We will use air power to protect U.N. peacekeepers if necessary.
ai r rage N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Air rage is aggressive or violent behaviour by airline passengers. □ Most air rage incidents involve heavy drinking.
ai r raid (air raids ) N‑COUNT [N n] An air raid is an attack by military aircraft in which bombs are dropped. This expression is usually used by the country or group that is suffering the attack. □ [+ on ] …a series of daylight air raids on London by German bombers in 1917.
ai r ri|fle (air rifles ) N‑COUNT An air rifle is a rifle which is fired by means of air pressure.
air|ship /eə r ʃ I p/ (airships ) N‑COUNT An airship is an aircraft that consists of a large balloon which is filled with gas and is powered by an engine. It has a section underneath for passengers.
air|show /eə r ʃoʊ/ (airshows ) also air show N‑COUNT An airshow is an event at which aeroplane pilots entertain the public by performing very skilful and complicated movements with the aircraft in the sky.
air|space /eə r spe I s/ also air space N‑UNCOUNT A country's airspace is the part of the sky that is over that country and is considered to belong to it. □ The plane left British airspace.
air|speed /eə r spiːd/ (airspeeds ) also air speed N‑COUNT An aircraft's airspeed is the speed at which it travels through the air.
ai r strike (air strikes ) also airstrike N‑COUNT An air strike is an attack by military aircraft in which bombs are dropped. This expression is usually used by the country or group that is carrying out the attack. □ A senior defence official said last night that they would continue the air strikes.
air|strip /eə r str I p/ (airstrips ) N‑COUNT An airstrip is a stretch of land which has been cleared so that aircraft can take off and land. □ We landed on a grass airstrip, fifteen minutes after leaving Mahe.
ai r ter|mi|nal (air terminals ) N‑COUNT An air terminal is a building in which passengers wait before they get on to an aeroplane. [mainly BRIT ]
air|tight /eə r ta I t/ also air-tight
1 ADJ If a container is airtight , its lid fits so tightly that no air can get in or out. □ Store the cookies in an airtight tin.
2 ADJ An airtight alibi, case, argument, or agreement is one that has been so carefully put together that nobody will be able to find a fault in it. [AM ] □ Mick had an airtight alibi. in BRIT, use watertight
ai r time also airtime N‑UNCOUNT The airtime that something gets is the amount of time taken up with broadcasts about it. □ Even the best women's teams get little air time.
ai r-to-ai r ADJ [ADJ n] Air-to-air combat is a battle between military aeroplanes where rockets or bullets are fired at one aeroplane from another. □ …air-to-air missiles.
ai r traf|fic con|tro l
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Air traffic control is the activity of organizing the routes that aircraft should follow, and telling pilots by radio which routes they should take. □ …the nation's overburdened air-traffic-control system.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Air traffic control is the group of people who organize the routes aircraft take. □ They have to wait for clearance from air traffic control.
ai r traf|fic con|tro l|ler (air traffic controllers ) N‑COUNT An air traffic controller is someone whose job is to organize the routes that aircraft should follow, and to tell pilots by radio which routes they should take.
air|waves /eə r we I vz/ also air waves
1 N‑PLURAL The airwaves is used to refer to the activity of broadcasting on radio and television. For example, if someone says something over the airwaves , they say it on the radio or television. [JOURNALISM ] □ The election campaign has been fought not in street rallies but on the airwaves.
2 N‑PLURAL Airwaves are the radio waves which are used in radio and television broadcasting.
air|way /eə r we I / (airways )
1 N‑COUNT A person's airways are the passages from their nose and mouth down to their lungs, through which air enters and leaves their body. □ …an inflammation of the airways.
2 N‑PLURAL The airways are all the routes that planes can travel along. □ How does a private pilot get access to the airways?
3 N‑PLURAL Airways means the same as airwaves . □ The interview went out over the airways.
air|woman /eə r wʊmən/ (airwomen ) N‑COUNT An airwoman is a woman who flies aircraft, especially one who serves in her country's air force.
air|worthy /eə r wɜː r ði/ ADJ If an aircraft is airworthy , it is safe to fly. □ The mechanics work hard to keep the helicopters airworthy. ● air|worthiness N‑UNCOUNT □ All our aircraft have certificates of airworthiness.
airy /eə ri/ (airier , airiest )
1 ADJ If a building or room is airy , it has a lot of fresh air inside, usually because it is large. □ The bathroom has a light and airy feel.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use airy to describe someone's behaviour when they are light-hearted and casual about things which some people take seriously. □ Giving them an airy wave of his hand, the Commander sailed past.
ai ry-fai ry ADJ If you describe someone's ideas as airy-fairy , you are critical of them because you think the ideas are vague, impractical, and unrealistic. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …their airy-fairy principles.
aisle /a I l/ (aisles )
1 N‑COUNT An aisle is a long narrow gap that people can walk along between rows of seats in a public building such as a church or between rows of shelves in a supermarket. □ …the frozen food aisle.
2 N‑SING The aisle is used in expressions such as walking down the aisle to refer to the activity of getting married. □ He was in no hurry to walk down the aisle.
ajar /ədʒɑː r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a door is ajar , it is slightly open. □ He left the door ajar in case I needed him.
aka /e I ke I e I / also a.k.a. aka is an abbreviation for 'also known as'. aka is used especially when referring to someone's nickname or stage name. □ …the writer Barbara Vine, aka Ruth Rendell.
akim|bo /ək I mboʊ/ PHRASE If you stand arms akimbo or with arms akimbo , you stand with your hands on your hips and your elbows pointing outwards. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
akin /ək I n/ ADJ If one thing is akin to another, it is similar to it in some way. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Listening to his life story is akin to reading a good adventure novel.
SUFFIX -al
forms adjectives that indicate what something is connected with. For example, environmental problems are problems connected with the environment.
à la /ɑː lɑː/ PHRASE If you do something à la a particular person, you do it in the same style or in the same way that they would do it. □ …embracing the discoveries of science à la Galileo.
ala|bas|ter /æ ləbɑːstə r , -bæs-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Alabaster is a white stone that is used for making statues, vases, and ornaments.
à la carte /ɑː lɑː kɑː r t/ ADJ [ADJ n] An à la carte menu in a restaurant offers you a choice of individually priced dishes for each course. □ You could choose as much or as little as you wanted from an à la carte menu. ● ADV [ADV after v] à la carte is also an adverb. □ A set meal is £26, or you can eat à la carte.
alac|rity /əlæ kr I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you do something with alacrity , you do it quickly and eagerly. [FORMAL ]
alarm ◆◇◇ /əlɑː r m/ (alarms , alarming , alarmed )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with/in N ] Alarm is a feeling of fear or anxiety that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □ The news was greeted with alarm by MPs. [Also + over/about ]
2 VERB If something alarms you, it makes you afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □ [V n] We could not see what had alarmed him.
3 N‑COUNT An alarm is an automatic device that warns you of danger, for example by ringing a bell. □ He heard the alarm go off.
4 N‑COUNT An alarm is the same as an alarm clock .
5 → see also alarmed , alarming , burglar alarm , car alarm , false alarm , fire alarm , smoke alarm
6 PHRASE If you say that something sets alarm bells ringing, you mean that it makes people feel worried or concerned about something.
7 PHRASE If you raise the alarm or sound the alarm , you warn people of danger. □ His family raised the alarm when he had not come home by 9pm. SYNONYMS alarm NOUN 1
fear: I was sitting on the floor shivering with fear.
panic: An earthquake hit the capital, causing panic among the population.
anxiety: An earthquake hit the capital, causing panic among the population.
dread: She thought with dread of the cold winters to come. VERB 2
frighten: Most children are frightened by the sight of blood.
scare: You're scaring me.
startle: The telephone startled him. COLLOCATIONS alarm NOUN
1
adjective + alarm : unnecessary, widespread
verb + alarm : cause, express
3
noun + alarm : intruder, panic, rape, security
verb + alarm : activate, set, sound, trigger; fit, install
ala rm clock (alarm clocks ) N‑COUNT An alarm clock is a clock that you can set to make a noise so that it wakes you up at a particular time. □ I set my alarm clock for 4.30.
alarmed /əlɑː r md/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is alarmed , they feel afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □ [+ by/at ] They should not be too alarmed by the press reports.
alarm|ing /əlɑː r m I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is alarming makes you feel afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen. □ The disease has spread at an alarming rate. ● alarm|ing|ly ADV □ …the alarmingly high rate of heart disease.
alarm|ist /əlɑː r m I st/ ADJ Someone or something that is alarmist causes unnecessary fear or anxiety that something unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen. □ Contrary to the more alarmist reports, he is not going to die.
alas /əlæ s/ ADV You use alas to say that you think that the facts you are talking about are sad or unfortunate. [FORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ Such scandals have not, alas, been absent. □ Alas, it's not that simple.
Al|ba|nian /ælbe I niən/ (Albanians )
1 ADJ Albanian means belonging or relating to Albania, its people, language, or culture. □ Her parents were Albanian. □ …the Albanian coast.
2 N‑COUNT An Albanian is a person who comes from Albania.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Albanian is the language spoken by people who live in Albania.
al|ba|tross /æ lbətrɒs, [AM ] -trɔːs/ (albatrosses )
1 N‑COUNT An albatross is a very large white seabird.
2 N‑COUNT If you describe something or someone as an albatross around your neck, you mean that they cause you great problems from which you cannot escape, or they prevent you from doing what you want to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Privatization could become a political albatross for the ruling party.
al|be|it /ɔːlbiː I t/ ADV You use albeit to introduce a fact or comment which reduces the force or significance of what you have just said. [FORMAL ] □ Charles's letter was indeed published, albeit in a somewhat abbreviated form.
al|bi|no /ælbiː noʊ, [AM ] -ba I n-/ (albinos ) N‑COUNT An albino is a person or animal with very white skin, white hair, and pink eyes. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Albino is also an adjective. □ …an albino rabbit.
al|bum ◆◆◇ /æ lbəm/ (albums )
1 N‑COUNT An album is a collection of songs that is available for download, or as a CD or record. You can also refer to the CD or record as an album . □ Chris likes music and has a large collection of albums.
2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An album is a book in which you keep things such as photographs or stamps that you have collected. □ Theresa showed me her photo album. COLLOCATIONS album NOUN
1
noun + album : concept, compilation, solo, tribute; debut; comeback
adjective + album : forthcoming, upcoming; acclaimed, best-selling, platinum, well-received; new, latest
verb + album : produce, record; promote, release
2
noun + album : photo
al|bu|min /æ lbjʊm I n, [AM ] ælbjuː m I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Albumin is a protein that is found in blood plasma, egg white, and some other substances.
al|chemi|cal /ælke m I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Alchemical means relating to the science of alchemy. □ …alchemical experiments.
al|che|mist /æ lkəm I st/ (alchemists ) N‑COUNT An alchemist was a scientist in the Middle Ages who tried to discover how to change ordinary metals into gold.
al|che|my /æ lkəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Alchemy was a form of chemistry studied in the Middle Ages, which was concerned with trying to discover ways to change ordinary metals into gold.
al|co|hol ◆◇◇ /æ lkəhɒl, [AM ] -hɔːl/ (alcohols )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Drinks that can make people drunk, such as beer, wine, and whisky, can be referred to as alcohol . □ Do either of you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol?
2 N‑VAR Alcohol is a colourless liquid that is found in drinks such as beer, wine, and whisky. It is also used in products such as perfumes and cleaning fluids. □ …low-alcohol beer.
al|co|hol|ic /æ lkəhɒ l I k, [AM ] -hɔː l-/ (alcoholics )
1 N‑COUNT An alcoholic is someone who cannot stop drinking large amounts of alcohol, even when this is making them ill. □ He showed great courage by admitting that he is an alcoholic.
2 ADJ Alcoholic drinks are drinks that contain alcohol. □ …the serving of alcoholic drinks.
al|co|hol|ism /æ lkəhɒl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT People who suffer from alcoholism cannot stop drinking large quantities of alcohol. □ …the problems of alcoholism.
al|cove /æ lkoʊv/ (alcoves ) N‑COUNT An alcove is a small area of a room which is formed by one part of a wall being built further back than the rest of the wall. □ In the alcoves on either side of the fire were bookshelves.
al den|te /æl de nte I / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you cook pasta or a vegetable until it is al dente , you cook it just long enough so that it is neither hard nor soft but is firm and slightly chewy.
al|der /ɔː ldə r / (alders ) N‑VAR An alder is a species of tree or shrub that grows especially in cool, damp places and loses its leaves in winter. ● N‑UNCOUNT Alder is the wood from this tree.
al|der|man /ɔː ldə r mən/ (aldermen )
1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In some parts of the United States and Canada, an alderman is a member of the governing body of a city.
2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Until 1974 in England and Wales, an alderman was a senior member of a local council who was elected by other councillors.
ale /e I l/ (ales )
1 N‑VAR Ale is a kind of strong beer. □ …our selection of ales and spirits.
2 → see also ginger ale , real ale
alec /æ l I k/ (alecs ) → see smart alec
aleck /æ l I k/ (alecks ) → see smart alec
alert ◆◇◇ /əlɜː r t/ (alerts , alerting , alerted )
1 ADJ If you are alert , you are paying full attention to things around you and are able to deal with anything that might happen. □ We all have to stay alert. □ He had been spotted by an alert neighbour. ● alert|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The drug improved mental alertness.
2 ADJ If you are alert to something, you are fully aware of it. □ [+ to ] The bank is alert to the danger.
3 N‑COUNT An alert is a situation in which people prepare themselves for something dangerous that might happen soon. □ Due to a security alert, this train will not be stopping at Oxford Circus.
4 VERB If you alert someone to a situation, especially a dangerous or unpleasant situation, you tell them about it. □ [V n + to ] He wanted to alert people to the activities of the group. □ [V n] I was hoping he'd alert the police.
5 → see also red alert
6 PHRASE If soldiers or police are on alert , they are ready to deal with anything that may happen. □ Soldiers and police have been put on alert.
7 PHRASE If you are on the alert for something, you are ready to deal with it if it happens. □ They want to be on the alert for similar buying opportunities.
A lev|el /e I lev ə l/ (A levels ) N‑VAR A levels are British educational qualifications which school children take when they are seventeen or eighteen years old. People usually need A levels if they want to go to university in Britain. □ He left school with four A levels.
al|fal|fa /ælfæ lfə/ N‑UNCOUNT Alfalfa is a plant that is used for feeding farm animals. The shoots that develop from its seeds are sometimes eaten as a vegetable.
al|fres|co /ælfre skoʊ/ also al fresco ADJ [ADJ n] An alfresco activity, especially a meal, is one that takes place in the open air. □ … an al fresco breakfast of fresh fruit. ● ADV [ADV after v] Alfresco is also an adverb. □ He came across the man shaving alfresco.
al|gae /æ ldʒi, æ lga I / N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Algae is a type of plant with no stems or leaves that grows in water or on damp surfaces.
al|gal /æ lgəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Algal means relating to algae. □ Sewage nutrients do increase algal growth in the harbour.
al|ge|bra /æ ldʒ I brə/ N‑UNCOUNT Algebra is a type of mathematics in which letters are used to represent possible quantities. WORD HISTORY algebra
The term al-jabr is taken from the title of a ninth-century Arabic book on mathematics. In Arabic, al-jabr means 'reunion' or 'integration'. When the book was later translated into Latin, al-jabr became algebra .
al|ge|bra|ic /æ ldʒ I bre I I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Algebraic equations, expressions, and principles are based on or use algebra.
Al|ge|rian /æ ldʒ I ə riən/ (Algerians )
1 ADJ Algerian means belonging or relating to Algeria, or its people or culture. □ …the Algerian desert. □ …a young Algerian actor.
2 N‑COUNT An Algerian is an Algerian citizen or a person of Algerian origin.
al|go|rithm /æ lgər I ðəm/ (algorithms ) N‑COUNT An algorithm is a series of mathematical steps, especially in a computer program, which will give you the answer to a particular kind of problem or question.
alia /e I liə/ → see inter alia
ali|as /e I liəs/ (aliases )
1 N‑COUNT An alias is a false name, especially one used by a criminal. □ Using an alias, he had rented a house in Fleet, Hampshire.
2 PREP You use alias when you are mentioning another name that someone, especially a criminal or an actor, is known by. □ …the defendant Pericles Pericleous, alias Peter Smith.
ali|bi /æ l I ba I / (alibis ) N‑COUNT If you have an alibi , you can prove that you were somewhere else when a crime was committed.
al|ien /e I liən/ (aliens )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Alien means belonging to a different country, race, or group, usually one you do not like or are frightened of. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He said they were opposed to the presence of alien forces in the region.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use alien to describe something that seems strange and perhaps frightening, because it is not part of your normal experience. □ His work offers an insight into an alien culture.
3 ADJ If something is alien to you or to your normal feelings or behaviour, it is not the way you would normally feel or behave. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Such an attitude is alien to most businessmen.
4 N‑COUNT An alien is someone who is not a legal citizen of the country in which they live. [FORMAL , LEGAL ]
5 N‑COUNT In science fiction, an alien is a creature from outer space.
al|ien|ate /e I liəne I t/ (alienates , alienating , alienated )
1 VERB If you alienate someone, you make them become unfriendly or unsympathetic towards you. □ [V n] The government cannot afford to alienate either group.
2 VERB To alienate a person from someone or something that they are normally linked with means to cause them to be emotionally or intellectually separated from them. □ [V n + from ] His second wife, Alice, was determined to alienate him from his two boys.
alight /əla I t/ (alights , alighting , alighted )
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is alight , it is burning. □ Several buildings were set alight.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone's eyes are alight or if their face is alight , the expression in their eyes or on their face shows that they are feeling a strong emotion such as excitement or happiness. [LITERARY ] □ [+ with ] She paused and turned, her face alight with happiness.
3 VERB If a bird or insect alights somewhere, it lands there. [LITERARY ] □ [V prep/adv] A thrush alighted on a branch of the pine tree.
4 VERB When you alight from a train, bus, or other vehicle, you get out of it after a journey. [FORMAL ] [Also V ]
align /əla I n/ (aligns , aligning , aligned )
1 VERB If you align yourself with a particular group, you support them because you have the same political aim. □ [V pron-refl prep] There are signs that the prime minister is aligning himself with the liberals. □ [V n prep] He has attempted to align the Socialists with the environmental movement. [Also V prep]
2 VERB If you align something, you place it in a certain position in relation to something else, usually parallel to it. □ [V n] A tripod will be useful to align and steady the camera. [Also V n prep]
align|ment /əla I nmənt/ (alignments )
1 N‑VAR An alignment is support for a particular group, especially in politics, or for a side in a quarrel or struggle. □ The church should have no political alignment.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The alignment of something is its position in relation to something else or to its correct position. □ [+ of ] …the alignment of mirrors in the telescope.
alike /əla I k/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If two or more things are alike , they are similar in some way. □ We looked very alike.
2 ADV [ADV after v] Alike means in a similar way. □ …their assumption that all men and women think alike.
3 ADV You use alike after mentioning two or more people, groups, or things in order to emphasize that you are referring to both or all of them. [EMPHASIS ] □ The techniques are being applied almost everywhere by big and small firms alike.
4 → see also lookalike USAGE alike
Don’t use ‘alike’ in front of a noun. Don’t say, for example, ‘
They wore alike hats
’. You say ‘They wore similar
hats’. □
The two companies sell similar
products.
ali|men|ta|ry ca|nal /æl I me ntri kənæ l/ (alimentary canals ) N‑COUNT The alimentary canal in a person or animal is the passage in their body through which food passes from their mouth to their anus.
ali|mo|ny /æ l I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ N‑UNCOUNT Alimony is money that a court of law orders someone to pay regularly to their former wife or husband after they have got divorced. Compare palimony .
A -list
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An A-list celebrity is a celebrity who is very famous indeed. □ …an A-list Hollywood actress. □ Quinn's connections are strictly A-list.
2 N‑SING An A-list of celebrities is a group of celebrities who are very famous indeed. □ [+ of ] …the A-list of Hollywood stars.
alive ◆◇◇ /əla I v/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If people or animals are alive , they are not dead. □ She does not know if he is alive or dead. □ They kept her alive on a life support machine.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone seems alive , you mean that they seem to be very lively and to enjoy everything that they do. □ Our relationship made me feel more alive.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an activity, organization, or situation is alive , it continues to exist or function. □ The big factories are trying to stay alive by cutting costs. □ Both communities have a tradition of keeping history alive.
4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a place is alive with something, there are a lot of people or things there and it seems busy or exciting. □ [+ with ] The river was alive with birds.
5 PHRASE If people, places, or events come alive , they start to be lively again after a quiet period. If someone or something brings them alive , they cause them to come alive. □ The doctor's voice had come alive and his small eyes shone.
6 PHRASE If a story or description comes alive , it becomes interesting, lively, or realistic. If someone or something brings it alive , they make it seem more interesting, lively, or realistic. □ She made history come alive with tales from her own memories.
7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is alive and kicking , you are emphasizing not only that they continue to survive, but also that they are very active. [EMPHASIS ] □ …worries that the secret police may still be alive and kicking.
8 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is alive and well , you are emphasizing that they continue to survive. [EMPHASIS ] □ A man who went missing yesterday during a blizzard has been found alive and well. USAGE alive
Don’t use ‘alive’ in front of a noun. Don’t say, for example, ‘
I have no alive relatives
’ or ‘
They export alive animals
’. Instead you use living
to talk about people, or live
/la
I
v/ to talk about animals. □
I have no living
relatives.
□
They export live
animals.
al|ka|li /æ lkəla I / (alkalis ) N‑VAR An alkali is a substance with a pH value of more than 7. Alkalis form chemical salts when they are combined with acids.
al|ka|line /æ lkəla I n/ ADJ Something that is alkaline contains an alkali or has a pH value of more than 7. □ Some soils are actually too alkaline for certain plant life. ● al|ka|lin|ity /ælkəl I n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] A pH test measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
all ◆◆◆ /ɔː l/
1 PREDET You use all to indicate that you are referring to the whole of a particular group or thing or to everyone or everything of a particular kind. □ …the restaurant that Hugh and all his friends go to. □ He lost all his money at a blackjack table in Las Vegas. ● DET All is also a determiner. □ There is built-in storage space in all bedrooms. □ 85 percent of all American households owe money on mortgages. □ He was passionate about all literature. ● QUANT All is also a quantifier. □ He was told to pack up all of his letters and personal belongings. □ He was talking to all of us. ● PRON All is also a pronoun. □ We produce our own hair-care products, all based on herbal recipes. □ I'd spent all I had, every last penny. ● PRON All is also an emphasizing pronoun. □ Milk, oily fish and egg all contain vitamin D. □ We all admire professionalism and dedication.
2 DET You use all to refer to the whole of a particular period of time. □ George had to cut grass all afternoon. □ She's been feeling bad all week. ● PREDET All is also a predeterminer. □ She's worked all her life. □ He was looking at me all the time. ● QUANT All is also a quantifier. □ He spent all of that afternoon polishing the silver. □ Two-thirds of the women interviewed think about food a lot or all of the time.
3 PRON You use all to refer to a situation or to life in general. □ All is silent on the island now. □ As you'll have read in our news pages, all has not been well of late.
4 ADV You use all to emphasize that something is completely true, or happens everywhere or always, or on every occasion. [EMPHASIS ] □ He loves animals and he knows all about them. □ Parts for the aircraft will be made all round the world. □ I got scared and I ran and left her all alone. □ He was doing it all by himself.
5 PRON You use all at the beginning of a clause when you are emphasizing that something is the only thing that is important. [EMPHASIS ] □ He said all that remained was to agree to a time and venue. □ All you ever want to do is go shopping! □ All I could say was, 'I'm sorry'.
6 DET You use all in expressions such as in all sincerity and in all probability to emphasize that you are being sincere or that something is very likely. [EMPHASIS ] □ In all fairness he had to admit that she was neither dishonest nor lazy.
7 ADV You use all when you are talking about an equal score in a game. For example, if the score is three all , both players or teams have three points.
8 ADV All is used in structures such as all the more or all the better to mean even more or even better than before. □ The living room is decorated in pale colours that make it all the more airy.
9 PRON You use all in expressions such as seen it all and done it all to emphasize that someone has had a lot of experience of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ You can't have it all - life is about choice, time is limited. □ Here's a man who has seen it all, tasted and heard it all.
10 PHRASE You say above all to indicate that the thing you are mentioning is the most important point. [EMPHASIS ] □ Above all, chairs should be comfortable.
11 PHRASE You use after all when introducing a statement which supports or helps explain something you have just said. □ I thought you might know somebody. After all, you're the man with connections.
12 PHRASE You use after all when you are saying that something that you thought might not be the case is in fact the case. □ I came out here on the chance of finding you at home after all.
13 PHRASE You use and all when you want to emphasize that what you are talking about includes the thing mentioned, especially when this is surprising or unusual. [EMPHASIS ] □ He dropped his sausage on the pavement and someone's dog ate it, mustard and all.
14 PHRASE You use all in all to introduce a summary or general statement. □ We both thought that all in all it might not be a bad idea.
15 PHRASE You use at all at the end of a clause to give emphasis in negative statements, conditional clauses, and questions. [EMPHASIS ] □ Robin never really liked him at all.
ТЕЛЕГРАМКанал с обзорами, анонсами новинок и книжными подборками
Книжный Вестник
Бот для удобного поиска книг (если не нашлось на сайте)
Поиск книг
Свежие любовные романы в удобных форматах
Любовные романы
Детективы и триллеры, все новинки
Детективы
Фантастика и фэнтези, все новинки
Фантастика
Отборные классические книги
Классика
ВКОНТАКТЕБиблиотека с любовными романами, которая наверняка придётся по вкусу женской части аудитории
Любовные романы
Библиотека с фантастикой и фэнтези, а также смежных жанров
Фантастика
Самые популярные книги в формате фб2
Топ фб2
книги