2 PHRASE If you err on the side of caution, for example, you decide to act in a cautious way, rather than take risks. □ They may be wise to err on the side of caution. □ He probably erred on the conservative rather than the generous side.
er|rand /e rənd/ (errands )
1 N‑COUNT An errand is a short trip that you make in order to do a job for someone, for example when you go to a shop to buy something for them. □ She went off on some errand.
2 PHRASE If you run an errand for someone, you do or get something for them, usually by making a short trip somewhere. □ She was forever running errands for her housebound grandmother.
er|rant /e rənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] Errant is used to describe someone whose actions are considered unacceptable or wrong by other people. For example, an errant husband is unfaithful to his partner. [FORMAL ] □ Usually his cases involved errant husbands and wandering wives.
er|rat|ic / I ræ t I k/ ADJ Something that is erratic does not follow a regular pattern, but happens at unexpected times or moves along in an irregular way. □ Argentina's erratic inflation rate threatens to upset the plans. ● er|rati|cal|ly / I ræ t I kli/ ADV □ Police stopped him for driving erratically.
er|ro|neous / I roʊ niəs/ ADJ Beliefs, opinions, or methods that are erroneous are incorrect or only partly correct. □ They did nothing to dispel his erroneous belief about the children's paternity. □ They have arrived at some erroneous conclusions. ● er|ro|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ It had been widely and erroneously reported that Armstrong had refused to give evidence.
er|ror ◆◇◇ /e rə r / (errors )
1 N‑VAR An error is something you have done which is considered to be incorrect or wrong, or which should not have been done. □ [+ in ] NASA discovered a mathematical error in its calculations. □ [+ of ] MPs attacked lax management and errors of judgment.
2 PHRASE If you do something in error or if it happens in error , you do it or it happens because you have made a mistake, especially in your judgment. □ The plane was shot down in error by a NATO missile.
3 PHRASE If someone sees the error of their ways , they realize or admit that they have made a mistake or behaved badly. □ I wanted to talk some sense into him and make him see the error of his ways. COLLOCATIONS error NOUN 1
noun + error : driver, pilot; schoolboy
adjective + error : unforced; uncharacteristic; administrative, clerical, factual, tactical; costly, glaring, grave; basic, fundamental
verb + error : correct, rectify; make; admit SYNONYMS error NOUN 1
mistake: Jonathan says it was his mistake.
slip: We must be well prepared, there must be no slips.
blunder: He made a tactical blunder by announcing it so soon.
oversight: William was angered and embarrassed by his oversight.
er|satz /eə r zæts/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as ersatz , you dislike it because it is not genuine and is a poor imitation of something better. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …an ersatz Victorian shopping precinct.
erst|while /ɜː r st h wa I l/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use erstwhile to describe someone that used to be the type of person indicated, but no longer is. [FORMAL ] □ He fled to America with Phyllis Burton, an erstwhile friend of his wife's.
eru|dite /e rʊda I t, [AM ] e rjə-/ ADJ If you describe someone as erudite , you mean that they have or show great academic knowledge. You can also use erudite to describe something such as a book or a style of writing. [FORMAL ] □ He was never dull, always erudite and well informed. □ …an original and highly erudite style.
eru|di|tion /e rʊd I ʃ ə n, [AM ] e rjə-/ N‑UNCOUNT Erudition is great academic knowledge. [FORMAL ] □ His erudition was apparently endless.
erupt / I rʌ pt/ (erupts , erupting , erupted )
1 VERB When a volcano erupts , it throws out a lot of hot, melted rock called lava, as well as ash and steam. □ [V ] The volcano erupted, devastating a large area. ● erup|tion / I rʌ pʃ ə n/ (eruptions ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the volcanic eruption of Tambora in 1815.
2 VERB If violence or fighting erupts , it suddenly begins or gets worse in an unexpected, violent way. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V ] Heavy fighting erupted there today after a two-day cease-fire. ● erup|tion N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] …this sudden eruption of violence.
3 VERB When people in a place suddenly become angry or violent, you can say that they erupt or that the place erupts . [JOURNALISM ] □ [V + into/in ] In Los Angeles, the neighborhood known as Watts erupted into riots. [Also V ]
4 VERB You say that someone erupts when they suddenly have a change in mood, usually becoming quite noisy. □ [V + into ] Then, without warning, she erupts into laughter. [Also V ] ● erup|tion N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] …an eruption of despair.
5 VERB If your skin erupts , sores or spots suddenly appear there. □ [V + in/into ] At the end of the second week, my skin erupted in pimples. [Also V ] ● erup|tion N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] …eruptions of adolescent acne.
es|ca|late /e skəle I t/ (escalates , escalating , escalated ) VERB If a bad situation escalates or if someone or something escalates it, it becomes greater in size, seriousness, or intensity. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V ] Both unions and management fear the dispute could escalate. □ [V + into ] The protests escalated into five days of rioting. □ [V n] Defeat could cause one side or other to escalate the conflict. ● es|ca|la|tion /e skəle I ʃ ə n/ (escalations ) N‑VAR □ The threat of nuclear escalation remains. □ [+ of ] …a sudden escalation of violence.
es|ca|la|tor /e skəle I tə r / (escalators ) N‑COUNT An escalator is a moving staircase on which people can go from one level of a building to another.
es|ca|lope /e skəlɒp, [AM ] I skɑː ləp/ (escalopes ) N‑COUNT An escalope is a thin slice of meat without a bone. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use scallop , cutlet
es|ca|pade /e skəpe I d/ (escapades ) N‑COUNT An escapade is an exciting and rather dangerous adventure. □ …the scene of Robin Hood's escapades.
es|cape ◆◆◇ / I ske I p/ (escapes , escaping , escaped )
1 VERB [no passive] If you escape from a place, you succeed in getting away from it. □ [V + from ] A prisoner has escaped from a jail in northern England. □ [V + to ] They are reported to have escaped to the other side of the border. □ [V ] He was fatally wounded as he tried to escape. ● es|caped ADJ □ Officers mistook Stephen for an escaped prisoner.
2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's escape is the act of escaping from a particular place or situation. □ The man made his escape.
3 VERB You can say that you escape when you survive something such as an accident. □ [V n] The two officers were extremely lucky to escape serious injury. □ [V adj] The man's girlfriend managed to escape unhurt. □ [V prep] He narrowly escaped with his life when he was attacked by a bear. ● N‑COUNT Escape is also a noun. □ I hear you had a very narrow escape on the bridge.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is an escape , it is a way of avoiding difficulties or responsibilities. □ But for me television is an escape. □ [+ from ] …an escape from the depressing realities of wartime.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use escape to describe things which allow you to avoid difficulties or problems. For example, an escape route is an activity or opportunity that lets you improve your situation. An escape clause is part of an agreement that allows you to avoid having to do something that you do not want to do. □ [+ from ] We all need the occasional escape route from the boring, routine aspects of our lives. □ [+ for ] This is a wonderful escape clause for dishonest employers everywhere.
6 VERB If something escapes you or escapes your attention, you do not know about it, do not remember it, or do not notice it. □ [V n] It was an actor whose name escapes me for the moment.
7 VERB When gas, liquid, or heat escapes , it comes out from a pipe, container, or place. □ [V ] Leave a vent open to let some moist air escape.
8 → see also fire escape
es|ca pe art|ist (escape artists ) N‑COUNT An escape artist is the same as an escapologist . [mainly AM ]
es|capee / I ske I piː / (escapees ) N‑COUNT An escapee is a person who has escaped from somewhere, especially from prison.
es|cap|ism / I ske I p I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe an activity or type of entertainment as escapism , you mean that it makes people think about pleasant things instead of the uninteresting or unpleasant aspects of their life. □ [+ from ] Horoscopes are merely harmless escapism from an ever-bleaker world.
es|cap|ist / I ske I p I st/ ADJ Escapist ideas, activities, or types of entertainment make people think about pleasant or unlikely things instead of the uninteresting or unpleasant aspects of their life. □ …a little escapist fantasy.
es|ca|polo|gist /e skəpɒ lədʒ I st/ (escapologists ) N‑COUNT An escapologist is someone who entertains audiences by being tied up and placed in a dangerous situation, then escaping from it. [BRIT ] in AM, use escape artist
es|carp|ment / I skɑː r pmənt/ (escarpments ) N‑COUNT An escarpment is a wide, steep slope on a hill or mountain.
es|chew / I stʃuː / (eschews , eschewing , eschewed ) VERB If you eschew something, you deliberately avoid doing it or becoming involved in it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Although he appeared to enjoy a jet-setting life, he eschewed publicity and avoided nightclubs.
es|cort (escorts , escorting , escorted ) The noun is pronounced /e skɔː r t/. The verb is pronounced / I skɔː r t/. 1 N‑COUNT An escort is a person who travels with someone in order to protect or guard them. □ He arrived with a police escort shortly before half past nine. ● PHRASE If someone is taken somewhere under escort , they are accompanied by guards, either because they have been arrested or because they need to be protected. □ …a group being taken under police escort to the city outskirts.
2 N‑COUNT An escort is a person who accompanies another person of the opposite sex to a social event. Sometimes people are paid to be escorts. □ My sister needed an escort for a company dinner.
3 VERB If you escort someone somewhere, you accompany them there, usually in order to make sure that they leave a place or get to their destination. □ [V n prep/adv] I escorted him to the door.
es|crow /e skroʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Escrow is money or property which is given to someone, but which is kept by another person until the first person has done a particular thing or met particular requirements. [mainly AM , LEGAL ] □ They had $96,000 in their escrow account. □ His stake has been held in escrow since the start of the year.
Es|ki|mo /e sk I moʊ / (Eskimos ) N‑COUNT An Eskimo is a member of the group of peoples who live in Alaska, Northern Canada, eastern Siberia, and other parts of the Arctic. These peoples now usually call themselves Inuits or Yupiks, and the term Eskimo could cause offence.
ESL /iː es e l/ N‑UNCOUNT ESL is taught to people whose native language is not English but who live in a society in which English is the main language or one of the main languages. ESL is an abbreviation for 'English as a second language'.
esopha|gus / I sɒ fəgəs/ → see oesophagus
eso|ter|ic /iː soʊte r I k, [AM ] e sə-/ ADJ If you describe something as esoteric , you mean it is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people. [FORMAL ] □ …esoteric knowledge. □ …a spoiled aristocrat with pretentious airs and esoteric tastes.
ESP /iː es piː /
1 N‑UNCOUNT ESP is the teaching of English to students whose first language is not English but who need it for a particular job, activity, or purpose. ESP is an abbreviation for 'English for specific purposes' or 'English for special purposes'. [BRIT ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT ESP is an abbreviation for 'extra-sensory perception'.
esp. esp. is a written abbreviation for especially .
es|pe|cial / I spe ʃ ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Especial means unusual or special in some way. [FORMAL ] □ The authorities took especial interest in him because of his trade union work.
es|pe|cial|ly ◆◆◇ / I spe ʃ ə li/
1 ADV You use especially to emphasize that what you are saying applies more to one person, thing, or area than to any others. [EMPHASIS ] □ Millions of wild flowers colour the valleys, especially in April and May. □ Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have been swimming.
2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use especially to emphasize a characteristic or quality. [EMPHASIS ] □ Babies are especially vulnerable to the cold in their first month. SYNONYMS especially ADV
1
particularly: Keep your office space looking good, particularly your desk.
in particular: Why should he notice her car in particular?
specifically: Death frightens me, specifically my own death.
2
specially: What was specially enjoyable about that job?
particularly: Progress has been particularly disappointing.
exceptionally: The conditions under ground were exceptionally hot.
extremely: These headaches are extremely common.
Es|pe|ran|to /e spəræ ntoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Esperanto is an invented language which consists of parts of several European languages, and which was designed to help people from different countries communicate with each other.
es|pio|nage /e spiənɑːʒ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Espionage is the activity of finding out the political, military, or industrial secrets of your enemies or rivals by using spies. [FORMAL ] □ The authorities have arrested several people suspected of espionage. □ …industrial espionage.
2 → see also counter-espionage
es|pla|nade /e spləne I d, [AM ] -nɑː d/ (esplanades ) N‑COUNT The esplanade , usually in a town by the sea, is a wide, open road where people walk for pleasure.
es|pous|al / I spaʊ z ə l/ N‑SING A government's or person's espousal of a particular policy, cause, or belief is their strong support of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the leadership's espousal of the popular causes of reform and nationalism.
es|pouse / I spaʊ z/ (espouses , espousing , espoused ) VERB If you espouse a particular policy, cause, or belief, you become very interested in it and give your support to it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] She ran away with him to Mexico and espoused the revolutionary cause.
es|pres|so /espre soʊ/ (espressos ) N‑UNCOUNT Espresso coffee is made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee beans. □ …Italian espresso coffee. ● N‑COUNT An espresso is a cup of espresso coffee.
es|prit de corps /espriː də kɔː r / N‑UNCOUNT Esprit de corps is a feeling of loyalty and pride that is shared by the members of a group who consider themselves to be different from other people in some special way. [FORMAL ]
espy / I spa I / (espies , espying , espied ) VERB If you espy something, you see or notice it. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V n] Here, from a window, did Guinevere espy a knight standing in a woodman's cart.
Esq. Esq. is used after men's names as a written abbreviation for esquire . □ …Harold T. Cranford Esq.
es|quire / I skwa I ə r , [AM ] e skwa I r/ N‑TITLE Esquire is a formal title that can be used after a man's name if he has no other title, especially on an envelope that is addressed to him. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
es|say /e se I / (essays )
1 N‑COUNT An essay is a short piece of writing on one particular subject written by a student. □ [+ about ] We asked Jason to write an essay about his hometown and about his place in it.
2 N‑COUNT An essay is a short piece of writing on one particular subject that is written by a writer for publication. □ [+ on ] …Thomas Malthus's essay on population.
es|say|ist /e se I I st/ (essayists ) N‑COUNT An essayist is a writer who writes essays for publication.
es|sence /e s ə ns/ (essences )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The essence of something is its basic and most important characteristic which gives it its individual identity. □ [+ of ] The essence of consultation is to listen to, and take account of, the views of those consulted. □ [+ of ] …the essence of life. ● PHRASE You use in essence to emphasize that you are talking about the most important or central aspect of an idea, situation, or event. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ Though off-puttingly complicated in detail, local taxes are in essence simple. ● PHRASE If you say that something is of the essence , you mean that it is absolutely necessary in order for a particular action to be successful. [FORMAL ] □ Speed was of the essence in a project of this type.
2 N‑VAR Essence is a very concentrated liquid that is used for flavouring food or for its smell. □ …a few drops of vanilla essence.
es|sen|tial ◆◆◇ / I se nʃ ə l/ (essentials )
1 ADJ Something that is essential is extremely important or absolutely necessary to a particular subject, situation, or activity. □ It was absolutely essential to separate crops from the areas that animals used as pasture. □ As they must also sprint over short distances, speed is essential. □ Jordan promised to trim the city budget without cutting essential services.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The essentials are the things that are absolutely necessary for the situation you are in or for the task you are doing. □ [+ for ] The flat contained the basic essentials for bachelor life.
3 ADJ The essential aspects of something are its most basic or important aspects. □ Most authorities agree that play is an essential part of a child's development. □ In this trial two essential elements must be proven: motive and opportunity.
4 N‑PLURAL The essentials are the most important principles, ideas, or facts of a particular subject. □ [+ of ] …the essentials of everyday life, such as eating and exercise. SYNONYMS essential ADJ 1
vital: The port is vital to supply relief to millions of drought victims.
necessary: We will do whatever is necessary to stop them.
critical: He says setting priorities is of critical importance.
crucial: …the most crucial election campaign for years.
indispensable: …the indispensable guide for any traveller in France.
key: Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.
es|sen|tial|ly ◆◇◇ / I se nʃəli/
1 ADV You use essentially to emphasize a quality that someone or something has, and to say that it is their most important or basic quality. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ Great writers, composers and scientists are essentially quite different from ordinary people. □ Essentially, vines and grapes need water, heat and light.
2 ADV [ADV with v] You use essentially to indicate that what you are saying is mainly true, although some parts of it are wrong or more complicated than has been stated. [FORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □ His analysis of urban use of agricultural land has been proved essentially correct. □ Essentially, the West has only two options.
SUFFIX -est
You add -est to many short adjectives to form superlatives. For example, the superlative of 'nice' is nicest and the superlative of 'happy' is happiest .
es|tab|lish ◆◆◇ / I stæ bl I ʃ/ (establishes , establishing , established )
1 VERB If someone establishes something such as an organization, a type of activity, or a set of rules, they create it or introduce it in such a way that it is likely to last for a long time. □ [V n] The U.N. has established detailed criteria for who should be allowed to vote. □ [be V -ed] The School was established in 1989 by an Italian professor.
2 VERB If you establish contact with someone, you start to have contact with them. You can also say that two people, groups, or countries establish contact. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + with ] We had already established contact with the museum. □ [V n] The two countries have established diplomatic relations.
3 VERB If you establish that something is true, you discover facts that show that it is definitely true. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] Medical tests established that she was not their own child. □ [V wh] It will be essential to establish how the money is being spent. □ [V n] An autopsy was being done to establish the cause of death. □ [be V -ed that ] It was established that the missile had landed on a test range in Australia. ● es|tab|lished ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ That link is an established medical fact.
4 VERB If you establish yourself , your reputation, or a good quality that you have, you succeed in doing something, and achieve respect or a secure position as a result of this. □ [V pron-refl] This is going to be the show where up-and-coming comedians will establish themselves. □ [V pron-refl + as ] He has established himself as a pivotal figure in U.S. politics. □ [V n] We shall fight to establish our innocence. [Also V n + as ]
es|tab|lished / I stæ bl I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use established to describe something such as an organization, you mean that it is officially recognized or generally approved of because it has existed for a long time. □ Their religious adherence is not to the established church. □ …the established names of Paris fashion.
es|tab|lish|ment ◆◇◇ / I stæ bl I ʃmənt/ (establishments )
1 N‑SING The establishment of an organization or system is the act of creating it or beginning it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] His ideas influenced the establishment of National Portrait Galleries in London and Edinburgh.
2 N‑COUNT An establishment is a shop, business, or organization occupying a particular building or place. [FORMAL ] □ …a scientific research establishment. □ …shops and other commercial establishments.
3 N‑SING You refer to the people who have power and influence in the running of a country, society, or organization as the establishment . □ Shopkeepers would once have been pillars of the Tory establishment. SYNONYMS establishment NOUN 2
organization: Most of these specialized schools are provided by voluntary organizations.
institution: Class size varies from one type of institution to another.
concern: If not a large concern, Queensbury Nursery was at least a successful one.
body: …the Chairman of the police representative body, the Police Federation.
es|tate ◆◆◇ / I ste I t/ (estates )
1 N‑COUNT An estate is a large area of land in the country which is owned by a person, family, or organization. □ …a shooting party on Lord Wyville's estate in Yorkshire.
2 N‑COUNT People sometimes use estate to refer to a housing estate or an industrial estate. [BRIT ] □ He used to live on the estate.
3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's estate is all the money and property that they leave behind them when they die. [LEGAL ] □ His estate was valued at $150,000.
4 → see also housing estate , industrial estate , real estate
es|ta te agen|cy (estate agencies ) N‑COUNT An estate agency is a company that sells houses and land for people. [BRIT ]
es|ta te agent (estate agents ) N‑COUNT An estate agent is someone who works for a company that sells houses and land for people. [BRIT ] in AM, use Realtor , real estate agent
es|ta te car (estate cars ) N‑COUNT An estate car is a car with a long body, a door at the rear, and space behind the back seats. [BRIT ] in AM, use station wagon
es|teem / I stiː m/ (esteems , esteeming , esteemed )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Esteem is the admiration and respect that you feel towards another person. [FORMAL ] □ He is held in high esteem by colleagues in the construction industry.
2 VERB If you esteem someone or something, you respect or admire them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] I greatly esteem your message in the midst of our hard struggle.
3 → see also self-esteem
es|teemed / I stiː md/ ADJ You use esteemed to describe someone who you greatly admire and respect. [FORMAL ] □ He was esteemed by his neighbours. □ It is indeed an honour to serve my country in such an esteemed position.
es|thete /iː sθiːt, [AM ] e s-/ → see aesthete
es|thet|ic /iːsθe t I k, [AM ] esθ-/ → see aesthetic
es|ti|mable /e st I məb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as estimable , you mean that they deserve admiration. [FORMAL ] □ …the estimable Miss Cartwright.
es|ti|mate ◆◆◇ (estimates , estimating , estimated ) The verb is pronounced /e st I me I t/. The noun is pronounced /e st I mət/. 1 VERB If you estimate a quantity or value, you make an approximate judgment or calculation of it. □ [V wh] Try to estimate how many steps it will take to get to a close object. □ [V that] I estimate that the total cost for treatment will be $12,500. □ [V n] He estimated the speed of the winds from the degree of damage. □ [V n + at ] Some analysts estimate its current popularity at around ten per cent. [Also V with quote] ● es|ti|mat|ed ADJ □ There are an estimated 90,000 gangsters in the country.
2 N‑COUNT An estimate is an approximate calculation of a quantity or value. □ [+ of/for ] …the official estimate of the election result. □ This figure is five times the original estimate.
3 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An estimate is a judgment about a person or situation which you make based on the available evidence. □ [+ of ] I hadn't been far wrong in my estimate of his grandson's capabilities.
4 N‑COUNT An estimate from someone who you employ to do a job for you, such as a builder or a plumber, is a written statement of how much the job is likely to cost. SYNONYMS estimate VERB 1
guess: Paula reached for her camera, guessing distance and exposure.
calculate: From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy.
evaluate: The market situation is difficult to evaluate.
gauge: He gauged the wind at over thirty knots. NOUN 2
guess: He'd taken her pulse and made a guess at her blood pressure.
calculation: Leonard made a rapid calculation: he'd never make it in time.
reckoning: By my reckoning we were seven or eight kilometres from Borj Mechaab.
ballpark estimate/figure: Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.
es|ti|ma|tion /e st I me I ʃ ə n/ (estimations )
1 N‑SING [usu with poss] Your estimation of a person or situation is the opinion or impression that you have formed about them. [FORMAL ] □ He has gone down considerably in my estimation.
2 N‑COUNT An estimation is an approximate calculation of a quantity or value. □ [+of ] …estimations of pre-tax profits of £12.25 million.
es|tranged / I stre I ndʒd/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An estranged wife or husband is no longer living with their husband or wife. [FORMAL ] □ …his estranged wife.
2 ADJ If you are estranged from your family or friends, you have quarrelled with them and are not communicating with them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ from ] Joanna, 30, spent most of her twenties virtually estranged from her father.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as estranged from something such as society or their profession, you mean that they no longer seem involved in it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ from ] Allegations, made by a self-confessed cheat who had become estranged from his sport, were easy to dismiss.
es|trange|ment / I stre I ndʒmənt/ (estrangements ) N‑VAR Estrangement is the state of being estranged from someone or the length of time for which you are estranged. [FORMAL ] □ [+between ] The trip will bring to an end years of estrangement between the two countries.
es|tro|gen /iː strədʒ ə n, [AM ] e st-/ → see oestrogen
es|tu|ary /e stʃʊri, [AM ] e stʃueri/ (estuaries ) N‑COUNT An estuary is the wide part of a river where it joins the sea. □ …naval manoeuvres in the Clyde estuary.
e|tailer /i ːte I lə r / (etailers ) also e-tailer N‑COUNT An etailer is a person or company that sells products on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □ This company is the biggest wine e-tailer in the U.K.
e|tailing /i ːte I l I ŋ/ also e-tailing N‑UNCOUNT Etailing is the business of selling products on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □ Electronic retailing has predictably become known as etailing.
et al. /e t æ l/ et al. is used after a name or a list of names to indicate that other people are also involved. It is used especially when referring to books or articles which were written by more than two people. □ …Blough et al.
etc ◆◇◇ /et se trə/ also etc. etc is used at the end of a list to indicate that you have mentioned only some of the items involved and have not given a full list. etc is a written abbreviation for 'et cetera'. □ She knew all about my schoolwork, my hospital work etc. □ …a packed programme of events–shows, dances, coach tours, sports, etc.
et|cet|era /etse trə/ also et cetera → see etc
etch /e tʃ/ (etches , etching , etched ) VERB If a line or pattern is etched into a surface, it is cut into the surface by means of acid or a sharp tool. You can also say that a surface is etched with a line or pattern. □ [be V -ed + into/in/on ] Crosses were etched into the walls. □ [V n + into/in/on ] The acid etched holes in the crystal surface. □ [be V -ed + with ] Windows are etched with the vehicle identification number. □ [be V -ed] The stained-glass panels are etched and then handpainted using traditional methods.
etch|ing /e tʃ I ŋ/ (etchings ) N‑COUNT An etching is a picture printed from a metal plate that has had a design cut into it with acid.
eter|nal / I tɜː r n ə l/
1 ADJ Something that is eternal lasts for ever. □ Whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. □ …the quest for eternal youth. ● eter|nal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ She is eternally grateful to her family for their support.
2 ADJ If you describe something as eternal , you mean that it seems to last for ever, often because you think it is boring or annoying. □ In the background was that eternal hum.
ete r|nal tri |an|gle (eternal triangles ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You use the eternal triangle to refer to a relationship involving love and jealousy between two men and a woman or two women and a man.
eter|nity / I tɜː r n I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Eternity is time without an end or a state of existence outside time, especially the state which some people believe they will pass into after they have died. □ I have always found the thought of eternity terrifying.
2 N‑SING If you say that a situation lasted for an eternity , you mean that it seemed to last an extremely long time, usually because it was boring or unpleasant. □ The war continued for an eternity.
etha|nol /e θənɒl/ N‑UNCOUNT Ethanol is another name for alcohol . [TECHNICAL ]
ether /iː θə r / N‑UNCOUNT Ether is a colourless liquid that burns easily. It is used in industry and in medicine as an anaesthetic. □ …a sweetish smell of ether and iodine.
ethe|real / I θ I ə riəl/
1 ADJ Someone or something that is ethereal has a delicate beauty. [FORMAL ] □ She's the prettiest, most ethereal romantic heroine in the movies. □ …gorgeous, hauntingly ethereal melodies.
2 ADJ Ethereal means unrelated to practical things and the real world. [FORMAL ] □ …the ethereal nature of romantic fiction.
eth|ic /e θ I k/ (ethics )
1 N‑PLURAL Ethics are moral beliefs and rules about right and wrong. □ Refugee workers said such action was a violation of medical ethics.
2 N‑PLURAL Someone's ethics are the moral principles about right and wrong behaviour which they believe in. □ [+of ] He told the police that he had thought honestly about the ethics of what he was doing.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Ethics is the study of questions about what is morally right and wrong. □ …the teaching of ethics and moral philosophy.
4 N‑SING An ethic of a particular kind is an idea or moral belief that influences the behaviour, attitudes, and philosophy of a group of people. □ [+ of ] …the ethic of public service. □ …an indomitable work ethic and determination to succeed.
ethi|cal /e θ I k ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ethical means relating to beliefs about right and wrong. □ …the medical, nursing and ethical issues surrounding terminally-ill people. ● ethi|cal|ly /e θ I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ Attorneys are ethically and legally bound to absolute confidentiality.
2 ADJ If you describe something as ethical , you mean that it is morally right or morally acceptable. □ …ethical investment schemes. ● ethi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Mayors want local companies to behave ethically.
Ethio|pian /iː θioʊ piən/ (Ethiopians )
1 ADJ Ethiopian means belonging or relating to Ethiopia, or to its people, language, or culture.
2 N‑COUNT An Ethiopian is an Ethiopian citizen, or a person of Ethiopian origin.
eth|nic ◆◇◇ /e θn I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ethnic means connected with or relating to different racial or cultural groups of people. □ …a survey of Britain's ethnic minorities. □ …ethnic tensions. ● eth|ni|cal|ly /e θn I kli/ ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj] □ …a predominantly young, ethnically mixed audience.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use ethnic to describe people who belong to a particular racial or cultural group but who, usually, do not live in the country where most members of that group live. □ There are still several million ethnic Germans in Russia. ● eth|ni|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …a large ethnically Albanian population.
3 ADJ Ethnic clothing, music, or food is characteristic of the traditions of a particular ethnic group, and different from what is usually found in modern Western culture. □ …a magnificent range of ethnic fabrics.
e th|nic clea ns|ing N‑UNCOUNT Ethnic cleansing is the process of using violent methods to force certain groups of people out of a particular area or country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ In late May, government forces began the 'ethnic cleansing' of the area around the town.
eth|nic|ity /eθn I s I ti/ (ethnicities ) N‑VAR Ethnicity is the state or fact of belonging to a particular ethnic group. □ He said his ethnicity had not been important to him.
eth|no|cen|tric /e θnoʊse ntr I k/ ADJ If you describe something as ethnocentric , you disagree with it because it is based on the belief that one particular race or nationality of people is superior to all others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Her work is open to the criticism that it is ethnocentric.
eth|no|graph|ic /e θnəgræ f I k/ ADJ Ethnographic refers to things that are connected with or relate to ethnography.
eth|nog|ra|phy /eθnɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Ethnography is the branch of anthropology in which different cultures are studied and described.
ethos /iː θɒs/ N‑SING An ethos is the set of ideas and attitudes that is associated with a particular group of people or a particular type of activity. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The whole ethos of the hotel is effortless service. □ …the traditional public service ethos.
ethyl al|co|hol /iː θa I l æ lkəhɒl/ N‑UNCOUNT Ethyl alcohol is the same as ethanol . [TECHNICAL ]
eti|ol|ogy /iː tiɒ lədʒi/ (etiologies ) also aetiology N‑VAR The etiology of a disease or a problem is the study of its causes. □ [+ of ] …the etiology of psychiatric disorder.
eti|quette /e t I ket/ N‑UNCOUNT Etiquette is a set of customs and rules for polite behaviour, especially among a particular class of people or in a particular profession. □ This was such a great breach of etiquette, he hardly knew what to do.
ety|mo|logi|cal /e t I məlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Etymological means concerned with or relating to etymology. [FORMAL ] □ 'Gratification' and 'gratitude' have the same etymological root.
ety|mol|ogy /e t I mɒ lədʒi/ (etymologies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Etymology is the study of the origins and historical development of words.
2 N‑COUNT The etymology of a particular word is its history.
EU /iː juː / N‑PROPER The EU is an organization of European countries which have joint policies on matters such as trade, agriculture, and finance. EU is an abbreviation for 'European Union'.
euca|lyp|tus /juː kəl I ptəs/ (eucalyptuses or eucalyptus ) N‑VAR [oft N n] A eucalyptus is an evergreen tree, originally from Australia, that is grown to provide wood, gum, and an oil that is used in medicines.
Eucha|rist /juː kər I st/ N‑SING The Eucharist is the Christian religious ceremony in which Christ's last meal with his disciples is celebrated by eating bread and drinking wine.
eugen|ics /juːdʒe n I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Eugenics is the study of methods to improve the human race by carefully selecting parents who will produce the strongest children. [TECHNICAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
eulo|gize /juː lədʒa I z/ (eulogizes , eulogizing , eulogized ) in AM, also use eulogise 1 VERB If you eulogize someone or something, you praise them very highly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We eulogise athletes for the sacrifice they have endured in pursuit of a gold medal. □ [V prep] Taylor eulogised about Steven's versatility.
2 VERB If you eulogize someone who has died, you make a speech praising them, usually at their funeral. [AM ] □ [V n] Leaders from around the world eulogized the Egyptian president.
eulogy /juː lədʒi/ (eulogies )
1 N‑COUNT A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something very much. [FORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT A eulogy is a speech, usually at a funeral, in which a person who has just died is praised. [AM ]
eunuch /juː nək/ (eunuchs ) N‑COUNT A eunuch is a man who has had his testicles removed.
euphemism /juː fəm I zəm/ (euphemisms ) N‑COUNT A euphemism is a polite word or expression that is used to refer to things which people may find upsetting or embarrassing to talk about, for example sex, the human body, or death. □ [+ for ] The term 'early retirement' is nearly always a euphemism for redundancy nowadays.
euphemis|tic /juː fəm I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Euphemistic language uses polite, pleasant, or neutral words and expressions to refer to things which people may find unpleasant, upsetting, or embarrassing to talk about, for example sex, the human body, or death. □ …a euphemistic way of saying that someone has been lying. ● euphemis|ti|cal|ly /juː fəm I st I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ …political prisons, called euphemistically 're-education camps'.
eupho|ria /juːfɔː riə/ N‑UNCOUNT Euphoria is a feeling of intense happiness and excitement. □ There was euphoria after the elections. [Also + of/over ]
euphor|ic /juːfɒ r I k, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ ADJ If you are euphoric , you feel intense happiness and excitement. □ It had received euphoric support from the public.
Eura|sian /jʊəre I ʒ ə n/ (Eurasians )
1 ADJ Eurasian means concerned with or relating to both Europe and Asia. □ …the whole of the Eurasian continent.
2 N‑COUNT A Eurasian is a person who has one European and one Asian parent or whose family comes from both Europe and Asia. ● ADJ Eurasian is also an adjective. □ She married into a leading Eurasian family in Hong Kong.
eureka /jʊriː kə/ EXCLAM Someone might say ' eureka ' when they suddenly find or realize something, or when they solve a problem. [HUMOROUS , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ 'Eureka! I've got it!'
euro ◆◇◇ /jʊə roʊ/ (euros ) N‑COUNT The euro is a unit of money that is used by the member countries of the European Union which have accepted European monetary union. It is represented by the symbol <€>. A euro is divided into one hundred smaller units called cents. □ Governments and businesses will start keeping accounts in euros. ● N‑SING [the N ] The euro is also used to refer to this currency system. □ Millions of words have been written about the introduction of the euro.
PREFIX Euro-
is used to form words that describe or refer to something that is connected with Europe or with the European Union. For example, a Eurocentric view focuses on European culture and society, often with the result that people in other parts of the world are not considered.
Euro|bond /jʊə roʊbɒnd/ (Eurobonds ) also eurobond N‑COUNT Eurobonds are bonds which are issued in a particular European currency and sold to people from a country with a different currency.
Euro|cen|tric /jʊə roʊse ntr I k/ ADJ If you describe something as Eurocentric , you disapprove of it because it focuses on Europe and the needs of European people, often with the result that people in other parts of the world suffer in some way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the insultingly Eurocentric bias in the education system.
Euro|crat /jʊə roʊkræt/ (Eurocrats ) N‑COUNT Eurocrats are the civil servants and other people who work in the administration of the European Union. [JOURNALISM ]
euro|land /jʊə roʊlænd/ also Euroland N‑UNCOUNT Euroland is another name for the eurozone . □ Forecasters are starting to think that this won't lift growth in Britain above that in euroland.
Euro|pean /jʊə rəpiː ən/ (Europeans )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] European means belonging or relating to, or coming from Europe. □ …in some other European countries.
2 N‑COUNT A European is a person who comes from Europe.
E u ro|pean U n|ion N‑PROPER The European Union is an organization of European countries which have joint policies on matters such as trade, agriculture, and finance.
Euro|scep|tic /jʊə roʊske pt I k/ also Euro-sceptic , eurosceptic (Eurosceptics ) N‑COUNT A Eurosceptic is someone, especially a politician, who is opposed to closer links between Britain and the European Union. [BRIT ] ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] Eurosceptic is also an adjective. □ …Eurosceptic MPs.
euro|zone /jʊə roʊzoʊn/ also Eurozone N‑SING The eurozone is all those countries that have joined the European single currency, considered as a group. □ Homeowners in the eurozone enjoy cheaper mortgages than we do here in Britain.
eutha|na|sia /juː θəne I ziə, [AM ] -ʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT Euthanasia is the practice of killing someone who is very ill and will never get better in order to end their suffering, usually done at their request or with their consent.
evacu|ate / I væ kjue I t/ (evacuates , evacuating , evacuated )
1 VERB To evacuate someone means to send them to a place of safety, away from a dangerous building, town, or area. □ [V n] They were planning to evacuate the seventy American officials still in the country. □ [be V -ed + from ] Since 1951, 18,000 people have been evacuated from the area. ● evacu|ation / I væ kjue I ʃ ə n/ (evacuations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the evacuation of the sick and wounded. □ [+ of ] An evacuation of the city's four-million inhabitants is planned for later this week.
2 VERB If people evacuate a place, they move out of it for a period of time, especially because it is dangerous. □ [V n] The fire is threatening about sixty homes, and residents have evacuated the area. □ [V ] Officials ordered the residents to evacuate. ● evacu|ation (evacuations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …mass evacuations of homes and offices. □ [+ from ] Burning sulfur from the wreck has forced evacuations from the area.
evac|uee / I væ kjuiː / (evacuees ) N‑COUNT An evacuee is someone who has been sent away from a dangerous place to somewhere safe, especially during a war.
evade / I ve I d/ (evades , evading , evaded )
1 VERB If you evade something, you find a way of not doing something that you really ought to do. □ [V n] By his own admission, he evaded taxes as a Florida real-estate speculator. □ [V n] Delegates accused them of evading responsibility for recent failures.
2 VERB If you evade a question or a topic, you avoid talking about it or dealing with it. □ [V n] Too many companies, she says, are evading the issue.
3 VERB If you evade someone or something, you move so that you can avoid meeting them or avoid being touched or hit. □ [V n] She turned and gazed at the river, evading his eyes. □ [V n] He managed to evade capture because of the breakdown of a police computer.
evalu|ate / I væ ljue I t/ (evaluates , evaluating , evaluated ) VERB If you evaluate something or someone, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them, for example about how good or bad they are. □ [V n] The market situation is difficult to evaluate. ● evalu|ation / I væ ljue I ʃ ə n/ (evaluations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the opinions and evaluations of college supervisors. □ Evaluation is standard practice for all training arranged through the school.
evalu|ative / I væ ljuət I v/ ADJ Something that is evaluative is based on an assessment of the values, qualities, and significance of a particular person or thing. [FORMAL ] □ …ten years of evaluative research.
eva|nes|cent /e vəne s ə nt/ ADJ Something that is evanescent gradually disappears from sight or memory. [FORMAL or LITERARY ] □ …the evanescent scents of summer herbs.
evan|geli|cal /iː vændʒe l I k ə l/
1 ADJ Evangelical Christians emphasize the importance of the Bible and the need for personal belief in Christ. □ …an evangelical Christian.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour as evangelical , you mean that it is very enthusiastic. □ With almost evangelical fervour, Marks warns against deliberately seeking a tan.
evan|gelism / I væ ndʒəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Evangelism is the teaching of Christianity, especially to people who are not Christians.
evan|gelist / I væ ndʒəl I st/ (evangelists ) N‑COUNT An evangelist is a person who travels from place to place in order to try to convert people to Christianity. ● evan|gelis|tic ADJ □ …an evangelistic meeting at All Saints Church Hall.
evan|gelize / I væ ndʒəla I z/ (evangelizes , evangelizing , evangelized ) in BRIT, also use evangelise VERB If someone evangelizes a group or area, they try to convert people to their religion, especially Christianity. □ [V n] In AD 586 St Kentigern evangelized Tweeddale. [Also V ]
evapo|rate / I væ pəre I t/ (evaporates , evaporating , evaporated )
1 VERB When a liquid evaporates , or is evaporated , it changes from a liquid state to a gas, because its temperature has increased. □ [V ] Moisture is drawn to the surface of the fabric so that it evaporates. □ [be V -ed] The water is evaporated by the sun. [Also V n] ● evapo|ra|tion / I væ pəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+of ] The soothing, cooling effect is caused by the evaporation of the sweat on the skin.
2 VERB If a feeling, plan, or activity evaporates , it gradually becomes weaker and eventually disappears completely. □ [V ] My anger evaporated and I wanted to cry.
eva po|rat|ed mi lk N‑UNCOUNT Evaporated milk is thick sweet milk that is sold in cans.
eva|sion / I ve I ʒ ə n/ (evasions )
1 N‑VAR [oft n N ] Evasion means deliberately avoiding something that you are supposed to do or deal with. □ [+ of ] Many Koreans were angered at what they saw as an evasion of responsibility. □ He was arrested for tax evasion.
2 N‑VAR If you accuse someone of evasion when they have been asked a question, you mean that they are deliberately avoiding giving a clear direct answer. □ We want straight answers. No evasions.
eva|sive / I ve I s I v/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as evasive , you mean that they deliberately avoid giving clear direct answers to questions. □ [+about ] He was evasive about the circumstances of his first meeting with Stanley Dean. ● eva|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'I can't possibly comment on that,' Paul said evasively. ● eva|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] □ She looked at him closely to see if his evasiveness was intentional.
2 PHRASE If you take evasive action , you deliberately move away from someone or something in order to avoid meeting them or being hit by them. □ At least four high-flying warplanes had to take evasive action.
eve /iː v/ (eves )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The eve of a particular event or occasion is the day before it, or the period of time just before it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+of ] …on the eve of his 27th birthday.
2 → see also Christmas Eve , New Year's Eve
even
➊ DISCOURSE USES
➋ ADJECTIVE USES
➌ PHRASAL VERB USES
➊ even ◆◆◆ /iː v ə n/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use even to suggest that what comes just after or just before it in the sentence is rather surprising. □ He kept calling me for years, even after he got married. □ Even dark-skinned women should use sunscreens. □ I cannot come to a decision about it now or even give any indication of my own views. □ He didn't even hear what I said.
2 ADV You use even with comparative adjectives and adverbs to emphasize a quality that someone or something has. [EMPHASIS ] □ It was on television that he made an even stronger impact as an interviewer. □ Stan was speaking even more slowly than usual.
3 PHRASE You use even if or even though to indicate that a particular fact does not make the rest of your statement untrue. □ Cynthia is not ashamed of what she does, even if she ends up doing something wrong. □ Even though I work by myself, there are other people I can interact with.
4 PHRASE If one thing happens even as something else happens, they both happen at exactly the same time. [LITERARY ] □ Even as she said this, she knew it was not quite true.
5 PHRASE You use even so to introduce a surprising fact which relates to what you have just said. [SPOKEN ] □ The bus was only half full. Even so, a young man asked Nina if the seat next to her was taken.
6 PHRASE You use even then to say that something is the case in spite of what has just been stated or whatever the circumstances may be. □ Peace could come only gradually. Even then, it sounds almost impossible to achieve.
➋ even /iː v ə n/
→ Please look at category 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An even measurement or rate stays at about the same level. □ How important is it to have an even temperature when you're working? □ The brick-built property keeps the temperature at an even level throughout the year. ● even|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ He looked at Ellen, breathing evenly in her sleep.
2 ADJ An even surface is smooth and flat. □ The tables are fitted with a glass top to provide an even surface.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is an even distribution or division of something, each person, group, or area involved has an equal amount. □ Divide the dough into 12 even pieces and shape each piece into a ball. ● even|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ The meat is divided evenly and boiled in a stew. □ The blood vessels in the skin are not evenly distributed around the face and neck.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An even contest or competition is equally balanced between the two sides who are taking part. □ …an even match between eight nations. ● even|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □ They must choose between two evenly matched candidates for governor.
5 ADJ If your voice is even , you are speaking in a very controlled way which makes it difficult for people to tell what your feelings are. [LITERARY ]
6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An even number can be divided exactly by the number two.
7 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is an even chance that something will happen, it is no more likely that it will happen than it will not happen. □ They have a more than even chance of winning the next election.
8 → see also evens
9 PHRASE When a company or a person running a business breaks even , they make neither a profit nor a loss. [BUSINESS ] □ The airline hopes to break even next year and return to profit the following year.
10 PHRASE If you say that you are going to get even with someone, you mean that you are going to cause them the same amount of harm or annoyance as they have caused you. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ with ] I'm going to get even with you for this. □ Don't get angry, get even.
11 to be on an even keel → see keel
➌ even /iː v ə n/ (evens , evening , evened )
▸ even out PHRASAL VERB If something evens out , or if you even it out , the differences between the different parts of it are reduced. □ [V P ] Relative rates of house price inflation have evened out across the country. □ [V P n] Foundation make-up evens out your skin tone and texture. [Also V n P ]
▸ even up PHRASAL VERB To even up a contest or game means to make it more equally balanced than it was. □ [V P n] The nation's electronics industry tried to even up its balance of trade. □ [V -ed P ] I would like to see the championship evened up a little bit more. [Also V n P ]
e ven-ha nded in AM, also use evenhanded ADJ If someone is even-handed , they are completely fair, especially when they are judging other people or dealing with two groups of people. □ …an even-handed account of the ethical arguments involved.
eve|ning ◆◆◇ /iː vn I ŋ/ (evenings ) N‑VAR The evening is the part of each day between the end of the afternoon and the time when you go to bed. □ All he did that evening was sit around the flat. □ Supper is from 5.00 to 6.00 in the evening. □ Towards evening the carnival entered its final stage.
e ve|ning class (evening classes ) N‑COUNT An evening class is a course for adults that is taught in the evening rather than during the day. □ Jackie has been learning flamenco dancing at an evening class for three years.
e ve|ning dre ss (evening dresses )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Evening dress consists of the formal clothes that people wear to formal occasions in the evening.
2 N‑COUNT An evening dress is a special dress, usually a long one, that a woman wears to a formal occasion in the evening.
e ve|ning pri m|rose (evening primroses ) N‑VAR Evening primrose is a tall plant with yellow flowers that open in the evening. Its seeds are used to make medicine.
evens /iː v ə nz/
1 N‑UNCOUNT In a race or contest, if you bet on a horse or competitor that is quoted at evens , you will win a sum of money equal to your bet if that horse or competitor wins. [BRIT ] □ He won his first race by six lengths at evens. □ The Martell Cup Chase was won by the evens favourite Toby Tobias.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If there is an evens chance that something will happen, it is equally likely that it will happen or will not happen. [BRIT ] □ You've then got an evens chance of doubling your money at a stroke.
even|song /iː v ə nsɒŋ, [AM ] -sɔːŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Evensong is the evening service in the Anglican Church.
event ◆◆◆ / I ve nt/ (events )
1 N‑COUNT An event is something that happens, especially when it is unusual or important. You can use events to describe all the things that are happening in a particular situation. □ [+ of ] …the events of Black Wednesday. □ A new book by J K Rowling is always an event.
2 N‑COUNT An event is a planned and organized occasion, for example a social gathering or a sports match. □ …major sporting events. □ …our programme of lectures and social events.
3 N‑COUNT An event is one of the races or competitions that are part of an organized occasion such as a sports meeting. □ A solo piper opens Aberdeen Highland Games at 10am and the main events start at 1pm.
4 PHRASE You use in the event of , in the event that , and in that event when you are talking about a possible future situation, especially when you are planning what to do if it occurs. □ The bank has agreed to give an immediate refund in the unlikely event of an error being made.
5 PHRASE You say in any event after you have been discussing a situation, in order to indicate that what you are saying is true or possible, in spite of anything that has happened or may happen. □ In any event, the bowling alley restaurant proved quite acceptable.
6 PHRASE You say in the event after you have been discussing what could have happened in a particular situation, in order to indicate that you are now describing what actually did happen. [BRIT ] □ 'Don't underestimate us', Norman Willis warned last year. There was, in the event, little danger of that. COLLOCATIONS event NOUN
1
adjective + event : major, significant; historical, recent; tragic
2
noun + event : charity, fundraising; music, sports, swimming
adjective + event : major, special; social
verb + event : hold, host, stage; organize, plan; attend
e ven-te mpered ADJ If someone is even-tempered , they are usually calm and do not easily get angry.
event|ful / I ve ntfʊl/ ADJ If you describe an event or a period of time as eventful , you mean that a lot of interesting, exciting, or important things have happened during it. □ Her eventful life included holding senior positions in the Colonial Service.
even|tual / I ve ntʃuəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use eventual to indicate that something happens or is the case at the end of a process or period of time. □ The eventual aim is reunification.
even|tu|al|ity / I ve ntʃuæ l I ti/ (eventualities ) N‑COUNT An eventuality is a possible future event or result, especially one that is unpleasant or surprising. [FORMAL ] □ Every eventuality is covered, from running out of petrol to needing water.
even|tu|al|ly ◆◆◇ / I ve ntʃuəli/
1 ADV [ADV before v] Eventually means in the end, especially after a lot of delays, problems, or arguments. □ Eventually, the army caught up with him in Latvia. □ The flight eventually got away six hours late.
2 ADV [ADV before v] Eventually means at the end of a situation or process or as the final result of it. □ Eventually your child will leave home to lead her own life as a fully independent adult. □ She sees the bar as a starting point and eventually plans to run her own chain of country inns. SYNONYMS eventually ADV 1
finally: The food finally arrived at the end of last week and distribution began.
in the end: I toyed with the idea of calling the police, but in the end I didn't.
ultimately: …a tough but ultimately worthwhile struggle.
ever ◆◆◆ /e və r / Ever is an adverb which you use to add emphasis in negative sentences, commands, questions, and conditional structures. 1 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adv] Ever means at any time. It is used in questions and negative statements. □ I'm not sure I'll ever trust people again. □ Neither of us had ever skied. □ Have you ever experienced failure? □ I don't know if you ever read any of his books.
2 ADV [in questions, ADV before v] You use ever in expressions such as ' did you ever ' and ' have you ever ' to express surprise or shock at something you have just seen, heard, or experienced, especially when you expect people to agree with you. [EMPHASIS ] □ Have you ever seen anything like it? □ Did you ever hear anyone sound so peculiar?
3 ADV You use ever after comparatives and superlatives to emphasize the degree to which something is true or when you are comparing a present situation with the past or the future. [EMPHASIS ] □ She's got a great voice and is singing better than ever. □ Japan is wealthier and more powerful than ever before. □ He feels better than he has ever felt before. □ This is the most awful evening I can ever remember.
4 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use ever to say that something happens more all the time. □ They grew ever further apart.
5 ADV [ADV before v] You can use ever for emphasis after 'never'. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I can never, ever, forgive myself.
6 ADV You use ever in questions beginning with words such as 'why', 'when', and 'who' when you want to emphasize your surprise or shock. [EMPHASIS ] □ Why ever didn't you tell me? □ Who ever heard of a thing like that?
7 PHRASE If something has been the case ever since a particular time, it has been the case all the time from then until now. □ He's been there ever since you left! □ Ever since we moved last year, I worry a lot about whether I can handle this new job. ● ADV [ADV after v] Ever is also an adverb. □ I simply gave in to him, and I've regretted it ever since.
8 ADV [ADV such/so ] You use ever in the expressions ever such and ever so to emphasize that someone or something has a particular quality, especially when you are expressing enthusiasm or gratitude. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ When I met Derek he was ever such a good dancer. □ I like him ever so much. □ I'm ever so grateful.
9 → see also forever
10 PHRASE You use the expression all someone ever does when you want to emphasize that they do the same thing all the time, and this annoys you. [EMPHASIS ] □ All she ever does is whinge and complain.
11 PHRASE You say as ever in order to indicate that something or someone's behaviour is not unusual because it is like that all the time or very often. □ As ever, the meals are primarily fish-based.
12 hardly ever → see hardly
ever- /e və r -/ COMB You use ever in adjectives such as ever-increasing and ever-present , to show that something exists or continues all the time. □ …the ever-increasing traffic on our roads. □ …an ever-changing world of medical information.
ever|green /e və r griːn/ (evergreens ) N‑COUNT An evergreen is a tree or bush which has green leaves all the year round. □ Holly, like ivy and mistletoe, is an evergreen. ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] Evergreen is also an adjective. □ Plant evergreen shrubs around the end of the month.
ever|lasting /e və r lɑː st I ŋ, -læ st-/ ADJ Something that is everlasting never comes to an end. □ …a message of peace and everlasting life.
e ver mo re also evermore ADV [ADV with v, oft for ADV ] Ever more means for all the time in the future. □ They will bitterly regret what they have done for ever more. □ The editor's decision is final and shall evermore remain so.
every ◆◆◆ /e vri/
1 DET You use every to indicate that you are referring to all the members of a group or all the parts of something and not only some of them. □ Record every expenditure you make. □ …recipes for every occasion. ● ADJ Every is also an adjective. □ His every utterance will be scrutinized.
2 DET You use every in order to say how often something happens or to indicate that something happens at regular intervals. □ We were made to attend meetings every day. □ A burglary occurs every three minutes in London. □ They meet here every Friday morning.
3 DET You use every in front of a number when you are saying what proportion of people or things something happens to or applies to. □ Human beings spend about eight out of every 24 hours sleeping. □ About one in every 20 people have clinical depression.
4 DET You can use every before some nouns, for example 'sign', 'effort', 'reason', and 'intention' in order to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □ Like most of those on the dance floor, they give every sign of delight. □ I think that there is every chance that you will succeed. □ Every care has been taken in compiling this list.
5 ADJ If you say that someone's every whim, wish, or desire will be satisfied, you are emphasizing that everything they want will happen or be provided. [EMPHASIS ] □ Dozens of servants had catered to his every whim.
6 PHRASE You use every in the expressions every now and then , every now and again , every once in a while , and every so often in order to indicate that something happens occasionally. □ Stir the batter every now and then to keep it from separating. □ Every so often the horse's heart and lungs are checked.
7 PHRASE If something happens every other day or every second day , for example, it happens one day, then does not happen the next day, then happens the day after that, and so on. You can also say that something happens every third week , every fourth year , and so on. □ I went home every other week.
8 every bit as good as → see bit
9 every which way → see way
every|body ◆◆◇ /e vribɒdi/ Everybody means the same as everyone .
every|day /e vride I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use everyday to describe something which happens or is used every day, or forms a regular and basic part of your life, so it is not especially interesting or unusual. □ In the course of my everyday life, I had very little contact with teenagers. □ …the everyday problems of living in the city.
every|man /e vrimæn/ N‑SING Everyman is used to refer to people in general. If you say, for example, that a character in a film or book is an everyman , you mean that the character has experiences and emotions that are like those of any ordinary person. □ Douglas plays a frustrated American everyman who suddenly loses control under the pressure of daily life.
every|one ◆◆◇ /e vriwʌn/ or everybody
1 PRON You use everyone or everybody to refer to all the people in a particular group. □ Everyone in the street was shocked when they heard the news. □ When everyone else goes home around 5 p.m. Lynn is still hard at work. □ Not everyone thinks that the government is being particularly generous.
2 PRON You use everyone or everybody to refer to all people. □ Everyone feels like a failure at times. □ You can't keep everybody happy.
every|thing ◆◆◆ /e vr I θ I ŋ/
1 PRON You use everything to refer to all the objects, actions, activities, or facts in a particular situation. □ He'd gone to Seattle long after everything else in his life had changed. □ Early in the morning, hikers pack everything that they will need for the day's hike.
2 PRON You use everything to refer to all possible or likely actions, activities, or situations. □ 'This should have been decided long before now.'—'We can't think of everything.'. □ Noel and I do everything together. □ Are you doing everything possible to reduce your budget?
3 PRON You use everything to refer to a whole situation or to life in general. □ She says everything is going smoothly. □ Is everything all right? □ Everything's going to be just fine.
4 PRON If you say that someone or something is everything , you mean you consider them to be the most important thing in your life, or the most important thing that there is. □ [+ to ] I love him. He is everything to me. □ Money isn't everything.
5 PRON If you say that someone or something has everything , you mean they have all the things or qualities that most people consider to be desirable. □ She has everything: beauty, talent, children.
every|where ◆◇◇ /e vri h weə r /
1 ADV [n ADV , ADV after v, be ADV , oft from ADV ] You use everywhere to refer to a whole area or to all the places in a particular area. □ Working people everywhere object to paying taxes. □ We went everywhere together. □ Dust is everywhere. □ People come here from everywhere to see these lights.
2 ADV [ADV after v] You use everywhere to refer to all the places that someone goes to. □ Bradley is still accustomed to travelling everywhere in style. □ Everywhere he went he was introduced as the current United States Open Champion.
3 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use everywhere to emphasize that you are talking about a large number of places, or all possible places. [EMPHASIS ] □ I saw her picture everywhere. □ I looked everywhere. I couldn't find him.
4 ADV [be ADV , ADV after v] If you say that someone or something is everywhere , you mean that they are present in a place in very large numbers. □ There were books everywhere.
evict / I v I kt/ (evicts , evicting , evicted ) VERB If someone is evicted from the place where they are living, they are forced to leave it, usually because they have broken a law or contract. □ [be V -ed + from ] They were evicted from their apartment. □ [V n] In the first week, the city police evicted ten families. □ [be V -ed] If you don't keep up payments you could be evicted. [Also V n + from ]
evic|tion / I v I kʃ ə n/ (evictions ) N‑VAR Eviction is the act or process of officially forcing someone to leave a house or piece of land. □ He was facing eviction, along with his wife and family. □ …an eviction order.
evi|dence ◆◆◇ /e v I dəns/ (evidences , evidencing , evidenced )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [N that, N to-inf] Evidence is anything that you see, experience, read, or are told that causes you to believe that something is true or has really happened. □ [+ of/for ] Ganley said he'd seen no evidence of widespread fraud. □ There is a lot of evidence that stress is partly responsible for disease.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Evidence is the information which is used in a court of law to try to prove something. Evidence is obtained from documents, objects, or witnesses. [LEGAL ] □ [+ against ] The evidence against him was purely circumstantial. □ …enough evidence for a successful prosecution.
3 PHRASE If you give evidence in a court of law or an official enquiry, you officially say what you know about people or events, or describe an occasion at which you were present. □ The forensic scientists who carried out the original tests will be called to give evidence.
4 VERB If a particular feeling, ability, or attitude is evidenced by something or someone, it is seen or felt. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + by ] He's wise in other ways too, as evidenced by his reason for switching from tennis to golf. □ [V n] She was not calculating and evidenced no specific interest in money.
5 PHRASE If someone or something is in evidence , they are present and can be clearly seen. □ Few soldiers were in evidence. SYNONYMS evidence NOUN 1
proof: This is not necessarily proof that he is wrong.
testimony: This book is testimony to a very individual kind of courage.
indication: He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.
the mark of: The mark of a civilized society is that it looks after its weakest members.
evi|dent /e v I dənt/
1 ADJ If something is evident , you notice it easily and clearly. □ His footprints were clearly evident in the heavy dust. □ …the best-publicised cases of evident injustice.
2 ADJ You use evident to show that you are certain about a situation or fact and your interpretation of it. [EMPHASIS ] □ It was evident that she had once been a beauty.
3 → see also self-evident
evi|dent|ly /e v I dəntli/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use evidently to say that something is obviously true, for example because you have seen evidence of it yourself. □ The man wore a bathrobe and had evidently just come from the bathroom. □ The two Russians evidently knew each other.
2 ADV [ADV before v] You use evidently to show that you think something is true or have been told something is true, but that you are not sure, because you do not have enough information or proof. □ From childhood, he was evidently at once rebellious and precocious.
3 ADV You can use evidently to introduce a statement or opinion and to emphasize that you feel that it is true or correct. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ Quite evidently, it has nothing to do with social background.
evil ◆◇◇ /iː v ə l/ (evils )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Evil is a powerful force that some people believe to exist, and which causes wicked and bad things to happen. □ There's always a conflict between good and evil in his plays.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Evil is used to refer to all the wicked and bad things that happen in the world. □ He could not, after all, stop all the evil in the world.
3 N‑COUNT If you refer to an evil , you mean a very unpleasant or harmful situation or activity. □ Higher taxes may be a necessary evil. □ [+ of ] …a lecture on the evils of alcohol.
4 ADJ If you describe someone as evil , you mean that they are very wicked by nature and take pleasure in doing things that harm other people. □ …the country's most evil terrorists. □ She's an evil woman.
5 ADJ If you describe something as evil , you mean that you think it causes a great deal of harm to people and is morally bad. □ After 1760 few Americans refrained from condemning slavery as evil.
6 ADJ If you describe something as evil , you mean that you think it is influenced by the devil. □ I think this is an evil spirit at work.
7 ADJ You can describe a very unpleasant smell as evil . □ Both men were smoking evil-smelling pipes.
8 PHRASE If someone is putting off the evil day or the evil hour , they have to do something unpleasant and are trying to avoid doing it for as long as possible. □ You should stop putting off the evil day and get on with it.
9 PHRASE If you have two choices, but think that they are both bad, you can describe the one which is less bad as the lesser of two evils , or the lesser evil . □ People voted for him as the lesser of two evils. SYNONYMS evil NOUN 3
wickedness: …moral arguments about the wickedness of nuclear weapons.
wrong: Johnson didn't seem to be able to tell the difference between right and wrong.
vice: …allegations of how she worked in a 'seedy vice den'.
sin: Was it the sin of pride to have believed too much in themselves? ADJ 5
wicked: She described the shooting as a wicked attack.
immoral: …those who think that birth control and abortion are immoral.
heinous: They are capable of the most heinous acts.
depraved: …a disturbing and depraved film.
evil|doer /iː v ə lduː ə r / (evildoers ) also evil-doer N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an evildoer , you mean that they are wicked, and that they deliberately cause harm or suffering to others. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ]
e vil e ye
1 N‑SING Some people believe that the evil eye is a magical power to cast a spell on someone or something by looking at them, so that bad things happen to them.
2 N‑SING [usu the ] If someone gives you the evil eye , they look at you in an unpleasant way, usually because they dislike you or are jealous of you.
evince / I v I ns/ (evinces , evincing , evinced ) VERB If someone or something evinces a particular feeling or quality, they show that feeling or quality, often indirectly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The entire production evinces authenticity and a real respect for the subject matter.
evis|cer|ate / I v I səre I t/ (eviscerates , eviscerating , eviscerated )
1 VERB To eviscerate a person or animal means to remove their internal organs, such as their heart, lungs, and stomach. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …strangling and eviscerating rabbits for the pot.
2 VERB If you say that something will eviscerate an organization or system, you are emphasizing that it will make the organization or system much weaker or much less powerful. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [V n] Democrats say the petition will eviscerate state government.
evo|ca|tion /iː vəke I ʃ ə n, e v-/ (evocations ) N‑VAR An evocation of something involves creating an image or impression of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a perfect evocation of the period.
evoca|tive / I vɒ kət I v/ ADJ If you describe something as evocative , you mean that it is good or interesting because it produces pleasant memories, ideas, emotions, and responses in people. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Her story is sharply evocative of Italian provincial life. ● evoca|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ …the collection of islands evocatively known as the South Seas.
evoke / I voʊ k/ (evokes , evoking , evoked ) VERB To evoke a particular memory, idea, emotion, or response means to cause it to occur. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …the scene evoking memories of those old movies.
evo|lu|tion /iː vəluː ʃ ə n, e v-/ (evolutions )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics. □ [+ of ] …the evolution of plants and animals. □ …human evolution.
2 N‑VAR Evolution is a process of gradual development in a particular situation or thing over a period of time. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a crucial period in the evolution of modern physics.
evo|lu|tion|ary /iː vəluː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Evolutionary means relating to a process of gradual change and development. □ …an evolutionary process. □ …a period of evolutionary change.
evo|lu|tion|ist /iː vəluː ʃ ə n I st, e v-/ (evolutionists ) N‑COUNT An evolutionist is someone who accepts the scientific theory that all living things evolved from a few simple life forms.
evolve / I vɒ lv/ (evolves , evolving , evolved )
1 VERB When animals or plants evolve , they gradually change and develop into different forms. □ [V ] The bright plumage of many male birds has evolved to attract females. □ [V + from ] Maize evolved from a wild grass in Mexico. □ [V + into ] …when amphibians evolved into reptiles.
2 VERB If something evolves or you evolve it, it gradually develops over a period of time into something different and usually more advanced. □ [V + into ] …a tiny airline which eventually evolved into Pakistan International Airlines. □ [V + from ] Popular music evolved from folk songs. □ [V ] As medical knowledge evolves, beliefs change. □ [V n] This was when he evolved the working method from which he has never departed.
ewe /juː / (ewes ) N‑COUNT A ewe is an adult female sheep.
ewer /juː ə r / (ewers ) N‑COUNT A ewer is a large jug with a wide opening. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
ex /e ks/ (exes ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's ex is the person they used to be married to or used to have a romantic or sexual relationship with. [INFORMAL ] □ He's different from my ex. □ …one of her exes.
PREFIX ex-
forms words that refer to people who are no longer a particular thing. For example, an ex-police officer is someone who is no longer a police officer.
ex|ac|er|bate / I gzæ sə r be I t/ (exacerbates , exacerbating , exacerbated ) VERB If something exacerbates a problem or bad situation, it makes it worse. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] Longstanding poverty has been exacerbated by racial divisions. ● ex|ac|er|ba|tion / I gzæ sə r be I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the exacerbation of global problems.
ex|act ◆◆◇ / I gzæ kt/ (exacts , exacting , exacted )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Exact means correct in every detail. For example, an exact copy is the same in every detail as the thing it is copied from. □ I don't remember the exact words. □ The exact number of protest calls has not been revealed. □ It's an exact copy of the one which was found in Ann Alice's room. ● ex|act|ly ADV [usu ADV with cl/group, oft ADV after v] □ Try to locate exactly where the smells are entering the room. □ Both drugs will be exactly the same. □ Barton couldn't remember exactly.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use exact before a noun to emphasize that you are referring to that particular thing and no other, especially something that has a particular significance. [EMPHASIS ] □ I hadn't really thought about it until this exact moment. □ It may be that you will feel the exact opposite of what you expected. ● ex|act|ly ADV □ These are exactly the people who do not vote. □ He knew exactly what he was doing.
3 ADJ If you describe someone as exact , you mean that they are very careful and detailed in their work, thinking, or methods. □ Formal, exact and obstinate, he was also cold, suspicious, touchy and tactless.
4 VERB When someone exacts something, they demand and obtain it from another person, especially because they are in a superior or more powerful position. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + from/for ] Already he has exacted a written apology from the chairman of the commission.
5 VERB If someone exacts revenge on a person, they have their revenge on them. □ [V n] She uses the media to help her exact a terrible revenge. [Also V n on n]
6 VERB If something exacts a high price, it has a bad effect on a person or situation. □ [V n] The sheer physical effort had exacted a heavy price. □ [V n + on ] The strain of a violent ground campaign will exact a toll on troops.
7 → see also exactly
8 PHRASE You say to be exact to indicate that you are slightly correcting or giving more detailed information about what you have been saying. □ A small number–five, to be exact–have been bad. SYNONYMS exact ADJ 1
accurate: This provides an accurate way of monitoring levels of carbon dioxide.
detailed: Yesterday's letter contains a detailed account of the decisions.
precise: What he has to say is precise and to the point.
correct: The following information was correct at time of going to press.
specific: I asked him to be more specific.
ex|act|ing / I gzæ kt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use exacting to describe something or someone that demands hard work and a great deal of care. □ The Duke was not well enough to carry out such an exacting task.
ex|acti|tude / I gzæ kt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Exactitude is the quality of being very accurate and careful. [FORMAL ] □ [+of ] …the precision and exactitude of current genetic mapping.
ex|act|ly ◆◇◇ / I gzæ ktli/
1 ADV You use exactly before an amount, number, or position to emphasize that it is no more, no less, or no different from what you are stating. [EMPHASIS ] □ Each corner had a guard tower, each of which was exactly ten meters in height. □ Agnew's car pulled into the driveway at exactly five o'clock.
2 ADV If you say ' Exactly ', you are agreeing with someone or emphasizing the truth of what they say. If you say ' Not exactly ', you are telling them politely that they are wrong in part of what they are saying. □ Eve nodded, almost approvingly. 'Exactly.'. □ 'And you refused?'—'Well, not exactly. I couldn't say yes.'
3 ADV [not ADV , usu ADV group] You use not exactly to indicate that a meaning or situation is slightly different from what people think or expect. [VAGUENESS ] □ He's not exactly homeless, he just hangs out in this park.
4 ADV [not ADV , usu ADV group] You can use not exactly to show that you mean the opposite of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □ This was not exactly what I wanted to hear. □ Sailing is not exactly cheap.
5 ADV You use exactly with a question to show that you disapprove of what the person you are talking to is doing or saying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ What exactly do you mean?
6 → see also exact SYNONYMS exactly ADV 1
accurately: The test can accurately predict what a bigger explosion would do.
precisely: Nobody knows precisely how many people are still living in the camp.
correctly: You have to correctly answer each question.
ex|act|ness / I gzæ ktnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Exactness is the quality of being very accurate and precise. □ He recalls his home town with cinematic exactness.
ex|a ct sci |ence N‑SING If you say that a particular activity is not an exact science , you mean that there are no set rules to follow or it does not produce very accurate results. □ Forecasting floods is not an exact science.
ex|ag|ger|ate / I gzæ dʒəre I t/ (exaggerates , exaggerating , exaggerated )
1 VERB If you exaggerate , you indicate that something is, for example, worse or more important than it really is. □ [V ] He thinks I'm exaggerating. □ [V n] Sheila admitted that she did sometimes exaggerate the demands of her job. ● ex|ag|gera|tion / I gzæ dʒəre I ʃ ə n/ (exaggerations ) N‑VAR □ Like many stories about him, it smacks of exaggeration. □ It would be an exaggeration to call the danger urgent.
2 VERB If something exaggerates a situation, quality, or feature, it makes the situation, quality, or feature appear greater, more obvious, or more important than it really is. □ [V n] These figures exaggerate the loss of competitiveness.
ex|ag|ger|at|ed / I gzæ dʒəre I t I d/ ADJ Something that is exaggerated is or seems larger, better, worse, or more important than it actually needs to be. □ They should be sceptical of exaggerated claims for what such courses can achieve. □ Western fears, he insists, are greatly exaggerated. ● ex|ag|ger|at|ed|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ …an exaggeratedly feminine appearance. □ She laughed exaggeratedly at their jokes.
ex|alt / I gzɔː lt/ (exalts , exalting , exalted ) VERB To exalt someone or something means to praise them very highly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] His work exalts all those virtues that we, as Americans, are taught to hold dear.
ex|al|ta|tion /e gzɔːlte I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Exaltation is an intense feeling of great happiness. [FORMAL ] □ The city was swept up in the mood of exaltation.
2 → see also exalt
ex|alt|ed / I gzɔː lt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is at an exalted level is at a very high level, especially with regard to rank or importance. [FORMAL ] □ You must decide how to make the best use of your exalted position.
exam / I gzæ m/ (exams )
1 N‑COUNT An exam is a formal test that you take to show your knowledge or ability in a particular subject, or to obtain a qualification. □ I don't want to take any more exams. □ Kate's exam results were excellent.
2 N‑COUNT If you have a medical exam , a doctor looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are. [mainly AM ] USAGE exam
Don’t use ‘make’. Don’t say, for example, ‘
We made another test
.’ You say that people take
, sit
, or do
an exam or a test. □
Many children want to take
these exams.
□
Students must sit
an entrance exam.
ex|ami|na|tion ◆◇◇ / I gzæ m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (examinations )
1 N‑COUNT An examination is a formal test that you take to show your knowledge or ability in a particular subject, or to obtain a qualification. [FORMAL ]
2 → see also examine SYNONYMS examination NOUN
exam: I don't want to take any more exams.
test: Out of a total of 2,602 pupils only 922 passed the test.
paper: We sat each paper in the hall.
assessment: The assessments are supposed to help teachers predict students' exam grades.
ex|am|ine ◆◆◇ / I gzæ m I n/ (examines , examining , examined )
1 VERB If you examine something, you look at it carefully. □ [V n] He examined her passport and stamped it. ● ex|ami|na|tion / I gzæ m I ne I ʃ ə n/ (examinations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The Navy is to carry out an examination of the wreck tomorrow.
2 VERB If a doctor examines you, he or she looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are. □ [V n] Another doctor examined her and could still find nothing wrong. ● ex|ami|na|tion N‑VAR □ He was later discharged after an examination at Westminster Hospital.
3 VERB If an idea, proposal, or plan is examined , it is considered very carefully. □ [be V -ed] The plans will be examined by E.U. environment ministers. ● ex|ami|na|tion N‑VAR □ The proposal requires careful examination and consideration.
4 VERB [usu passive] If you are examined , you are given a formal test in order to show your knowledge of a subject. □ [being V -ed] …learning to cope with the pressures of being judged and examined by our teachers. SYNONYMS examine VERB 1
inspect: Elaine went outside to inspect the playing field.
study: Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.
vet: She was secretly vetted before she ever undertook any work for me.
check: It's worth checking each item for obvious flaws.
survey: He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.
scrutinize: The results were carefully scrutinized.
ex|ami|nee / I gzæ m I niː / (examinees ) N‑COUNT An examinee is someone who is taking an exam. [FORMAL ]
ex|am|in|er / I gzæ m I nə r / (examiners )
1 N‑COUNT An examiner is a person who sets or marks an examination.
2 → see also medical examiner
3 external examiner → see external
ex|am|ple ◆◆◆ / I gzɑː mp ə l, -zæ mp-/ (examples )
1 N‑COUNT An example of something is a particular situation, object, or person which shows that what is being claimed is true. □ [+ of ] The doctors gave numerous examples of patients being expelled from hospital. □ [+ of ] Listed below are just a few examples of some of the family benefits available.
2 N‑COUNT An example of a particular class of objects or styles is something that has many of the typical features of such a class or style, and that you consider clearly represents it. □ [+ of ] Symphonies 103 and 104 stand as perfect examples of early symphonic construction.
3 PHRASE You use for example to introduce and emphasize something which shows that something is true. □ Take, for example, the simple sentence: 'The man climbed up the hill'. □ A few simple precautions can be taken, for example ensuring that desks are the right height.
4 N‑COUNT If you refer to a person or their behaviour as an example to other people, you mean that he or she behaves in a good or correct way that other people should copy. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] He is a model professional and an example to the younger lads.
5 N‑COUNT In a dictionary entry, an example is a phrase or sentence which shows how a particular word is used. □ The examples are unique to this dictionary.
6 PHRASE If you follow someone's example , you behave in the same way as they did in the past, or in a similar way, especially because you admire them. □ Following the example set by her father, she has fulfilled her role and done her duty.
7 PHRASE To make an example of someone who has done something wrong means to punish them severely as a warning to other people not to do the same thing. □ Let us at least see our courts make an example of these despicable criminals.
8 PHRASE If you set an example , you encourage or inspire people by your behaviour to behave or act in a similar way. □ An officer's job was to set an example. USAGE example
When someone mentions an example, you say that they are giving
an example. Don’t say ‘
Could you say me an example
?’ Say ‘Could you give
me an example?’
ex|as|per|ate / I gzɑː spəre I t, -zæ s-/ (exasperates , exasperating , exasperated ) VERB If someone or something exasperates you, they annoy you and make you feel frustrated or upset. □ [V n] The sheer futility of it all exasperates her. ● ex|as|pera|tion / I gzɑː spəre I ʃ ə n, -zæ s-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Mahoney clenched his fist in exasperation.
ex|as|per|at|ed / I gzɑː spəre I t I d, -zæ s-/ ADJ If you describe a person as exasperated , you mean that they are frustrated or angry because of something that is happening or something that another person is doing. □ [+by ] The president was clearly exasperated by the whole saga.
ex|as|per|at|ing / I gzɑː spəre I t I ŋ, -zæ s-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or something as exasperating , you mean that you feel angry or frustrated by them or by what they do. □ [+to ] Hardie could be exasperating to his colleagues.
ex|ca|vate /e kskəve I t/ (excavates , excavating , excavated )
1 VERB When archaeologists or other people excavate a piece of land, they remove earth carefully from it and look for things such as pots, bones, or buildings which are buried there, in order to discover information about the past. □ [V n] A new Danish expedition is again excavating the site in annual summer digs. ● ex|ca|va|tion /e kskəve I ʃ ə n/ (excavations ) N‑VAR □ [+of ] …the excavation of a bronze-age boat.
2 VERB To excavate means to dig a hole in the ground, for example in order to build there. □ [V n] A contractor was hired to drain the reservoir and to excavate soil. ● ex|ca|va|tion N‑VAR □ [+of ] …the excavation of the canals.
ex|ca|va|tor /e kskəve I tə r / (excavators ) N‑COUNT An excavator is a very large machine that is used for digging, for example when people are building something.
ex|ceed / I ksiː d/ (exceeds , exceeding , exceeded )
1 VERB If something exceeds a particular amount or number, it is greater or larger than that amount or number. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Its research budget exceeds $700 million a year. □ [V n] His performance exceeded all expectations.
2 VERB If you exceed a limit or rule, you go beyond it, even though you are not supposed to or it is against the law. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He accepts he was exceeding the speed limit.
ex|ceed|ing|ly / I ksiː d I ŋli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] Exceedingly means very or very much. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ We had an exceedingly good lunch.
ex|cel / I kse l/ (excels , excelling , excelled ) VERB If someone excels in something or excels at it, they are very good at doing it. □ [V + in ] Caine has always been an actor who excels in irony. □ [V + at ] Mary was a better rider than either of them and she excelled at outdoor sports. □ [V ] Academically he began to excel. □ [V pron-refl] I think Krishnan excelled himself in all departments of his game.
ex|cel|lence /e ksələns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone or something has the quality of excellence , they are extremely good in some way. □ …the top U.S. award for excellence in journalism and the arts.
2 → see also par excellence
Ex|cel|len|cy /e ksələnsi/ (Excellencies ) N‑COUNT You use expressions such as Your Excellency or His Excellency when you are addressing or referring to officials of very high rank, for example ambassadors or governors. [POLITENESS ] □ I am reluctant to trust anyone totally, Your Excellency. □ His excellency the President will be waiting for you in the hall.
ex|cel|lent ◆◆◇ /e ksələnt/
1 ADJ Something that is excellent is very good indeed. □ The recording quality is excellent. □ Luckily, Sue is very efficient and does an excellent job as Fred's personal assistant. ● ex|cel|lent|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □ They're both playing excellently.
2 EXCLAM Some people say ' Excellent! ' to show that they approve of something. [FEELINGS ]
ex|cept ◆◆◇ / I kse pt/
1 PREP You use except to introduce the only thing or person that a statement does not apply to, or a fact that prevents a statement from being completely true. □ I wouldn't have accepted anything except a job in Europe. □ I don't take any drugs whatsoever, except aspirin for colds. ● CONJ Except is also a conjunction. □ Freddie would tell me nothing about what he was writing, except that it was to be a Christmas play.
2 PHRASE You use except for to introduce the only thing or person that prevents a statement from being completely true. □ He hadn't eaten a thing except for one forkful of salad. □ Everyone was late, except for Richard. SYNONYMS except PREP 1
apart from: The room was empty apart from one man seated beside the fire.
other than: She makes no reference to any feminist work other than her own.
excepting: This has been the source of meat for much of this region excepting Japan.
bar: Bar a plateau in 1989, inflation has gone up ever since.
excluding: The families questioned, excluding those on income support, earned less.
ex|cept|ed / I kse pt I d/ ADV [n ADV ] You use excepted after you have mentioned a person or thing to show that you do not include them in the statement you are making. [FORMAL ] □ Jeremy excepted, the men seemed personable.
ex|cept|ing / I kse pt I ŋ/ PREP You use excepting to introduce the only thing that prevents a statement from being completely true. [FORMAL ] □ The source of meat for much of this region (excepting Japan) has traditionally been the pig.
ex|cep|tion ◆◇◇ / I kse pʃ ə n/ (exceptions )
1 N‑COUNT [oft with the N of n] An exception is a particular thing, person, or situation that is not included in a general statement, judgment, or rule. □ Few guitarists can sing as well as they can play; Eddie, however, is an exception. □ [+ of ] There were no floral offerings at the ceremony, with the exception of a single red rose. □ The law makes no exceptions. □ With few exceptions, guests are booked for week-long visits.
2 PHRASE If you make a general statement, and then say that something or someone is no exception , you are emphasizing that they are included in that statement. [EMPHASIS ] □ Marketing is applied to everything these days, and books are no exception. □ Most people have no idea how to change to healthy food, and Anna was no exception.
3 PHRASE If you are making a general statement and you say that something is the exception that proves the rule , you mean that although it seems to contradict your statement, in most other cases your statement will be true. □ Dury was the exception that proves the rule that you can't make serious points with funny lyrics.
4 PHRASE If you take exception to something, you feel offended or annoyed by it, usually with the result that you complain about it. □ He also took exception to having been spied on.
5 PHRASE You use with the exception of to introduce a thing or person that is not included in a general statement that you are making. □ Yesterday was a day off for everybody, with the exception of Lawrence.
6 PHRASE You use without exception to emphasize that the statement you are making is true in all cases. [EMPHASIS ] □ The vehicles are without exception old, rusty and dented.
ex|cep|tion|al / I kse pʃən ə l/
1 ADJ You use exceptional to describe someone or something that has a particular quality, usually a good quality, to an unusually high degree. [APPROVAL ] □ …children with exceptional ability. □ His translation is exceptional in its poetic quality. ● ex|cep|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □ He's an exceptionally talented dancer.
2 ADJ Exceptional situations and incidents are unusual and only likely to happen very infrequently. [FORMAL ] □ Magistrates would have the discretion to impose a community order. ● ex|cep|tion|al|ly ADV □ Exceptionally, in times of emergency, we may send a team of experts.
ex|cerpt ◆◇◇ /e ksɜː r pt/ (excerpts ) N‑COUNT An excerpt is a short piece of writing or music which is taken from a larger piece. □ [+ from ] …an excerpt from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. SYNONYMS excerpt NOUN
extract: Read this extract from an information booklet.
passage: He reads a passage from Milton.
quotation: She illustrated her argument with quotations from Pasternak.
cutting: Here are the press cuttings and reviews.
quote: The article starts with a quote from an unnamed member of the Cabinet.
ex|cess ◆◇◇ (excesses ) The noun is pronounced / I kse s/. The adjective is pronounced /e kses/. 1 N‑VAR An excess of something is a larger amount than is needed, allowed, or usual. □ [+ of ] An excess of house plants in a small flat can be oppressive. □ Polyunsaturated oils are essential for health. Excess is harmful, however.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Excess is used to describe amounts that are greater than what is needed, allowed, or usual. □ After cooking the fish, pour off any excess fat.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Excess is behaviour that is unacceptable because it is considered too extreme or immoral. □ She said she was sick of her life of excess. □ …adolescent excess.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Excess is used to refer to additional amounts of money that need to be paid for services and activities that were not originally planned or taken into account. [FORMAL ] □ …a letter demanding an excess fare of £20.
5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The excess on an insurance policy is a sum of money which the insured person has to pay towards the cost of a claim. The insurance company pays the rest. [BRIT , BUSINESS , TECHNICAL ] □ The company wanted £1,800 for a policy with a £400 excess for under-21s.
6 PHRASE In excess of means more than a particular amount. [FORMAL ] □ Avoid deposits in excess of £20,000 in any one account.
7 PHRASE If you do something to excess , you do it too much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I was reasonably fit, played a lot of tennis, and didn't smoke or drink to excess. SYNONYMS excess NOUN 1
surfeit: Rationing had put an end to a surfeit of biscuits long ago.
plethora: A plethora of new operators will be allowed to enter the market.
glut: There's a glut of agricultural products in Western Europe.
surplus: Germany suffers from a surplus of teachers.
e x|cess ba g|gage also excess luggage
1 N‑UNCOUNT On an aeroplane journey, excess baggage is luggage that is larger or weighs more than your ticket allows, so that you have to pay extra to take it on board.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use excess baggage to talk about problems or events from someone's past which you think still worry them, especially when you think these things make it difficult for the person to cope or develop. □ These younger players are not carrying any excess baggage from less successful times.
ex|ces|sive / I kse s I v/ ADJ If you describe the amount or level of something as excessive , you disapprove of it because it is more or higher than is necessary or reasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the alleged use of excessive force by police. □ The government says that local authority spending is excessive. ● ex|ces|sive|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ Managers are also accused of paying themselves excessively high salaries. □ Mum had started taking pills and drinking excessively.
ex|change ◆◆◇ / I kstʃe I ndʒ/ (exchanges , exchanging , exchanged )
1 VERB If two or more people exchange things of a particular kind, they give them to each other at the same time. □ [V n] We exchanged addresses and Christmas cards. □ [V n + with ] He exchanged a quick smile with her then entered the lift. ● N‑COUNT Exchange is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He ruled out any exchange of prisoners with the militants. □ [+ of ] …a frank exchange of views.
2 VERB If you exchange something, you replace it with a different thing, especially something that is better or more satisfactory. □ [V n] …the chance to sell back or exchange goods. □ [V n + for ] If the car you have leased is clearly unsatisfactory, you can always exchange it for another.
3 N‑COUNT An exchange is a brief conversation, usually an angry one. [FORMAL ] □ [+between ] There've been some bitter exchanges between the two groups.
4 N‑COUNT An exchange of fire, for example, is an incident in which people use guns or missiles against each other. □ [+ of ] There was an exchange of fire during which the gunman was wounded.
5 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An exchange is an arrangement in which people from two different countries visit each other's country, to strengthen links between them. □ [+with ] …a series of sporting and cultural exchanges with Seoul. □ I'm going to go on an exchange visit to Paris.
6 N‑COUNT The exchange is the same as the telephone exchange .
7 → see also corn exchange , foreign exchange , stock exchange
8 PHRASE If you do or give something in exchange for something else, you do it or give it in order to get that thing. □ It is illegal for public officials to solicit gifts or money in exchange for favors. SYNONYMS exchange VERB 1
swap: Some hostages were swapped for convicted prisoners.
trade: They traded land for goods and money.
switch: In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable.
barter: They have been bartering wheat for cotton and timber.
ex|cha nge rate ◆◇◇ (exchange rates ) N‑COUNT The exchange rate of a country's unit of currency is the amount of another country's currency that you get in exchange for it.
Ex|cheq|uer / I kstʃe kə r / N‑PROPER The Exchequer is the department in the British government which is responsible for receiving, issuing, and accounting for money belonging to the state.
ex|cise /e ksa I z/ (excises , excising , excised ) The noun is pronounced /e ksa I z/. The verb is pronounced / I ksa I z/. 1 N‑VAR [usu N n] Excise is a tax that the government of a country puts on particular goods, such as cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, which are produced for sale in its own country. □ …this year's rise in excise duties. □ New car buyers will be hit by increases in taxes and excise.
2 VERB If someone excises something, they remove it deliberately and completely. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …a personal crusade to excise racist and sexist references in newspapers. □ [V n + from ] …the question of permanently excising madness from the world. ● ex|ci|sion / I ks I ʒən/ (excisions ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The authors demanded excision of foreign words.
ex|cit|able / I ksa I təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as excitable , you mean that they behave in a rather nervous way and become excited very easily. □ Mary sat beside Elaine, who today seemed excitable. ● ex|cit|abil|ity / I ksa I təb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ She has always been inclined to excitability.
ex|cite / I ksa I t/ (excites , exciting , excited )
1 VERB If something excites you, it makes you feel very happy, eager, or enthusiastic. □ [V n] I only take on work that excites me, even if it means turning down lots of money. □ [V ] Where the show really excites is in the display of avant-garde photography.
2 VERB If something excites a particular feeling, emotion, or reaction in someone, it causes them to experience it. □ [V n] Daniel's early exposure to motor racing did not excite his interest.
ex|cit|ed ◆◇◇ / I ksa I t I d/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are excited , you are so happy that you cannot relax, especially because you are thinking about something pleasant that is going to happen to you. □ [+ about ] I'm very excited about the possibility of playing for England's first team. □ I was so excited when I went to sign the paperwork I could hardly write. ● ex|cit|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'You're coming?' he said excitedly. 'That's fantastic! That's incredible!'
2 ADJ If you are excited , you are very worried or angry about something, and so you are very alert and cannot relax. □ [+ about ] I don't think there's any reason to get excited about inflation. ● ex|cit|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Larry rose excitedly to the edge of his seat, shook a fist at us and spat.
ex|cite|ment / I ksa I tmənt/ (excitements ) N‑VAR You use excitement to refer to the state of being excited, or to something that excites you. □ Everyone is in a state of great excitement.
ex|cit|ing ◆◇◇ / I ksa I t I ŋ/ ADJ If something is exciting , it makes you feel very happy or enthusiastic. □ The race itself is very exciting. SYNONYMS exciting ADJ
gripping: Craig Thomas's gripping tale of espionage
thrilling: Our wildlife trips offer a thrilling encounter with wildlife in its natural state.
exhilarating: It was exhilarating to be on the road again and his spirits rose.
electrifying: He gave an electrifying performance.
ex|claim / I kskle I m/ (exclaims , exclaiming , exclaimed ) VERB Writers sometimes use exclaim to show that someone is speaking suddenly, loudly, or emphatically, often because they are excited, shocked, or angry. □ [V with quote] 'He went back to the lab,' Iris exclaimed impatiently. □ [V that] He exclaims that it must be a typing error.
ex|cla|ma|tion /e kskləme I ʃ ə n/ (exclamations ) N‑COUNT An exclamation is a sound, word, or sentence that is spoken suddenly, loudly, or emphatically and that expresses excitement, admiration, shock, or anger. □ Sue gave an exclamation as we got a clear sight of the house.
ex|cla|ma |tion mark (exclamation marks ) N‑COUNT An exclamation mark is the sign ! which is used in writing to show that a word, phrase, or sentence is an exclamation. [BRIT ] in AM, use exclamation point
ex|clude / I kskluː d/ (excludes , excluding , excluded )
1 VERB If you exclude someone from a place or activity, you prevent them from entering it or taking part in it. □ [V n + from ] The Academy excluded women from its classes. □ [V -ed] Many of the youngsters feel excluded. [Also V n]
2 VERB If you exclude something that has some connection with what you are doing, you deliberately do not use it or consider it. □ [V n + from ] They eat only plant foods, and exclude animal products from other areas of their lives. □ [V n] …plans to redraft and downgrade the role to exclude any involvement with the England team.
3 VERB To exclude a possibility means to decide or prove that it is wrong and not worth considering. □ [V n] I cannot entirely exclude the possibility that some form of pressure was applied to the neck.
4 VERB To exclude something such as the sun's rays or harmful germs means to prevent them physically from reaching or entering a particular place. □ [V n] This was intended to exclude the direct rays of the sun.
ex|clud|ing / I kskluː d I ŋ/ PREP You use excluding before mentioning a person or thing to show that you are not including them in your statement. □ Excluding water, half of the body's weight is protein.
ex|clu|sion / I kskluː ʒ ə n/ (exclusions )
1 N‑VAR The exclusion of something is the act of deliberately not using, allowing, or considering it. □ [+ of ] This paves the way for the exclusion of all but emergency care.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Exclusion is the act of preventing someone from entering a place or taking part in an activity. □ [+ from ] …women's exclusion from political power.
3 PHRASE If you do one thing to the exclusion of something else, you only do the first thing and do not do the second thing at all. □ Diane had dedicated her life to caring for him to the exclusion of all else.
ex|clu|sion|ary / I kskluː ʒ ə nri/ ADJ Something that is exclusionary excludes a particular person or group of people. [FORMAL ] □ …exclusionary business practices.
ex|clu |sion zone (exclusion zones ) N‑COUNT An exclusion zone is an area where people are not allowed to go or where they are not allowed to do a particular thing, for example because it would be dangerous.
ex|clu|sive / I kskluː s I v/ (exclusives )
1 ADJ If you describe something as exclusive , you mean that it is limited to people who have a lot of money or who belong to a high social class, and is therefore not available to everyone. □ He is already a member of Britain's most exclusive club. □ The City was criticised for being too exclusive and uncompetitive. ● ex|clu|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …a rising middle class, which objected to the exclusiveness of the traditional elite. ● ex|clu|sivi|ty /e kskluːs I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a company with a reputation for exclusivity.
2 ADJ Something that is exclusive is used or owned by only one person or group, and not shared with anyone else. □ Our group will have exclusive use of a 60-foot boat. □ [+ to ] Many of their cheeses are exclusive to our stores in Britain.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a newspaper, magazine, or broadcasting organization describes one of its reports as exclusive , they mean that it is a special report which does not appear in any other publication or on any other channel. □ He told the magazine in an exclusive interview: 'All my problems stem from drink'. ● N‑COUNT An exclusive is an exclusive article or report. □ Some papers thought they had an exclusive.
4 ADJ If a company states that its prices, goods, or services are exclusive of something, that thing is not included in the stated price, although it usually still has to be paid for. □ [+ of ] Skiing weekends cost £58 (exclusive of travel and accommodation).
5 PHRASE If two things are mutually exclusive , they are separate and very different from each other, so that it is impossible for them to exist or happen together. □ They both have learnt that ambition and successful fatherhood can be mutually exclusive.
ex|clu|sive|ly / I kskluː s I vli/ ADV [ADV with v] Exclusively is used to refer to situations or activities that involve only the thing or things mentioned, and nothing else. □ …an exclusively male domain. □ Instruction in these subjects in undergraduate classes is almost exclusively by lecture.
ex|com|muni|cate /e kskəmjuː n I ke I t/ (excommunicates , excommunicating , excommunicated ) VERB If a Roman Catholic or member of the Orthodox Church is excommunicated , it is publicly and officially stated that the person is no longer allowed to be a member of the Church. This is a punishment for some very great wrong that they have done. □ [be V -ed] Eventually, he was excommunicated along with his mentor. □ [V n] In 1766 he excommunicated the village for its 'depraved diversion'. ● ex|com|mu|ni|ca|tion /e kskəmjuːn I ke I ʃ ə n/ (excommunications ) N‑VAR □ …the threat of excommunication.
ex|co|ri|ate / I kskɔː rie I t/ (excoriates , excoriating , excoriated ) VERB To excoriate a person or organization means to criticize them severely, usually in public. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He proceeded to excoriate me in front of the nurses.
ex|cre|ment /e kskr I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Excrement is the solid waste that is passed out of a person or animal's body through their bowels. [FORMAL ] □ The cage smelled of excrement.
ex|cres|cence / I kskre s ə ns/ (excrescences ) N‑COUNT If you describe something such as a building, addition, or development as an excrescence , you strongly disapprove of it because you think it is unnecessary, bad, or ugly. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …an architectural excrescence. □ [+ on ] The trade union block vote is an excrescence on democracy.
ex|cre|ta / I kskriː tə/ N‑UNCOUNT Excreta is the waste matter, such as urine or faeces, which is passed out of a person or animal's body. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ]
ex|crete / I kskriː t/ (excretes , excreting , excreted ) VERB When a person or animal excretes waste matter from their body, they get rid of it in faeces, urine, or sweat. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □ [V n] Your open pores excrete sweat and dirt. [Also V ] ● ex|cre|tion / I kskriː ʃ ə n/ (excretions ) N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the excretion of this drug from the body.
ex|cru|ci|at|ing / I kskruː ʃie I t I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you describe something as excruciating , you are emphasizing that it is extremely painful, either physically or emotionally. [EMPHASIS ] □ I was in excruciating pain and one leg wouldn't move. ● ex|cru|ci|at|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □ He found the transition to boarding school excruciatingly painful.
2 ADJ If you describe something as excruciating , you mean that it is very unpleasant to experience, for example because it is very boring or embarrassing. □ Meanwhile, the boredom is excruciating. □ There was a moment of excruciating silence. ● ex|cru|ci|at|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ The dialogue is excruciatingly embarrassing.
ex|cur|sion / I kskɜː r ʃ ə n, [AM ] -ʒ ə n/ (excursions )
1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a short journey as an excursion , especially if it is made for pleasure or enjoyment. □ [+ to ] In Bermuda, Sam's father took him on an excursion to a coral barrier.
2 N‑COUNT An excursion is a trip or visit to an interesting place, especially one that is arranged or recommended by a holiday company or tourist organization. □ Another pleasant excursion is Malaga, 18 miles away.
3 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If you describe an activity as an excursion into something, you mean that it is an attempt to develop or understand something new that you have not experienced before. □ [+ into ] …Radio 3's latest excursion into ethnic music, dance and literature.
ex|cus|able / I kskjuː zəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone's wrong words or actions are excusable , you mean that they can be understood and forgiven. □ I then realised that he had made a simple but excusable historical mistake.
ex|cuse ◆◇◇ (excuses , excusing , excused ) The noun is pronounced / I kskjuː s/. The verb is pronounced / I kskjuː z/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An excuse is a reason which you give in order to explain why something has been done or has not been done, or in order to avoid doing something. □ [+ for ] It is easy to find excuses for his indecisiveness. □ Once I had had a baby I had the perfect excuse to stay at home. □ If you stop making excuses and do it you'll wonder what took you so long. ● PHRASE If you say that there is no excuse for something, you are emphasizing that it should not happen, or expressing disapproval that it has happened. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ for ] There's no excuse for behaviour like that. □ [+ for ] Solitude was no excuse for sloppiness.
2 VERB To excuse someone or excuse their behaviour means to provide reasons for their actions, especially when other people disapprove of these actions. □ [V n + by ] He excused himself by saying he was 'forced to rob to maintain my wife and cat'. □ [V n] That doesn't excuse my mother's behaviour.
3 VERB If you excuse someone for something wrong that they have done, you forgive them for it. □ [V n + for ] Many people might have excused them for shirking some of their responsibilities. [Also V n, V n n]
4 VERB [usu passive] If someone is excused from a duty or responsibility, they are told that they do not have to carry it out. □ [be V -ed + from ] She is usually excused from her duties during the school holidays. □ [be V -ed n] She was excused duties on Saturday.
5 VERB If you excuse yourself , you use a phrase such as 'Excuse me' as a polite way of saying that you are about to leave. □ [V pron-refl] He excused himself and went up to his room.
6 CONVENTION You say ' Excuse me ' when you want to politely get someone's attention, especially when you are about to ask them a question. [FORMULAE ] □ Excuse me, but are you Mr Honig?
7 CONVENTION You use excuse me to apologize to someone when you have disturbed or interrupted them. [FORMULAE ] □ Excuse me interrupting, but there's a thing I feel I've got to say.
8 CONVENTION You use excuse me or a phrase such as if you'll excuse me as a polite way of indicating that you are about to leave or that you are about to stop talking to someone. [POLITENESS ] □ 'Excuse me,' she said to Jarvis, and left the room. □ Now if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do.
9 CONVENTION You use excuse me, but to indicate that you are about to disagree with someone. [mainly BRIT ] □ Excuse me, but I want to know what all this has to do with us.
10 CONVENTION You say excuse me to apologize when you have bumped into someone, or when you need to move past someone in a crowd. [FORMULAE ]
11 CONVENTION You say excuse me to apologize when you have done something slightly embarrassing or impolite, such as burping, hiccupping, or sneezing. [FORMULAE ]
12 CONVENTION You say ' Excuse me? ' to show that you want someone to repeat what they have just said. [AM , FORMULAE ] in BRIT, usually use pardon , sorry USAGE excuse
You say that someone makes
an excuse. Don’t say ‘
I said an excuse
.’ □
I made
an excuse
and left the meeting early.
e x-dire ctory ADJ If a person or their phone number is ex-directory , the number is not listed in the telephone directory, and the phone company will not give it to people who ask for it. [BRIT ] in AM, use unlisted
exec / I gze k/ (execs ) N‑COUNT Exec is an abbreviation for executive .
ex|ecrable /e ks I krəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as execrable , you mean that it is very bad or unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □ Accusing us of being disloyal to cover his own sorry behavior is truly execrable. □ …an execrable meal.
ex|ecute ◆◇◇ /e ks I kjuːt/ (executes , executing , executed )
1 VERB To execute someone means to kill them as a punishment for a serious crime. □ [be V -ed] He was executed by lethal injection earlier today. □ [V n] One group claimed to have executed the American hostage. □ [be V -ed + for ] This boy's father had been executed for conspiring against the throne. ● ex|ecu|tion /e ks I kjuː ʃ ə n/ (executions ) N‑VAR □ Execution by lethal injection is scheduled for July 30th.
2 VERB If you execute a plan, you carry it out. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter. ● ex|ecu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] U.S. forces are fully prepared for the execution of any action once the order is given by the president.
3 VERB If you execute a difficult action or movement, you successfully perform it. □ [be V -ed] The landing was skilfully executed.
4 VERB When someone executes a work of art, they make or produce it, using an idea as a basis. □ [V n] Morris executed a suite of twelve drawings in 1978. □ [V -ed] A well-executed shot of a tall ship is a joy to behold. ● ex|ecu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ The ideas in the show's presentation were good, but failed in execution.
ex|ecu|tion|er /e ks I kjuː ʃənə r / (executioners ) N‑COUNT An executioner is a person who has the job of executing criminals.
ex|ecu|tive ◆◆◇ / I gze kjʊt I v/ (executives )
1 N‑COUNT An executive is someone who is employed by a business at a senior level. Executives decide what the business should do, and ensure that it is done. □ …an advertising executive. □ She is a senior bank executive.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] The executive sections and tasks of an organization are concerned with the making of decisions and with ensuring that decisions are carried out. □ A successful job search needs to be as well organised as any other executive task. □ I will not take an executive role, but rather become a consultant.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Executive goods are expensive goods designed or intended for executives and other people at a similar social or economic level. □ …an executive briefcase. □ …executive cars.
4 N‑SING [N n] The executive committee or board of an organization is a committee within that organization which has the authority to make decisions and ensures that these decisions are carried out. □ He sits on the executive committee that manages Lloyds. □ [+of ] …the executive of the National Union of Students.
5 N‑SING [oft N n] The executive is the part of the government of a country that is concerned with carrying out decisions or orders, as opposed to the part that makes laws or the part that deals with criminals. □ The government, the executive and the judiciary are supposed to be separate. □ The matter should be resolved by the executive branch of government. SYNONYMS executive NOUN 1
manager: …a retired bank manager.
director: She served on the board of directors of a local bank.
MD: He's going to be the MD of the Park Lane company.
chief executive office: On his father's death he became chief executive officer of the company.
CEO: Then I was approached for the merger and the CEO job.
chairperson: She's the chairperson of the safety committee.
ex|ecu|tor / I gze kjʊtə r / (executors ) N‑COUNT An executor is someone whose name you write in your will when you want them to be responsible for dealing with your affairs after your death. [LEGAL ]
ex|egesis /e ks I dʒiː s I s/ (exegeses /e ks I dʒiː siːz/) N‑VAR An exegesis is an explanation and interpretation of a piece of writing, especially a religious piece of writing, after very careful study. [FORMAL ] □ …the kind of academic exegesis at which Isaacs excels. □ [+ of ] …a substantial exegesis of his work.
ex|em|plar / I gze mplɑː r / (exemplars )
1 N‑COUNT An exemplar is someone or something that is considered to be so good that they should be copied or imitated. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] They viewed their new building as an exemplar of taste.
2 N‑COUNT An exemplar is a typical example of a group or class of things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] One of the wittiest exemplars of the technique was M.C. Escher.
ex|em|pla|ry / I gze mpləri/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as exemplary , you think they are extremely good. □ Underpinning this success has been an exemplary record of innovation.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An exemplary punishment is unusually harsh and is intended to stop other people from committing similar crimes. □ He demanded exemplary sentences for those behind the violence.
ex|em|pli|fy / I gze mpl I fa I / (exemplifies , exemplifying , exemplified ) VERB If a person or thing exemplifies something such as a situation, quality, or class of things, they are a typical example of it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The room's style exemplifies Conran's ideal of 'beauty and practicality'.
ex|empt / I gze mpt/ (exempts , exempting , exempted )
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is exempt from a particular rule, duty, or obligation, they do not have to follow it or do it. □ [+ from ] Men in college were exempt from military service.
2 VERB To exempt a person or thing from a particular rule, duty, or obligation means to state officially that they are not bound or affected by it. □ [V n + from ] South Carolina claimed the power to exempt its citizens from the obligation to obey federal law. [Also V n] ● ex|emp|tion / I gze mpʃ ə n/ (exemptions ) N‑VAR □ [+ from ] …the exemption of employer-provided health insurance from taxation.
ex|er|cise ◆◆◇ /e ksə r sa I z/ (exercises , exercising , exercised )
1 VERB If you exercise something such as your authority, your rights, or a good quality, you use it or put it into effect. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They are merely exercising their right to free speech. □ [V n] Britain has warned travellers to exercise prudence and care. ● N‑SING Exercise is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the exercise of political and economic power. □ [+ of ] Leadership does not rest on the exercise of force alone.
2 VERB When you exercise , you move your body energetically in order to get fit and to remain healthy. □ [V ] She exercises two or three times a week. □ [V n] Exercising the body does a great deal to improve one's health. ● N‑UNCOUNT Exercise is also a noun. □ Lack of exercise can lead to feelings of depression and exhaustion.
3 VERB If a movement or activity exercises a part of your body, it keeps it strong, healthy, or in good condition. □ [V n] They call rowing the perfect sport. It exercises every major muscle group.
4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Exercises are a series of movements or actions which you do in order to get fit, remain healthy, or practise for a particular physical activity. □ I do special neck and shoulder exercises.
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft on N ] Exercises are military activities and operations which are not part of a real war, but which allow the armed forces to practise for a real war. □ General Powell predicted that in the future it might even be possible to stage joint military exercises.
6 N‑COUNT An exercise is a short activity or piece of work that you do, for example in school, which is designed to help you learn a particular skill. □ Try working through the opening exercises in this chapter.
7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe an activity as an exercise in a particular quality or result, you mean that it has that quality or result, especially when it was not intended to have it. □ [+ in ] As an exercise in stating the obvious, this could scarcely be faulted. □ Think what a waste of taxpayers' money the whole exercise was.
8 VERB If something exercises you or your mind, you think or talk about it a great deal, especially because you are worried or concerned about it. □ [V n] This has been a major problem exercising the minds of scientists around the world. COLLOCATIONS exercise VERB 1
exercise + noun : authority, control, influence, jurisdiction, power; caution, discretion, restraint; right NOUN 2
noun + exercise : breathing, relaxation
adjective + exercise : aerobic, vigorous; regular
e x|er|cise bike (exercise bikes ) N‑COUNT An exercise bike is a special bicycle which does not move, so that you can exercise on it at home or at a gym.
e x|er|cise book (exercise books ) N‑COUNT An exercise book is a small book that students use for writing in. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use notebook
ex|ert / I gzɜː r t/ (exerts , exerting , exerted )
1 VERB If someone or something exerts influence, authority, or pressure, they use it in a strong or determined way, especially in order to produce a particular effect. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He exerted considerable influence on the thinking of the scientific community on these issues.
2 VERB If you exert yourself , you make a great physical or mental effort, or work hard to do something. □ [V pron-refl] Do not exert yourself unnecessarily. ● ex|er|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ He clearly found the physical exertion exhilarating.
ex|fo|li|ate /eksfoʊ lie I t/ (exfoliates , exfoliating , exfoliated ) VERB To exfoliate your skin means to remove the dead cells from its surface using something such as a brush or a special cream. □ [V n] Exfoliate your back at least once a week. [Also V ] ● ex|fo|li|at|ing ADJ □ …a gentle exfoliating cream. ● ex|fo|lia|tion /eksfoʊ lie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ There is little doubt that skin does benefit from exfoliation.
ex gra|tia /e ks gre I ʃə/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ex gratia payment is one that is given as a favour or gift and not because it is legally necessary. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ]
ex|hale /ekshe I l/ (exhales , exhaling , exhaled ) VERB When you exhale , you breathe out the air that is in your lungs. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] Hold your breath for a moment and exhale. □ [V n] Wade exhaled a cloud of smoke and coughed. ● ex|ha|la|tion /e ks h əle I ʃ ə n/ (exhalations ) N‑VAR □ Milton let out his breath in a long exhalation.
ex|haust ◆◇◇ / I gzɔː st/ (exhausts , exhausting , exhausted )
1 VERB If something exhausts you, it makes you so tired, either physically or mentally, that you have no energy left. □ [V n] Don't exhaust him. ● ex|haust|ed ADJ □ She was too exhausted and distressed to talk about the tragedy. ● ex|haust|ing ADJ □ It was an exhausting schedule she had set herself.
2 VERB If you exhaust something such as money or food, you use or finish it all. □ [V n] We have exhausted all our material resources. □ [V -ed] They said that food supplies were almost exhausted.
3 VERB If you have exhausted a subject or topic, you have talked about it so much that there is nothing more to say about it. □ [V n] She and Chantal must have exhausted the subject of babies and clothes.
4 N‑COUNT The exhaust or the exhaust pipe is the pipe which carries the gas out of the engine of a vehicle. [mainly BRIT ]
5 N‑UNCOUNT Exhaust is the gas or steam that is produced when the engine of a vehicle is running. □ …the exhaust from a car engine. □ The city's streets are filthy and choked with exhaust fumes.
ex|haus|tion / I gzɔː stʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Exhaustion is the state of being so tired that you have no energy left. □ Staff say he is suffering from exhaustion.
ex|haus|tive / I gzɔː st I v/ ADJ If you describe a study, search, or list as exhaustive , you mean that it is very thorough and complete. □ This is not an exhaustive list but it shows how many projects are taking place. ● ex|haust|ive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ Hawley said these costs were scrutinised exhaustively by independent accountants.
ex|hib|it / I gz I b I t/ (exhibits , exhibiting , exhibited )
1 VERB If someone or something shows a particular quality, feeling, or type of behaviour, you can say that they exhibit it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He has exhibited symptoms of anxiety and overwhelming worry.
2 VERB [usu passive] When a painting, sculpture, or object of interest is exhibited , it is put in a public place such as a museum or art gallery so that people can come to look at it. You can also say that animals are exhibited in a zoo. □ [be V -ed] His work was exhibited in the best galleries in America, Europe and Asia. ● ex|hi|bi|tion N‑UNCOUNT [usu on N ] □ Five large pieces of the wall are currently on exhibition in London.
3 VERB When artists exhibit , they show their work in public. □ [V ] By 1936 she was exhibiting at the Royal Academy.
4 N‑COUNT An exhibit is a painting, sculpture, or object of interest that is displayed to the public in a museum or art gallery. □ Shona showed me round the exhibits.
5 N‑COUNT An exhibit is a public display of paintings, sculpture, or objects of interest, for example in a museum or art gallery. [AM ] □ …an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. in BRIT, use exhibition 6 N‑COUNT An exhibit is an object that a lawyer shows in court as evidence in a legal case.
ex|hi|bi|tion ◆◇◇ /e ks I b I ʃ ə n/ (exhibitions )
1 N‑COUNT An exhibition is a public event at which pictures, sculptures, or other objects of interest are displayed, for example at a museum or art gallery. □ [+ of ] …an exhibition of expressionist art.
2 N‑SING An exhibition of a particular skilful activity is a display or example of it that people notice or admire. □ [+ of ] He responded in champion's style by treating the fans to an exhibition of power and speed.
3 → see also exhibit
ex|hi|bi|tion|ism /e ks I b I ʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Exhibitionism is behaviour that tries to get people's attention all the time, and especially behaviour that most people think is silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ There is an element of exhibitionism in the parents' performance too.
ex|hi|bi|tion|ist /e ks I b I ʃən I st/ (exhibitionists ) N‑COUNT An exhibitionist is someone who tries to get people's attention all the time by behaving in a way that most people think is silly. [DISAPPROVAL ]
ex|hibi|tor / I gz I b I tə r / (exhibitors ) N‑COUNT An exhibitor is a person whose work is being shown in an exhibition. □ Schedules will be sent out to all exhibitors.
ex|hila|rat|ed / I gz I ləre I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are exhilarated by something, it makes you feel very happy and excited. [FORMAL ] □ He felt strangely exhilarated by the brisk, blue morning.
ex|hil|arat|ing / I gz I ləre I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe an experience or feeling as exhilarating , you mean that it makes you feel very happy and excited. □ It was exhilarating to be on the road again and his spirits rose. □ Falling in love is a heady, exhilarating experience.
ex|hila|ra|tion / I gz I ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Exhilaration is a strong feeling of excitement and happiness.
ex|hort / I gzɔː r t/ (exhorts , exhorting , exhorted ) VERB If you exhort someone to do something, you try hard to persuade or encourage them to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n to-inf] Kennedy exhorted his listeners to turn away from violence. □ [V n with quote] He exhorted his companions, 'Try to accomplish your aim with diligence'. ● ex|hor|ta|tion /e gzɔː r te I ʃ ə n/ (exhortations ) N‑VAR □ Foreign funds alone are clearly not enough, nor are exhortations to reform.
ex|hume /ekshjuː m, [AM ] I gzuː m/ (exhumes , exhuming , exhumed ) VERB [usu passive] If a dead person's body is exhumed , it is taken out of the ground where it is buried, especially so that it can be examined in order to find out how the person died. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] His remains have been exhumed from a cemetery in Queens, New York City. ● ex|hu|ma|tion /e gzjuːme I ʃ ə n/ (exhumations ) N‑VAR □ Detectives ordered the exhumation when his wife said she believed he had been killed.
exi|gen|cy /e ks I dʒ ə nsi/ (exigencies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The exigencies of a situation or a job are the demands or difficulties that you have to deal with as part of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the exigencies of a wartime economy.
ex|ile ◆◇◇ /e ksa I l, e gz-/ (exiles , exiling , exiled )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is living in exile , they are living in a foreign country because they cannot live in their own country, usually for political reasons. □ He is now living in exile in Egypt. □ He returned from exile earlier this year. □ …after nearly six years of exile. □ During his exile, he also began writing books.
2 VERB If someone is exiled , they are living in a foreign country because they cannot live in their own country, usually for political reasons. □ [be V -ed + from ] His second wife, Hilary, had been widowed, then exiled from South Africa. □ [V n] They threatened to exile her in southern Spain. □ [V -ed] …Haiti's exiled president. [Also V n from n]
3 N‑COUNT An exile is someone who has been exiled.
4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone has been exiled from a particular place or situation, you mean that they have been sent away from it or removed from it against their will. □ [be V -ed + from ] He has been exiled from the first team and forced to play in third team matches. ● N‑UNCOUNT Exile is also a noun. □ [+ from ] Rovers lost 4–1 and began their long exile from the First Division.
ex|ist ◆◆◇ / I gz I st/ (exists , existing , existed )
1 VERB [no cont] If something exists , it is present in the world as a real thing. □ [V ] He thought that if he couldn't see something, it didn't exist. □ [V ] Research opportunities exist in a wide range of pure and applied areas of entomology.
2 VERB To exist means to live, especially under difficult conditions or with very little food or money. □ [V ] I was barely existing. □ [V + on ] …the problems of having to exist on unemployment benefit. SYNONYMS exist VERB 1
last: The repaired sail lasted less than 24 hours.
endure: Somehow the language endures and continues to survive.
remain: Many of the differences in everyday life remain.
stand: Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands.
ex|ist|ence ◆◇◇ / I gz I stəns/ (existences )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The existence of something is the fact that it is present in the world as a real thing. □ [+of ] …the existence of other galaxies. □ Tuna are being fished out of existence. □ [+of ] Public worries about accidents are threatening the very existence of the nuclear power industry.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone's way of life as an existence , especially when they live under difficult conditions. □ You may be stuck with a miserable existence for the rest of your life. SYNONYMS existence NOUN 1
being: The Kingdom of Italy formally came into being on 17 March 1861.
actuality: It exists in dreams rather than actuality.
continuation: What we'll see in the future is, in fact, a continuation of that trend.
maintenance: …the importance of natural food to the maintenance of health.
ex|ist|ent / I gz I stənt/
1 ADJ You can describe something as existent when it exists. [FORMAL ] □ Their remedy lay within the range of existent technology.
2 → see also non-existent
ex|is|ten|tial /e gz I ste nʃ ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Existential means relating to human existence and experience. [FORMAL ] □ Existential questions requiring religious answers still persist.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use existential to describe fear, anxiety, and other feelings that are caused by thinking about human existence and death. [FORMAL ] □ 'What if there's nothing left at all?' he cries, lost in some intense existential angst.
ex|is|ten|tial|ism /e gz I ste nʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Existentialism is a philosophy which stresses the importance of human experience, and says that everyone is responsible for the results of their own actions. [TECHNICAL ]
ex|is|ten|tial|ist /e gz I ste nʃəl I st/ (existentialists )
1 N‑COUNT An existentialist is a person who agrees with the philosophy of existentialism.
2 ADJ If you describe a person or their philosophy as existentialist , you mean that their beliefs are based on existentialism. □ …existentialist theories.
ex|ist|ing ◆◇◇ / I gz I st I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Existing is used to describe something which is now present, available, or in operation, especially when you are contrasting it with something which is planned for the future. □ …the need to improve existing products and develop new lines. □ Existing timbers are replaced or renewed.
exit /e gz I t, e ks I t/ (exits , exiting , exited )
1 N‑COUNT The exit is the door through which you can leave a public building. □ He picked up the case and walked towards the exit. □ There's a fire exit by the downstairs ladies room.
2 N‑COUNT An exit on a motorway or highway is a place where traffic can leave it. □ Take the A422 exit at Old Stratford.
3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to someone's exit , you are referring to the way that they left a room or building, or the fact that they left it. [FORMAL ] □ I made a hasty exit and managed to open the gate.
4 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone's exit , you are referring to the way that they left a situation or activity, or the fact that they left it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ from ] …after England's exit from the European Championship. □ They suggested that she make a dignified exit in the interest of the party.
5 VERB If you exit from a room or building, you leave it. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] She exits into the tropical storm. □ [V n] As I exited the final display, I entered a hexagonal room. □ [V + from ] She walked into the front door of a store and exited from the rear.
6 VERB If you exit a computer program or system, you stop running it. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] I can open other applications without having to exit WordPerfect. ● N‑SING Exit is also a noun. □ Press Exit to return to your document.
e xit stra t|egy (exit strategies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In politics and business, an exit strategy is a way of ending your involvement in a situation such as a military operation or a business arrangement. □ [+from ] The fear is that we have no exit strategy from this conflict.
e xit visa (exit visas ) N‑COUNT An exit visa is an official stamp in someone's passport, or an official document, which allows them to leave the country that they are visiting or living in.
exo|dus /e ksədəs/ N‑SING If there is an exodus of people from a place, a lot of people leave that place at the same time. □ [+ of ] The medical system is facing collapse because of an exodus of doctors.
ex of|fi|cio /e ks ɒf I ʃioʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ex officio is used to describe something such as a rank or privilege that someone is entitled to because of the job or position they have. [FORMAL ] □ …ex officio members of the Advisory Council. □ …an ex-officio degree.
ex|on|er|ate / I gzɒ nəre I t/ (exonerates , exonerating , exonerated ) VERB If a court, report, or person in authority exonerates someone, they officially say or show that that person is not responsible for something wrong or unpleasant that has happened. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The official report basically exonerated everyone. □ [V n + from ] An investigation exonerated the school from any blame. ● ex|on|era|tion / I gzɒ nəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ They expected complete exoneration for their clients.
ex|or|bi|tant / I gzɔː r b I tənt/ ADJ If you describe something such as a price or fee as exorbitant , you are emphasizing that it is much greater than it should be. [EMPHASIS ] □ Exorbitant housing prices have created an acute shortage of affordable housing for the poor. ● ex|or|bi|tant|ly ADV □ …exorbitantly high salaries.
ex|or|cism /e ksɔː r s I zəm/ (exorcisms ) N‑VAR Exorcism is the removing of evil spirits from a person or place by the use of prayer. □ The exorcism was broadcast on television.
ex|or|cist /e ksɔː r s I st/ (exorcists ) N‑COUNT An exorcist is someone who performs exorcisms.
ex|or|cize /e ksɔː r sa I z/ (exorcizes , exorcizing , exorcized ) in BRIT, also use exorcise 1 VERB If you exorcize a painful or unhappy memory, you succeed in removing it from your mind. □ [V n] He confronted his childhood trauma and tried to exorcise the pain.
2 VERB To exorcize an evil spirit or to exorcize a place or person means to force the spirit to leave the place or person by means of prayers and religious ceremonies. □ [V n] They came to our house and exorcised me.
ex|ot|ic / I gzɒ t I k/ ADJ Something that is exotic is unusual and interesting, usually because it comes from or is related to a distant country. □ …brilliantly coloured, exotic flowers. □ She flits from one exotic location to another. ● ex|oti|cal|ly ADV □ …exotically beautiful scenery.
ex|oti|ca / I gzɒ t I kə/ N‑PLURAL You use exotica to refer to objects which you think are unusual and interesting, usually because they come from or are related to a distant country.
ex|oti|cism / I gzɒ t I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Exoticism is the quality of seeming unusual or interesting, usually because of associations with a distant country.
ex|pand ◆◇◇ / I kspæ nd/ (expands , expanding , expanded )
1 VERB If something expands or is expanded , it becomes larger. □ [V ] Engineers noticed that the pipes were not expanding as expected. □ [V n] We have to expand the size of the image. □ [V -ing] …a rapidly expanding universe. □ [V -ed] …strips of expanded polystyrene.
2 VERB If something such as a business, organization, or service expands , or if you expand it, it becomes bigger and includes more people, goods, or activities. [BUSINESS ] □ [V ] The popular ceramics industry expanded towards the middle of the 19th century. □ [V n] Health officials are proposing to expand their services by organising counselling.
▸ expand on or expand upon PHRASAL VERB If you expand on or expand upon something, you give more information or details about it when you write or talk about it. □ [V P n] The president used today's speech to expand on remarks he made last month. SYNONYMS expand VERB 1
increase: The population continues to increase.
grow: The economy continues to grow.
extend: This year they have introduced three new products to extend their range.
develop: Over the last few years tourism here has developed considerably.
enlarge: …the plan to enlarge Ewood Park into a 30,000 all-seater stadium.
ex|panse / I kspæ ns/ (expanses ) N‑COUNT An expanse of something, usually sea, sky, or land, is a very large amount of it. □ [+ of ] …a vast expanse of grassland.
ex|pan|sion ◆◇◇ / I kspæ nʃ ə n/ (expansions ) N‑VAR Expansion is the process of becoming greater in size, number, or amount. □ [+ of ] …the rapid expansion of private health insurance. □ …a new period of economic expansion. SYNONYMS expansion NOUN
increase: …a sharp increase in productivity.
development: Education is central to a country's economic development.
growth: The area has seen a rapid population growth.
spread: The greatest hope for reform is the gradual spread of information.
ex|pan|sion|ary / I kspæ nʃənri/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Expansionary economic policies are intended to expand the economy of a country.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Expansionary policies or actions are intended to increase the amount of land that a particular country rules. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …concerns about the country's expansionary objectives.
ex|pan|sion|ism / I kspæ nʃən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to a country's expansionism , you disapprove of its policy of increasing its land or power. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Soviet expansionism was considered a real threat.
ex|pan|sion|ist / I kspæ nʃən I st/ ADJ If you describe a country or organization as expansionist , you disapprove of it because it has a policy of increasing its land or power. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the intended victim of his expansionist foreign policy.
ex|pan|sive / I kspæ ns I v/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is expansive , it covers or includes a large area or many things. [FORMAL ] □ …an expansive grassy play area. □ They have played an expansive style of rugby.
2 ADJ If you are expansive , you talk a lot, or are friendly or generous, because you are feeling happy and relaxed. □ He was becoming more expansive as he relaxed. ● ex|pan|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ 'I'm here to make them feel good,' he says expansively.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a period of time or an economy as expansive , you mean that it is associated with growth or expansion. □ An active and expansive market economy is a necessary condition for progress.
ex|pat /e kspæt/ (expats ) N‑COUNT An expat is the same as an expatriate . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
ex|pat|ri|ate /ekspæ triət, -pe I t-/ (expatriates ) N‑COUNT An expatriate is someone who is living in a country which is not their own. □ …British expatriates in Spain. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Expatriate is also an adjective. □ The French military is preparing to evacuate women and children of expatriate families.
ex|pect ◆◆◆ / I kspe kt/ (expects , expecting , expected )
1 VERB If you expect something to happen, you believe that it will happen. □ [V to-inf] …a council workman who expects to lose his job in the next few weeks. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The talks are expected to continue until tomorrow. □ [V that] Few expected that he would declare his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. □ [be V -ed that] It is expected that the new owner will change the yacht's name. □ [V n] They expect a gradual improvement in sales of new cars.
2 VERB [usu cont] If you are expecting something or someone, you believe that they will be delivered to you or come to you soon, often because this has been arranged earlier. □ [V n] I wasn't expecting a visitor. □ [V n adv] We were expecting him home again any day now.
3 VERB If you expect something, or expect a person to do something, you believe that it is your right to have that thing, or the person's duty to do it for you. □ [V n] He wasn't expecting our hospitality. □ [V to-inf] I do expect to have some time to myself in the evenings. □ [V n to-inf] I wasn't expecting you to help. □ [V n + of ] Is this a rational thing to expect of your partner, or not? □ [V amount + of ] She realizes now she expected too much of Helen.
4 VERB If you tell someone not to expect something, you mean that the thing is unlikely to happen as they have planned or imagined, and they should not hope that it will. □ [V n] Don't expect an instant cure. □ [V to-inf] You cannot expect to like all the people you will work with. □ [V n to-inf] Don't expect me to come and visit you there.
5 VERB [only cont] If you say that a woman is expecting a baby, or that she is expecting , you mean that she is pregnant. □ [V n] She was expecting another baby. □ [V ] I hear Dawn's expecting again.
6 PHRASE You say ' I expect ' to suggest that a statement is probably correct, or a natural consequence of the present situation, although you have no definite knowledge. [SPOKEN ] □ I expect you can guess what follows. □ I expect you're tired. □ 'Will Joe be here at Christmas?'—'I expect so.'.
ex|pec|tan|cy / I kspe ktənsi/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Expectancy is the feeling or hope that something exciting, interesting, or good is about to happen. □ The supporters had a tremendous air of expectancy.
2 → see also life expectancy
ex|pec|tant / I kspe ktənt/
1 ADJ If someone is expectant , they are excited because they think something interesting is about to happen. □ An expectant crowd gathered. □ She turned to me with an expectant look on her face. ● ex|pect|ant|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ The others waited, looking at him expectantly.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An expectant mother or father is someone whose baby is going to be born soon.
ex|pec|ta|tion ◆◇◇ /e kspekte I ʃ ə n/ (expectations )
1 N‑PLURAL Your expectations are your strong hopes or beliefs that something will happen or that you will get something that you want. □ Students' expectations were as varied as their expertise. □ The car has been General Motors' most visible success story, with sales far exceeding expectations.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A person's expectations are strong beliefs which they have about the proper way someone should behave or something should happen. □ [+of ] Stephen Chase had determined to live up to the expectations of the Company. COLLOCATIONS expectation NOUN 1
noun + expectation : analyst, inflation, market
adjective + expectation : high, low; realistic, reasonable, unrealistic
verb + expectation : beat, defy, surpass; dampen, lower, raise; fulfil, meet
ex|pec|to|rant / I kspe ktərənt/ (expectorants ) N‑COUNT An expectorant is a cough medicine that helps you to cough up mucus from your lungs. [MEDICAL ]
ex|pedi|en|cy / I kspiː diənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Expediency means doing what is convenient rather than what is morally right. [FORMAL ] □ This was a matter less of morals than of expediency.
ex|pedi|ent / I kspiː diənt/ (expedients )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An expedient is an action that achieves a particular purpose, but may not be morally right. □ [+ of ] He pretended to be energised by the expedient of wearing his shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
2 ADJ If it is expedient to do something, it is useful or convenient to do it, even though it may not be morally right. □ When things go wrong it is expedient to say it was a management failure.
ex|pedite /e ksp I da I t/ (expedites , expediting , expedited ) VERB If you expedite something, you cause it to be done more quickly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We tried to help you expedite your plans.
ex|pedi|tion /e ksp I d I ʃ ə n/ (expeditions )
1 N‑COUNT An expedition is an organized journey that is made for a particular purpose such as exploration. □ [+ to ] …Byrd's 1928 expedition to Antarctica.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people who are going on an expedition as an expedition . □ Forty-three members of the expedition were killed.
3 N‑COUNT An expedition is a short journey or trip that you make for pleasure. □ …a fishing expedition.
ex|pedi|tion|ary force /e ksp I d I ʃənri fɔː r s, [AM ] -neri/ (expeditionary forces ) N‑COUNT An expeditionary force is a group of soldiers who are sent to fight in a foreign country. [MILITARY ]
ex|pedi|tious /e ksp I d I ʃəs/ ADJ Expeditious means quick and efficient. [FORMAL ] □ The judge said that arbitration was a fair and expeditious decision-making process. ● ex|pedi|tious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The matter has certainly been handled expeditiously by the authorities.
ex|pel / I kspe l/ (expels , expelling , expelled )
1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is expelled from a school or organization, they are officially told to leave because they have behaved badly. □ [be V -ed] More than five-thousand secondary school students have been expelled for cheating. □ [V -ed] …a boy expelled from school for making death threats to his teacher.
2 VERB If people are expelled from a place, they are made to leave it, often by force. □ [be V -ed + from ] An American academic was expelled from the country yesterday. □ [V n] They were told at first that they should simply expel the refugees.
3 VERB To expel something means to force it out from a container or from your body. □ [be V -ed] As the lungs exhale this waste, gas is expelled into the atmosphere.
ex|pend / I kspe nd/ (expends , expending , expended ) VERB To expend something, especially energy, time, or money, means to use it or spend it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Children expend a lot of energy and may need more high-energy food than adults.
ex|pend|able / I kspe ndəb ə l/ ADJ If you regard someone or something as expendable , you think it is acceptable to get rid of them, abandon them, or allow them to be destroyed when they are no longer needed. [FORMAL ] □ Once our services cease to be useful to them, we're expendable. □ During the recession, training budgets were seen as an expendable luxury.
ex|pendi|ture / I kspe nd I tʃə r / (expenditures )
1 N‑VAR Expenditure is the spending of money on something, or the money that is spent on something. [FORMAL ] □ Policies of tax reduction must lead to reduced public expenditure. □ They should cut their expenditure on defence.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Expenditure of something such as time or energy is the using of that thing for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The financial rewards justified the expenditure of effort.
ex|pense ◆◇◇ / I kspe ns/ (expenses )
1 N‑VAR Expense is the money that something costs you or that you need to spend in order to do something. □ Most of the marble had been imported at vast expense from Italy. □ It was not a fortune but would help to cover household expenses.
2 N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Expenses are amounts of money that you spend while doing something in the course of your work, which will be paid back to you afterwards. [BUSINESS ] □ As a politician, her salary and expenses were paid by the taxpayer. □ Can you claim this back on expenses?
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