16 PHRASE All but a particular person or thing means everyone or everything except that person or thing. □ The general was an unattractive man to all but his most ardent admirers.
17 PHRASE You use all but to say that something is almost the case. □ The concrete wall that used to divide this city has now all but gone.
18 PHRASE You use for all to indicate that the thing mentioned does not affect or contradict the truth of what you are saying. □ For all its faults, the film instantly became a classic.
19 PHRASE You use for all in phrases such as for all I know , and for all he cares , to emphasize that you do not know something or that someone does not care about something. [EMPHASIS ] □ For all we know, he may even not be in this country. □ You can go right now for all I care.
20 PHRASE If you give your all or put your all into something, you make the maximum effort possible. □ He puts his all into every game.
21 PHRASE In all means in total. □ There was evidence that thirteen people in all had taken part in planning the murder.
22 PHRASE If something such as an activity is a particular price all in , that price includes everything that is offered. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Dinner is about £25 all in.
23 PHRASE You use of all to emphasize the words 'first' or 'last', or a superlative adjective or adverb. [EMPHASIS ] □ First of all, answer these questions. □ Now she faces her toughest task of all.
24 PHRASE You use of all in expressions such as of all people or of all things when you want to emphasize someone or something surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □ They met and fell in love in a supermarket, of all places.
25 PHRASE You use all in expressions like of all the cheek or of all the luck to emphasize how angry or surprised you are at what someone else has done or said. [FEELINGS ] □ Of all the lazy, indifferent, unbusinesslike attitudes to have!
26 PHRASE You use all of before a number to emphasize how small or large an amount is. [EMPHASIS ] □ It took him all of 41 minutes to score his first goal.
27 PHRASE You use all that in statements with negative meaning when you want to weaken the force of what you are saying. [SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □ He wasn't all that much older than we were.
28 PHRASE You can say that's all at the end of a sentence when you are explaining something and want to emphasize that nothing more happens or is the case. □ 'Why do you want to know that?' he demanded.—'Just curious, that's all.'
29 PHRASE You use all very well to suggest that you do not really approve of something or you think that it is unreasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It is all very well adding garlic, but if it has been overcooked, its benefits are largely destroyed. USAGE after all
Don’t use ‘after all’ when you want to introduce a final point, question, or topic. Instead you use finally or lastly . □ Finally I want to thank you all for coming.
all- /ɔː l-/
1 COMB [usu ADJ n] All- is added to nouns or adjectives in order to form adjectives which describe something as consisting only of the thing mentioned or as having only the quality indicated. □ …an all-star cast. □ …all-cotton sheeting.
2 COMB [usu ADJ n] All- is added to present participles or adjectives in order to form adjectives which describe something as including or affecting everything or everyone. □ Nursing a demented person is an all-consuming task.
3 COMB [usu ADJ n] All- is added to nouns in order to form adjectives which describe something as being suitable for or including all types of a particular thing. □ He wanted to form an all-party government of national unity.
Allah /æ lə, æ lɑː/ N‑PROPER Allah is the name of God in Islam.
a ll-Ame rican ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as an all-American boy or girl, you mean that they seem to have all the typical qualities that are valued by ordinary Americans, such as good looks and love of their country.
a ll-arou nd → see all-round
al|lay /əle I / (allays , allaying , allayed ) VERB If you allay someone's fears or doubts, you stop them feeling afraid or doubtful. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He did what he could to allay his wife's fears.
a ll clea r
1 N‑SING The all clear is a signal that a dangerous situation, for example an air raid, has ended. □ The all clear was sounded about 10 minutes after the alert was given. ● CONVENTION All clear is also a convention. □ 'All clear,' Misha growled.
2 N‑SING If someone in authority gives you the all clear , they give you permission to continue with a plan or activity, usually after a problem has been sorted out. □ I was given the all clear by the doctor to resume playing.
a ll-comers also all comers N‑PLURAL You use all-comers to refer to everyone who wants to take part in an activity, especially a competition. □ This is her second season offering residential courses for all-comers.
al|le|ga|tion ◆◇◇ /æ l I ge I ʃ ə n/ (allegations ) N‑COUNT An allegation is a statement saying that someone has done something wrong. □ The company has denied the allegations. □ [+ of ] Allegations of brutality and theft have been levelled at the army. COLLOCATIONS allegation NOUN
noun + allegation : abuse, assault, harassment, racism, rape; bribery, corruption, doping, fraud
adjective + allegation : baseless, false, unfounded, unsubstantiated, untrue; credible, true; unproven; lurid
verb + allegation : deny, dismiss, refute, reject; investigate; make
al|lege /əle dʒ/ (alleges , alleging , alleged ) VERB If you allege that something bad is true, you say it but do not prove it. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] They alleged that the fires were caused by defective machinery. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The accused is alleged to have killed a man. □ [be V -ed that] It was alleged that the restaurant discriminated against black customers. [Also V with quote]
al|leged ◆◆◇ /əle dʒd/ ADJ [ADJ n] An alleged fact has been stated but has not been proved to be true. [FORMAL ] □ They have begun a hunger strike in protest at the alleged beating. ● al|leg|ed|ly /əle dʒ I dli/ ADV □ His van allegedly struck the two as they were crossing a street. SYNONYMS alleged ADJ
apparent: There is at last an apparent end to the destructive price war.
ostensible: The ostensible purpose of these meetings was to gather information.
supposed: …when the rule of law is broken by its supposed guardians.
putative: …a putative father.
al|le|giance /əliː dʒ ə ns/ (allegiances ) N‑VAR Your allegiance is your support for and loyalty to a particular group, person, or belief. □ [+ to ] My allegiance to Kendall and his company ran deep.
al|le|gori|cal /æ l I gɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ An allegorical story, poem, or painting uses allegory. □ Every Russian knows the allegorical novel The Master And Margarita.
al|le|go|ry /æ l I gəri, [AM ] -gɔːri/ (allegories )
1 N‑COUNT An allegory is a story, poem, or painting in which the characters and events are symbols of something else. Allegories are often moral, religious, or political. □ [+ of ] The book is a kind of allegory of Latin American history.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Allegory is the use of characters and events in a story, poem, or painting to represent other things. □ The poem's comic allegory was transparent.
al|le|gro /əle groʊ/ (allegros ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An allegro is a piece of classical music that should be played quickly and in a lively way.
a ll-embra cing ADJ Something that is all-embracing includes or affects everyone or everything. □ His hospitality was instantaneous and all-embracing.
al|ler|gen /æ lə r dʒen/ (allergens ) N‑COUNT An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction in someone. [TECHNICAL ]
al|ler|gic /əlɜː r dʒ I k/
1 ADJ If you are allergic to something, you become ill or get a rash when you eat it, smell it, or touch it. □ [+ to ] I'm allergic to cats.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have an allergic reaction to something, you become ill or get a rash when you eat it, smell it, or touch it. □ Soya milk can cause allergic reactions in some children.
al|ler|gist /æ lə r dʒ I st/ (allergists ) N‑COUNT An allergist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with allergies.
al|ler|gy /æ lə r dʒi/ (allergies ) N‑VAR If you have a particular allergy , you become ill or get a rash when you eat, smell, or touch something that does not normally make people ill. □ Food allergies can result in an enormous variety of different symptoms.
al|le|vi|ate /əliː vie I t/ (alleviates , alleviating , alleviated ) VERB If you alleviate pain, suffering, or an unpleasant condition, you make it less intense or severe. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Nowadays, a great deal can be done to alleviate back pain. ● al|le|via|tion /əliː vie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Their energies were focussed on the alleviation of the refugees' misery.
al|ley /æ li/ (alleys )
1 N‑COUNT An alley is a narrow passage or street with buildings or walls on both sides.
2 → see also blind alley , bowling alley
a l|ley cat (alley cats ) N‑COUNT An alley cat is a cat that lives in the streets of a town, is rather fierce, and is usually not owned by anyone.
alley|way /æ liwe I / (alleyways ) also alley-way N‑COUNT An alleyway is the same as an alley .
al|li|ance ◆◇◇ /əla I əns/ (alliances )
1 N‑COUNT An alliance is a group of countries or political parties that are formally united and working together because they have similar aims. □ The two parties were still too much apart to form an alliance.
2 N‑COUNT [oft in N with n] An alliance is a relationship in which two countries, political parties, or organizations work together for some purpose. □ [+ with/between ] The trend has led to the formation of alliances between online-only retailers and traditional shops.
al|lied ◆◇◇ /æ la I d, [AM ] əla I d/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Allied forces or troops are armies from different countries who are fighting on the same side in a war. □ …the approaching Allied forces.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Allied countries, troops, or political parties are united by a political or military agreement. □ …forces from three allied nations. [Also + to ]
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If one thing or group is allied to another, it is related to it because the two things have particular qualities or characteristics in common. □ [+ to/with ] …lectures on subjects allied to health, beauty and fitness.
4 ADJ Something that is allied to another thing occurs with the other thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] He possessed a raw energy allied to a feeling of something special. □ [+ with ] …a disastrous rise in interest rates allied with a stock market slump.
al|li|ga|tor /æ l I ge I tə r / (alligators ) N‑COUNT An alligator is a large reptile with short legs, a long tail and very powerful jaws. WORD HISTORY alligator
The word alligator comes from Spanish el lagarto , meaning `the lizard'.
a ll-inclu sive ADJ [usu ADJ n] All-inclusive is used to indicate that a price, especially the price of a holiday, includes all the charges and all the services offered. □ An all-inclusive two-week holiday costs around £2880 per person.
al|lit|era|tion /əl I təre I ʃən/ (alliterations ) N‑VAR Alliteration is the use in speech or writing of several words close together which all begin with the same letter or sound. [TECHNICAL ]
al|lit|era|tive /əl I tərət I v, [AM ] -təre I t I v/ ADJ Alliterative means relating to or connected with alliteration. [TECHNICAL ] □ Her campaign slogan, 'a president for the people', was pleasantly alliterative but empty.
al|lo|cate /æ ləke I t/ (allocates , allocating , allocated ) VERB If one item or share of something is allocated to a particular person or for a particular purpose, it is given to that person or used for that purpose. □ [be V -ed + to ] Tickets are limited and will be allocated to those who apply first. □ [V n + for/to ] This year's budget allocated £15m to cycle safety in the capital. □ [V n to-inf] Our plan is to allocate one member of staff to handle appointments. [Also V n n, V n]
al|lo|ca|tion /æ ləke I ʃ ə n/ (allocations )
1 N‑COUNT An allocation is an amount of something, especially money, that is given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □ [+ for ] There will be a closer review of funding allocations for future conferences.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The allocation of something is the decision that it should be given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □ Town planning and land allocation had to be coordinated.
al|lot /əlɒ t/ (allots , allotting , allotted ) VERB [usu passive] If something is allotted to someone, it is given to them as their share. □ [be V -ed + to ] The seats are allotted to the candidates who have won the most votes. □ [be V -ed n] We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.
al|lot|ment /əlɒ tmənt/ (allotments )
1 N‑COUNT In Britain, an allotment is a small area of land in a town which a person rents to grow plants and vegetables on.
2 N‑COUNT An allotment of something is a share or amount of it that is given to someone. □ [+ of ] His meager allotment of gas had to be saved for emergencies.
a ll-ou t also all out ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-out to describe actions that are carried out in a very energetic and determined way, using all the resources available. □ He launched an all-out attack on his critics. ● ADV [ADV after v] All out is also an adverb. □ We will be going all out to ensure it doesn't happen again.
al|low ◆◆◆ /əlaʊ / (allows , allowing , allowed )
1 VERB If someone is allowed to do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The children are not allowed to watch violent TV programmes. □ [V n to-inf] The Government will allow them to advertise on radio and television. □ [be V -ed adv/prep] They will be allowed home. □ [be V -ed] Smoking will not be allowed. [Also V n/v-ing]
2 VERB If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it. □ [be V -ed] Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed. □ [be V -ed n] He should be allowed the occasional treat.
3 VERB If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it. □ [V n to-inf] He won't allow himself to fail. □ [be V -ed to-inf] If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.
4 VERB If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen. □ [V n to-inf] The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms. □ [V n n] …an attempt to allow the Tory majority a greater share of power. □ [V n] She said this would allow more effective planning.
5 VERB If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning. □ [V n + for ] Please allow 28 days for delivery. □ [V n] Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.
6 VERB If you allow that something is true, you admit or agree that it is true. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] Warren allows that capitalist development may result in increased social inequality.
7 PHRASE Some people use Allow me to… as a way of introducing something that they want to say or do. [FORMAL ] □ Allow me to introduce Dr Amberg.
▸ allow for PHRASAL VERB If you allow for certain problems or expenses, you include some extra time or money in your planning so that you can deal with them if they occur. □ [V P n] You have to allow for a certain amount of error. SYNONYMS allow VERB 1
permit: The guards permitted me to bring my camera and tape recorder.
authorize: We are willing to authorize the president to use force if necessary.
enable: This enables young people to do a form of alternative service.
sanction: He may now be ready to sanction the use of force.
let: I love sweets but Mum doesn't let me have them very often.
al|low|able /əlaʊ əb ə l/
1 ADJ If people decide that something is allowable , they let it happen without trying to stop it. □ Capital punishment is allowable only under exceptional circumstances.
2 ADJ Allowable costs or expenses are amounts of money that you do not have to pay tax on. [BUSINESS ]
al|low|ance /əlaʊ əns/ (allowances )
1 N‑COUNT An allowance is money that is given to someone, usually on a regular basis, in order to help them pay for the things that they need. □ [+ of ] He lives on a single parent's allowance of £70 a week.
2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A child's allowance is money that is given to him or her every week or every month by his or her parents. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use pocket money 3 N‑COUNT Your tax allowance is the amount of money that you are allowed to earn before you have to start paying income tax. [BRIT ] □ …those earning less than the basic tax allowance. in AM, use personal exemption 4 N‑COUNT A particular type of allowance is an amount of something that you are allowed in particular circumstances. □ [+ of ] Most of our flights have a baggage allowance of 44lbs per passenger.
5 PHRASE If you make allowances for something, you take it into account in your decisions, plans, or actions. □ [+ for ] We'll make allowances in the schedule for time off.
6 PHRASE If you make allowances for someone, you accept behaviour which you would not normally accept or deal with them less severely than you would normally, because of a problem that they have. □ [+ for ] He's tired so I'll make allowances for him.
al|loy /æ lɔ I / (alloys ) N‑VAR An alloy is a metal that is made by mixing two or more types of metal together. □ [+ of ] Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
a ll-po werful ADJ An all-powerful person or organization has the power to do anything they want. □ …the all-powerful labour unions.
a ll-pu rpose ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-purpose to refer to things that have lots of different uses or can be used in lots of different situations. □ Use all-purpose flour if you cannot find pastry flour.
a ll ri ght ◆◆◇ in BRIT, also use alright 1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone or something is all right , you mean that you find them satisfactory or acceptable. □ Is it all right with you if we go now? □ 'How was school?'—'It was all right.' ● ADJ [ADJ n] All right is also used before a noun. [INFORMAL ] □ He's an all right kind of guy really.
2 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something happens or goes all right , you mean that it happens in a satisfactory or acceptable manner. □ Things have thankfully worked out all right.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is all right , they are well or safe. □ All she's worried about is whether he is all right. □ Are you feeling all right now?
4 CONVENTION You say ' all right ' when you are agreeing to something. [FORMULAE ] □ 'I think you should go now.'—'All right.'.
5 CONVENTION You say ' all right? ' after you have given an instruction or explanation to someone when you are checking that they have understood what you have just said, or checking that they agree with or accept what you have just said. □ Peter, you get half the fees. All right?
6 CONVENTION If someone in a position of authority says ' all right ', and suggests talking about or doing something else, they are indicating that they want you to end one activity and start another. □ All right, Bob. You can go now.
7 CONVENTION You say ' all right ' during a discussion to show that you understand something that someone has just said, and to introduce a statement that relates to it. □ 'I'm a bit busy now.'—'All right, why don't I come back later?'
8 CONVENTION You say all right before a statement or question to indicate that you are challenging or threatening someone. □ All right, who are you and what are you doing in my office?
a ll-rou nd ◆◇◇ in AM, also use all-around 1 ADJ [ADJ n] An all-round person is good at a lot of different skills, academic subjects, or sports. □ He is a great all-round player.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] All-round means doing or relating to all aspects of a job or activity. □ He demonstrated the all-round skills of a quarterback.
a ll-rou nder (all-rounders ) N‑COUNT Someone who is an all-rounder is good at a lot of different skills, academic subjects, or sports. [BRIT ] □ I class myself as an all-rounder.
a ll-sea ter ADJ [usu ADJ n] An all-seater stadium has enough seats for all the audience, rather than having some areas without seats where people stand. [BRIT ]
a ll-si nging a ll-da ncing PHRASE If you describe something new as all-singing, all-dancing , you mean that it is very modern and advanced, with a lot of additional features; used especially to show that you think a lot of these features are silly or unnecessary. [HUMOROUS ] □ …the executive's new all-singing, all-dancing website.
all|spice /ɔː lspa I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Allspice is a powder used as a spice in cooking, which is made from the berries of a tropical American tree.
a ll-star ADJ [ADJ n] An all-star cast, performance, or game is one which contains only famous or extremely good performers or players.
a ll-time ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-time when you are comparing all the things of a particular type that there have ever been. For example, if you say that something is the all-time best, you mean that it is the best thing of its type that there has ever been. □ The president's popularity nationally is at an all-time low. □ She is my all-time favourite artist.
al|lude /əluː d/ (alludes , alluding , alluded ) VERB If you allude to something, you mention it in an indirect way. [FORMAL ] □ [V + to ] She also alluded to her rival's past marital troubles.
al|lure /əljʊə r , [AM ] əlʊ r/ N‑UNCOUNT The allure of something or someone is the pleasing or exciting quality that they have. □ It's a game that has really lost its allure.
al|lur|ing /əljʊə r I ŋ, [AM ] əlʊ r I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something that is alluring is very attractive. □ …the most alluring city in South-East Asia.
al|lu|sion /əluː ʒ ə n/ (allusions ) N‑VAR An allusion is an indirect reference to someone or something. □ [+ to ] The title is perhaps an allusion to the author's childhood.
al|lu|sive /əluː s I v/ ADJ Allusive speech, writing, or art is full of indirect references to people or things. □ …Shakespeare's richly metaphoric and allusive language.
al|lu|vial /əluː viəl/ ADJ Alluvial soils are soils which consist of earth and sand left behind on land which has been flooded or where a river once flowed. [TECHNICAL ]
a ll-wea ther ADJ [ADJ n] All-weather sports take place on an artificial surface instead of on grass. □ …all-weather racing. □ …an all-weather tennis court.
ally ◆◆◇ (allies , allying , allied ) The noun is pronounced /æ la I /. The verb is pronounced /əla I /. 1 N‑COUNT A country's ally is another country that has an agreement to support it, especially in war. □ Washington would not take such a step without its allies' approval. □ [+ of ] It was assumed that Germany would not want to bring such a powerful ally of Britain into the war.
2 N‑PLURAL The Allies were the armed forces that fought against Germany and Japan in the Second World War.
3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as your ally , you mean that they help and support you, especially when other people are opposing you. □ [+ of ] He is a close ally of the Prime Minister.
4 VERB If you ally yourself with someone or something, you give your support to them. □ [V pron-refl + with ] He will have no choice but to ally himself with the new movement.
5 → see also allied
SUFFIX -ally
is added to adjectives ending in -ic to form adverbs that indicate how something is done or what something relates to. For example, if something is done enthusiastically , it is done in an enthusiastic way.
alma ma|ter /æ lmə mɑː tə r , - me I tə r / (alma maters )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] Your alma mater is the school or university which you went to. [FORMAL ]
2 N‑SING A school or college's alma mater is its official song. [AM ]
al|ma|nac /ɔː lmənæk/ (almanacs ) also almanack
1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An almanac is a book published every year which contains information about the movements of the planets, the changes of the moon and the tides, and the dates of important anniversaries.
2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An almanac is a book published every year which contains information about events connected with a particular subject or activity, and facts and statistics about that activity.
al|ma|nack /ɔː lmənæk/ (almanacks ) → see almanac
al|mighty /ɔː lma I ti/
1 N‑PROPER The Almighty is another name for God. You can also refer to Almighty God . □ Adam sought guidance from the Almighty.
2 EXCLAM People sometimes say God Almighty or Christ Almighty to express their surprise, anger, or horror. These expressions could cause offence. [FEELINGS ]
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Almighty means very serious or great in extent. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I had the most almighty row with the waitress.
al|mond /ɑː mənd/ (almonds )
1 N‑VAR Almonds are pale oval nuts. They are often used in cooking. □ …sponge cake flavoured with almonds.
2 → see also sugared almond
3 N‑VAR An almond or an almond tree , is a tree on which almonds grow. □ On the left was a plantation of almond trees.
al|most ◆◆◆ /ɔː lmoʊst/ ADV [ADV before v] You use almost to indicate that something is not completely the case but is nearly the case. □ The couple had been dating for almost three years. □ Storms have been hitting almost all of Britain recently. □ The effect is almost impossible to describe. □ The arrested man will almost certainly be kept at this police station. □ He contracted Spanish flu, which almost killed him.
alms /ɑː mz/ N‑PLURAL Alms are gifts of money, clothes, or food to poor people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
alms|house /ɑː mzhaʊs/ (almshouses ) also alms-house N‑COUNT Almshouses are houses in Britain which were built and run by charities to provide accommodation for poor or old people who could not afford to pay rent.
aloe vera /æ loʊ v I ə rə/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Aloe vera is a substance that contains vitamins and minerals and is often used in cosmetics. Aloe vera is also the name of the plant from which this substance is extracted.
aloft /əlɒ ft, [AM ] əlɔː ft/ ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] Something that is aloft is in the air or off the ground. [LITERARY ] □ He held the trophy proudly aloft.
alone ◆◆◇ /əloʊ n/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When you are alone , you are not with any other people. □ There is nothing so frightening as to be alone in a combat situation. □ He was all alone in the middle of the hall. ● ADV [ADV after v] Alone is also an adverb. □ She has lived alone in this house for almost five years now.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one person is alone with another person, or if two or more people are alone , they are together, without anyone else present. □ [+ with ] I couldn't imagine why he would want to be alone with me. □ [+ with ] My brother and I were alone with Vincent.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are alone or feel alone , you mean that nobody who is with you, or nobody at all, cares about you. □ Never in her life had she felt so alone, so abandoned.
4 ADV [n ADV ] You say that one person or thing alone does something when you are emphasizing that only one person or thing is involved. [EMPHASIS ] □ You alone should determine what is right for you. □ They were convicted on forensic evidence alone.
5 ADV [n ADV ] If you say that one person or thing alone is responsible for part of an amount, you are emphasizing the size of that part and the size of the total amount. [EMPHASIS ] □ The BBC alone is sending 300 technicians, directors and commentators.
6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is alone in doing something, they are the only person doing it, and so are different from other people. □ [+ in ] Am I alone in thinking that this scandal should finish his career? ● ADV [n ADV ] Alone is also an adverb. □ I alone was sane, I thought, in a world of crazy people.
7 ADV [ADV after v] When someone does something alone , they do it without help from other people. □ Bringing up a child alone should give you a sense of achievement.
8 PHRASE If you go it alone , you do something without any help from other people. [INFORMAL ] □ I missed the stimulation of working with others when I tried to go it alone.
9 to leave someone or something alone → see leave
10 let alone → see let USAGE alone
Don’t use ‘alone’ in front of a noun. For example, don’t talk about ‘
an alone woman
’. Instead, say ‘a woman on her own’. □
These holidays are popular with people on their own
.
along ◆◆◆ /əlɒ ŋ, [AM ] əlɔː ŋ/ In addition to the uses shown below, along is used in phrasal verbs such as 'go along with', 'play along', and 'string along'. 1 PREP If you move or look along something such as a road, you move or look towards one end of it. □ Newman walked along the street alone. □ The young man led Mark Ryle along a corridor. □ I looked along the length of the building.
2 PREP If something is situated along a road, river, or corridor, it is situated in it or beside it. □ …enormous traffic jams all along the roads. □ …houses built on piles along the river.
3 ADV [ADV after v] When someone or something moves along , they keep moving in a particular direction. □ She skipped and danced along. □ The wide road was blocked solid with traffic that moved along sluggishly.
4 ADV [ADV after v] If you say that something is going along in a particular way, you mean that it is progressing in that way. □ …the negotiations which have been dragging along interminably. □ My life is going along nicely.
5 ADV [ADV after v] If you take someone or something along when you go somewhere, you take them with you. □ This is open to women of all ages, so bring along your friends and colleagues.
6 ADV [ADV after v] If someone or something is coming along or is sent along , they are coming or being sent to a particular place. □ She invited everyone she knew to come along.
7 PHRASE You use along with to mention someone or something else that is also involved in an action or situation. □ The baby's mother escaped from the fire along with two other children.
8 PHRASE If something has been true or been present all along , it has been true or been present throughout a period of time. □ I've been fooling myself all along.
9 along the way → see way
along|side ◆◇◇ /əlɒ ŋsa I d, [AM ] -lɔː ŋ-/
1 PREP If one thing is alongside another thing, the first thing is next to the second. □ He crossed the street and walked alongside Central Park. □ Much of the industry was located alongside rivers. ● ADV [ADV after v] Alongside is also an adverb. □ He waited several minutes for a car to pull up alongside.
2 PREP If you work alongside other people, you all work together in the same place. □ He had worked alongside Frank and Mark and they had become friends.
3 PREP If one thing exists or develops alongside another, the two things exist or develop together at the same time. □ Her self-confidence will develop alongside her technique.
aloof /əluː f/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is aloof is not very friendly and does not like to spend time with other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He seemed aloof and detached.
2 ADJ If someone stays aloof from something, they do not become involved with it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ from ] The Government is keeping aloof from the controversy.
aloud /əlaʊ d/
1 ADV [ADV after v] When you say something, read, or laugh aloud , you speak or laugh so that other people can hear you. □ When we were children, our father read aloud to us. □ 'You fool,' he said aloud.
2 PHRASE If you think aloud , you express your thoughts as they occur to you, rather than thinking first and then speaking.
al|paca /ælpæ kə/ (alpacas )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Alpaca is a type of soft wool. □ …a light-grey alpaca suit.
2 N‑COUNT Alpacas are South American animals similar to llamas. Their hair is the source of alpaca wool.
al|pha|bet /æ lfəbet/ (alphabets ) N‑COUNT An alphabet is a set of letters usually presented in a fixed order which is used for writing the words of a particular language or group of languages. □ The modern Russian alphabet has 31 letters. □ By two and a half he knew the alphabet.
al|pha|beti|cal /æ lfəbe t I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Alphabetical means arranged according to the normal order of the letters in the alphabet. □ Their herbs and spices are arranged in alphabetical order. ● al|pha|beti|cal|ly /æ lfəbe t I kli/ ADV □ The catalog is organized alphabetically by label name.
al|pine /æ lpa I n/ (alpines )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Alpine means existing in or relating to mountains, especially the ones in Switzerland. □ …grassy, alpine meadows.
2 N‑COUNT Alpines are small flowering plants that grow high up on mountains and are sometimes grown in gardens. There are many different types of alpines.
al|ready ◆◆◆ /ɔː lre di/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use already to show that something has happened, or that something had happened before the moment you are referring to. Speakers of British English use already with a verb in a perfect tense, putting it after 'have', 'has', or 'had', or at the end of a clause. Some speakers of American English use already with the simple past tense of the verb instead of a perfect tense. □ They had already voted for him at the first ballot. □ I already told you not to come over. □ They've spent nearly a billion dollars on it already.
2 ADV [ADV before v] You use already to show that a situation exists at this present moment or that it exists at an earlier time than expected. You use already after the verb 'be' or an auxiliary verb, or before a verb if there is no auxiliary. When you want add emphasis, you can put already at the beginning of a sentence. □ The authorities believe those security measures are already paying off. □ He was already rich. □ Get 10% off our already low prices! □ Already, he has a luxurious villa in Formello. USAGE already
Don’t confuse already with still or yet . Use still when something that existed in the past continued and exists now. Use yet when something has not happened, although it probably will happen in the future. □ Donald is 89 and he is still teaching. □ They haven’t finished yet .
al|right /ɔː lra I t/ → see all right
Al|sa|tian /ælse I ʃ ə n/ (Alsatians ) N‑COUNT An Alsatian is a large, usually fierce dog that is often used to guard buildings or by the police to help them find criminals. [BRIT ] in AM, use German shepherd
also ◆◆◆ /ɔː lsoʊ/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You can use also to give more information about a person or thing, or to add another relevant fact. □ It is the work of Ivor Roberts-Jones, who also produced the statue of Churchill in Parliament Square. □ He is an asthmatic who was also anaemic. □ She has a reputation for brilliance. Also, she is gorgeous.
2 ADV [ADV before v] You can use also to indicate that something you have just said about one person or thing is true of another person or thing. □ His father, also a top-ranking officer, had perished during the war. □ We have been working very hard, and our families have also worked hard. □ Not only cancer, but also heart and lung disease are influenced by smoking.
a lso-ran (also-rans ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an also-ran , you mean that they have been or are likely to be unsuccessful in a contest.
al|tar /ɔː ltə r / (altars ) N‑COUNT An altar is a holy table in a church or temple.
a l|tar boy (altar boys ) N‑COUNT In the Roman Catholic church, an altar boy is a boy who helps the priest during Mass.
altar|piece /ɔː ltə r piːs/ (altarpieces ) N‑COUNT An altarpiece is a work of art behind the altar in a church.
al|ter ◆◇◇ /ɔː ltə r / (alters , altering , altered ) VERB If something alters or if you alter it, it changes. □ [V ] Little had altered in the village. □ [V n] They have never altered their programmes by a single day. SYNONYMS alter VERB
modify: The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.
change: They should change the law to make it illegal to own replica weapons.
adjust: To attract investors, Panama has adjusted its tax and labour laws.
amend: The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections.
tweak: The system will get even better as the engineers tweak its performance.
al|tera|tion /ɔː ltəre I ʃ ə n/ (alterations )
1 N‑COUNT An alteration is a change in or to something. □ [+ to/in ] Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter. [Also + of ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT The alteration of something is the process of changing it. □ Her jacket was at the boutique waiting for alteration.
al|ter|ca|tion /ɔː ltə r ke I ʃ ə n/ (altercations ) N‑COUNT An altercation is a noisy argument or disagreement. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] I had a slight altercation with some people who objected to our filming. [Also + between ]
a l|ter e go (alter egos )
1 N‑COUNT Your alter ego is the other side of your personality from the one which people normally see.
2 N‑COUNT You can describe the character that an actor usually plays on television or in films as his or her alter ego . □ If the actress were friends with her alter ego in real life, she knows exactly what advice she'd give.
al|ter|nate (alternates , alternating , alternated ) The verb is pronounced /ɔː ltə r ne I t/. The adjective and noun are pronounced /ɔːltɜː r nət/. 1 VERB When you alternate two things, you keep using one then the other. When one thing alternates with another, the first regularly occurs after the other. □ [V + with ] Her aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states. □ [V ] The three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour. □ [V n] Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant. □ [V n + with ] The band alternated romantic love songs with bouncy dance numbers. [Also + between ] ● al|ter|na|tion /ɔː ltə r ne I ʃ ə n/ (alternations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The alternation of sun and snow continued for the rest of our holiday.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternate actions, events, or processes regularly occur after each other. □ They were streaked with alternate bands of colour. ● al|ter|nate|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ He could alternately bully and charm people.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If something happens on alternate days, it happens on one day, then happens on every second day after that. In the same way, something can happen in alternate weeks, years, or other periods of time. □ Lesley had agreed to Jim going skiing in alternate years.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use alternate to describe a plan, idea, or system which is different from the one already in operation and can be used instead of it. □ His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.
5 N‑COUNT An alternate is a person or thing that replaces another, and can act or be used instead of them. [AM ] □ In most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 2, 3, 4, and 5. □ …an alternate lifestyle.
a l|ter|nat|ing cu r|rent (alternating currents ) N‑VAR An alternating current is an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. The abbreviation AC is also used.
al|ter|na|tive ◆◆◇ /ɔːltɜː r nət I v/ (alternatives ) The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 2 , 3 , 4 , and 5 . 1 N‑COUNT If one thing is an alternative to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second. □ [+ to ] New ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An alternative plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead. □ There were alternative methods of travel available.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an alternative lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working. □ …unconventional parents who embraced the alternative lifestyle of the Sixties.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture. □ …alternative health care.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power. SYNONYMS alternative NOUN 1
substitute: …tests on humans to find a blood substitute made from animal blood.
option: What other options do you have? ADJ 2
other: He would have to accept it; there was no other way.
alternate: His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.
al|ter|na|tive|ly /ɔːltɜː r nət I vli/ ADV You use alternatively to introduce a suggestion or to mention something different to what has just been stated. □ Allow about eight hours for the drive from Calais. Alternatively, you can fly to Brive.
al|ter|na|tor /ɔː ltə r ne I tə r / (alternators ) N‑COUNT An alternator is a device, used especially in a car, that creates an electrical current that changes direction as it flows.
al|though ◆◆◆ /ɔːlðoʊ /
1 CONJ You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which contains a statement which contrasts with the statement in the main clause. □ Although he is known to only a few, his reputation among them is very great. □ Although the shooting has stopped for now, the destruction left behind is enormous.
2 CONJ You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which contains a statement which makes the main clause of the sentence seem surprising or unexpected. □ Although I was only six, I can remember seeing it on TV.
3 CONJ You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which gives some information that is relevant to the main clause but modifies the strength of that statement. □ He was in love with her, although he did not put that name to it.
4 CONJ You use although when admitting a fact about something which you regard as less important than a contrasting fact. □ Although they're expensive, they last forever and never go out of style. USAGE although
When a sentence begins with although
or though
, don’t use ‘but’ or ‘yet’ to introduce the main clause. Don’t say, for example, ‘
Although he was late, yet he stopped to buy a sandwich
’. You say ‘Although he was late, he stopped
to buy a sandwich’. □
Although he was English, he spoke
fluent French.
SYNONYMS
although
CONJ
1
though: He's very attractive, though he certainly isn't a ladykiller.
while: While the numbers are relatively small, the potential market is large.
even though: Even though I work alone, there are people who I can interact with.
al|time|ter /æ lt I miːtə r , [AM ] ælt I m I tə r / (altimeters ) N‑COUNT An altimeter is an instrument in an aircraft that shows the height of the aircraft above the ground.
al|ti|tude /æ lt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (altitudes ) N‑VAR If something is at a particular altitude , it is at that height above sea level. □ [+ of ] The aircraft had reached its cruising altitude of about 39,000 feet.
alto /æ ltoʊ/ (altos )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An alto is a woman who has a low singing voice.
2 N‑COUNT An alto or male alto is a man who has the highest male singing voice.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] An alto musical instrument has a range of notes of medium pitch.
al|to|geth|er ◆◇◇ /ɔː ltəge ðə r /
1 ADV [ADV after v] You use altogether to emphasize that something has stopped, been done, or finished completely. [EMPHASIS ] □ When Artie stopped calling altogether, Julie found a new man. □ His tour may have to be cancelled altogether.
2 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use altogether in front of an adjective or adverb to emphasize a quality that someone or something has. [EMPHASIS ] □ The choice of language is altogether different. □ Today's celebrations have been altogether more sedate.
3 ADV [with neg] You use altogether to modify a negative statement and make it less forceful. □ We were not altogether sure that the comet would miss the Earth.
4 ADV You can use altogether to introduce a summary of what you have been saying. □ Altogether, it was a delightful town garden, peaceful and secluded.
5 ADV If several amounts add up to a particular amount altogether , that amount is their total. □ Britain has a total of five thousand military personnel in the area altogether.
alt-right /ɔː ltra I t/ N‑SING [oft N n] The alt-right refers to a group of people with extreme right-wing views, including extreme views on race, who use the internet rather than traditional politics to organize and to share opinions. □ …alt-right websites.
al|tru|ism /æ ltru I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Altruism is unselfish concern for other people's happiness and welfare.
al|tru|is|tic /æ ltru I st I k/ ADJ If your behaviour or motives are altruistic , you show concern for the happiness and welfare of other people rather than for yourself.
alu|min|ium /æ ljʊm I niəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Aluminium is a lightweight metal used, for example, for making cooking equipment and aircraft parts. [BRIT ] □ …aluminium cans. in AM, use aluminum
alu|mi|num /əluː m I nəm/ → see aluminium
alum|nus /əlʌ mnəs/ (alumni /əlʌ mna I /) N‑COUNT The alumni of a school, college, or university are the people who used to be students there. [AM ]
al|ways ◆◆◆ /ɔː lwe I z/
1 ADV [ADV before v] If you always do something, you do it whenever a particular situation occurs. If you always did something, you did it whenever a particular situation occurred. □ Whenever I get into a relationship, I always fall madly in love. □ She's always late for everything. □ We've always done it this way. □ Always lock your garage.
2 ADV [ADV before v] If something is always the case, was always the case, or will always be the case, it is, was, or will be the case all the time, continuously. □ We will always remember his generous hospitality. □ He was always cheerful.
3 ADV If you say that something is always happening, especially something which annoys you, you mean that it happens repeatedly. □ She was always moving things around.
4 ADV You use always in expressions such as can always or could always when you are making suggestions or suggesting an alternative approach or method. □ If you can't find any decent apples, you can always try growing them yourself.
5 ADV [ADV before v] You can say that someone always was, for example, awkward or lucky to indicate that you are not surprised about what they are doing or have just done. □ She's going to be fine. She always was pretty strong.
Alzheimer's dis|ease /æ ltsha I mə r z d I ziːz/ or Alzheimer's N‑UNCOUNT Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which a person's brain gradually stops working properly.
am /əm, STRONG æm/ Am is the first person singular of the present tense of be . Am is often shortened to 'm in spoken English. The negative forms are 'I am not' and 'I'm not'. In questions and tags in spoken English, these are usually changed to 'aren't I'.
AM /e I e m/ (AMs )
1 AM is a method of transmitting radio waves that can be used to broadcast sound. AM is an abbreviation for 'amplitude modulation'.
2 N‑COUNT An AM is a member of the Welsh Assembly. AM is an abbreviation for 'assembly member'.
Am. Am. is a written abbreviation for American .
a.m. /e I e m/ also am a.m. is used after a number to show that you are referring to a particular time between midnight and noon. Compare p.m. □ The program starts at 9 a.m.
amalgam /əmæ lgəm/ (amalgams ) N‑COUNT Something that is an amalgam of two or more things is a mixture of them.
amal|gam|ate /əmæ lgəme I t/ (amalgamates , amalgamating , amalgamated ) VERB When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated , they become one large thing. □ [V + with ] The firm has amalgamated with an American company. □ [V + into ] The chemical companies had amalgamated into a vast conglomerate. □ [V n + with ] The Visitors' Centre amalgamates the traditions of the Old World with the technology of the New. [Also V pl-n] [Also V n + into ] ● amal|gama|tion /əmæ lgəme I ʃ ə n/ (amalgamations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The governing body was created from an amalgamation of three organizations.
amass /əmæ s/ (amasses , amassing , amassed ) VERB If you amass something such as money or information, you gradually get a lot of it. □ [V n] How had he amassed his fortune?
ama|teur ◆◇◇ /æ mətə r , [AM ] -tʃɜːr/ (amateurs )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An amateur is someone who does something as a hobby and not as a job. □ Jerry is an amateur who dances because he feels like it.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Amateur sports or activities are done by people as a hobby and not as a job. □ …the local amateur dramatics society.
ama|teur|ish /æ mətər I ʃ, [AM ] -tʃɜːr I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe something as amateurish , you think that it is not skilfully made or done. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The paintings looked very amateurish.
ama|teur|ism /æ mətər I zəm, [AM ] -tʃɜːr-/ N‑UNCOUNT Amateurism is the belief that people should take part in sports and other activities as a hobby, for pleasure, rather than as a job, for money. □ Graham is a staunch supporter of amateurism.
amaze /əme I z/ (amazes , amazing , amazed ) VERB If something amazes you, it surprises you very much. □ [V n] He amazed us by his knowledge of Welsh history. □ [V ] The Riverside Restaurant promises a variety of food that never ceases to amaze! [Also it V n that/wh] ● amazed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ [+ by ] He said most of the cast was amazed by the play's success.
amaze|ment /əme I zmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Amazement is the feeling you have when something surprises you very much. □ I stared at her in amazement.
amaz|ing ◆◇◇ /əme I z I ŋ/ ADJ You say that something is amazing when it is very surprising and makes you feel pleasure, approval, or wonder. □ It's amazing what we can remember with a little prompting. ● amaz|ing|ly ADV □ She was an amazingly good cook. SYNONYMS amazing ADJ
astonishing: …an astonishing display of physical strength.
surprising: A surprising number of customers order the same sandwich every day.
astounding: The results are quite astounding.
breathtaking: The house has breathtaking views from every room.
Ama|zon /æ məzən/ (Amazons )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a tribe of women who were very good at fighting.
2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a tall, strong woman as an Amazon .
Ama|zo|nian /æ məzoʊ niən/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Amazonian means related to the area around the river Amazon. □ …the Amazonian rainforest.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] People sometimes describe a tall, strong woman as Amazonian . □ …an Amazonian blonde.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Amazonian means belonging to or connected with the Amazons in Greek mythology. □ …Amazonian queens.
am|bas|sa|dor ◆◇◇ /æmbæ sədə r / (ambassadors ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An ambassador is an important official who lives in a foreign country and represents his or her own country's interests there. □ [+ to ] …the German ambassador to Poland.
am|bas|sa|dor|ial /æmbæ sədɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Ambassadorial means belonging or relating to an ambassador. □ …an ambassadorial post.
am|ber /æ mbə r /
1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Amber is a hard yellowish-brown substance used for making jewellery. □ …an amber choker with matching earrings.
2 COLOUR Amber is used to describe things that are yellowish-brown in colour.
3 COLOUR An amber traffic light is orange. □ Cars did not stop when the lights were on amber.
am|bi|ance /æ mbiəns/ → see ambience
am|bi|dex|trous /æ mbide kstrəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is ambidextrous can use both their right hand and their left hand equally skilfully.
am|bi|ence /æ mbiəns/ also ambiance N‑SING The ambience of a place is the character and atmosphere that it seems to have. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] The overall ambience of the room is cosy.
am|bi|ent /æ mbiənt/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] The ambient temperature is the temperature of the air above the ground in a particular place. [TECHNICAL ]
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ambient sound or light is the sound or light which is all around you. [TECHNICAL ] □ …ambient sounds of children in the background.
am|bi|gu|ity /æ mb I gjuː I ti/ (ambiguities ) N‑VAR If you say that there is ambiguity in something, you mean that it is unclear or confusing, or it can be understood in more than one way. □ [+ about ] There is considerable ambiguity about what this part of the agreement actually means.
am|bigu|ous /æmb I gjuəs/
1 ADJ If you describe something as ambiguous , you mean that it is unclear or confusing because it can be understood in more than one way. □ This agreement is very ambiguous and open to various interpretations. □ They may not be fully aware of what they are voting for because of ambiguous language on the ballot paper. ● am|bigu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ Zaire's national conference on democracy ended ambiguously.
2 ADJ If you describe something as ambiguous , you mean that it contains several different ideas or attitudes that do not fit well together. □ Students have ambiguous feelings about their role in the world.
am|bit /æ mb I t/ N‑SING [usu with poss] The ambit of something is its range or extent. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Her case falls within the ambit of moral law.
am|bi|tion ◆◇◇ /æmb I ʃ ə n/ (ambitions )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you have an ambition to do or achieve something, you want very much to do it or achieve it. □ His ambition is to sail round the world. □ He harboured ambitions of becoming a Tory MP.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Ambition is the desire to be successful, rich, or powerful. □ Even when I was young I never had any ambition. SYNONYMS ambition NOUN 1
goal: The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
aim: …a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.
target: He's won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season.
objective: His objective was to play golf and win.
am|bi|tious /æmb I ʃəs/
1 ADJ Someone who is ambitious has a strong desire to be successful, rich, or powerful. □ Chris is so ambitious, so determined to do it all.
2 ADJ An ambitious idea or plan is on a large scale and needs a lot of work to be carried out successfully. □ The ambitious project was completed in only nine months.
am|biva|lent /æmb I vələnt/ ADJ If you say that someone is ambivalent about something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it. □ [+ about ] She remained ambivalent about her marriage. □ He maintained an ambivalent attitude to the Church throughout his long life. ● am|biva|lence /æmb I vələns/ (ambivalences ) N‑VAR □ [+ about/towards ] I've never lied about my feelings, including my ambivalence about getting married again.
am|ble /æ mb ə l/ (ambles , ambling , ambled ) VERB When you amble , you walk slowly and in a relaxed manner. □ [V adv/prep] Slowly they ambled back to the car. □ [V adv/prep] We ambled along in front of the houses.
am|bro|sia /æmbroʊ ziə, [AM ] -ʒiə/ N‑UNCOUNT In Greek mythology, ambrosia is the food of the gods.
am|bu|lance /æ mbjʊləns/ (ambulances ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] An ambulance is a vehicle for taking people to and from hospital.
am|bu|lance|man /æ mbjʊlənsmæn/ (ambulancemen ) N‑COUNT An ambulanceman is a man who drives an ambulance or takes care of people in an ambulance on the way to hospital. [BRIT ] in AM, use ambulance driver
am|bush /æ mbʊʃ/ (ambushes , ambushing , ambushed )
1 VERB If a group of people ambush their enemies, they attack them after hiding and waiting for them. □ [V n] The Guatemalan army says rebels ambushed and killed 10 patrolmen.
2 N‑VAR An ambush is an attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them. □ A policeman has been shot dead in an ambush.
3 PHRASE If someone is lying in ambush , they are hiding and waiting for someone, usually to attack them. □ The gunmen, lying in ambush, opened fire, killing the driver.
ame|lio|rate /əmiː liəre I t/ (ameliorates , ameliorating , ameliorated ) VERB If someone or something ameliorates a situation, they make it better or easier in some way. [FORMAL ]
amen /ɑː me n, e I -/ CONVENTION Amen is said by Christians at the end of a prayer.
ame|nable /əmiː nəb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are amenable to something, you are willing to do it or accept it. □ [+ to ] Mazarin had been amenable to the idea.
amend /əme nd/ (amends , amending , amended )
1 VERB If you amend something that has been written such as a law, or something that is said, you change it in order to improve it or make it more accurate. □ [V n] The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections. □ [V -ed] …the amended version of the Act.
2 PHRASE If you make amends when you have harmed someone, you show that you are sorry by doing something to please them. □ He wanted to make amends for causing their marriage to fail.
amend|ment ◆◇◇ /əme ndmənt/ (amendments )
1 N‑VAR An amendment is a section that is added to a law or rule in order to change it. □ …an amendment to the defense bill.
2 N‑COUNT An amendment is a change that is made to a piece of writing. SYNONYMS amendment NOUN 1
adjustment: Compensation could be made by adjustments to taxation.
revision: An addition to earlier revisions of the questionnaire is the job requirement exercise.
amen|ity /əmiː n I ti, [AM ] -me n-/ (amenities ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Amenities are things such as shopping centres or sports facilities that are provided for people's convenience, enjoyment, or comfort. □ The hotel amenities include health clubs, conference facilities, and banqueting rooms.
Am|er|asian /əme re I ʒ ə n/ (Amerasians ) N‑COUNT People who have one American parent and one Asian parent are sometimes referred to as Amerasians . □ …discrimination against Amerasians. ● ADJ Amerasian is also an adjective. □ …an Amerasian boy.
Ameri|can /əme r I kən/ (Americans )
1 ADJ American means belonging or relating to the United States of America, or to its people or culture. □ …the American Ambassador at the United Nations. □ …the influence of American television and movies.
2 → see also Latin American
3 N‑COUNT An American is a person who comes from the United States of America. □ The Nobel Prize for medicine was won by two Americans.
Ameri|ca|na /əme r I kɑː nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Objects that come from or relate to America are referred to as Americana , especially when they are in a collection. □ …1950s Americana.
Ame ri|can foo t|ball (American footballs ) in AM, use football 1 N‑UNCOUNT American football is a game similar to rugby that is played by two teams of eleven players using an oval-shaped ball. Players try to score points by carrying the ball to their opponents' end of the field, or by kicking it over a bar fixed between two posts. [BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT An American football is an oval-shaped ball used for playing American football. [BRIT ]
Ame ri|can I n|dian (American Indians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] American Indian people or things belong to or come from one of the native peoples of America. [mainly BRIT ] ● N‑COUNT An American Indian is someone who is American Indian. [in AM, use Indian , Native American ]
Ameri|can|ism /əme r I kən I zəm/ (Americanisms ) N‑COUNT An Americanism is an expression that is typical of people living in the United States of America.
Ameri|cani|za|tion /əme r I kəna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use Americanisation N‑UNCOUNT Americanization is the process by which people or countries become more and more similar to Americans and the United States. □ …the Americanization of French culture.
Ameri|can|ized /əme r I kəna I zd/ in BRIT, also use Americanised ADJ If someone is Americanized , they do things in a way that is typical of the United States. □ He is getting very Americanized.
Ameri|ca|no /əme r I kɑː noʊ/ (Americanos ) also americano N‑UNCOUNT Americano is strong coffee with hot water added. ● N‑COUNT An Americano is a cup of Americano.
Am|er|in|dian /æ mər I ndiən/ (Amerindians ) Amerindian means the same as American Indian .
am|ethyst /æ məθ I st/ (amethysts )
1 N‑VAR Amethysts are clear purple stones, sometimes used to make jewellery. □ The necklace consisted of amethysts set in gold. □ …rows of amethyst beads.
2 COLOUR Amethyst is used to describe things that are pale purple in colour. □ …as the colours changed from green to amethyst. □ …amethyst glass. WORD HISTORY amethyst
Amethyst comes from Greek amethustos meaning 'not drunk'. It was thought in ancient times that anyone wearing or touching an amethyst would not become drunk. Wine goblets were sometimes carved from amethyst.
ami|abil|ity /e I miəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Amiability is the quality of being friendly and pleasant. [WRITTEN ] □ I found his amiability charming.
ami|able /e I miəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is amiable is friendly and pleasant to be with. [WRITTEN ] ● ami|ably ADV [ADV with v] □ We chatted amiably about old friends.
ami|cable /æ m I kəb ə l/ ADJ When people have an amicable relationship, they are pleasant to each other and solve their problems without quarrelling. □ The meeting ended on reasonably amicable terms. ● ami|cably /æ m I kəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ He hoped the dispute could be settled amicably.
amid ◆◇◇ /əm I d/ The form amidst is also used, but is more literary. 1 PREP If something happens amid noises or events of some kind, it happens while the other things are happening. □ A senior leader cancelled a trip to Britain yesterday amid growing signs of a possible political crisis.
2 PREP If something is amid other things, it is surrounded by them. [LITERARY ]
amid|ships /əm I dʃ I ps/ ADV [ADV after v] Amidships means halfway along the length of a ship. □ The ferry hit us amidships.
amidst /əm I dst/ PREP Amidst means the same as amid . [LITERARY ]
ami|no acid /əmiː noʊ æ s I d/ (amino acids ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Amino acids are substances containing nitrogen and hydrogen and which are found in proteins. Amino acids occur naturally in the body.
amiss /əm I s/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is amiss , you mean there is something wrong. □ Their instincts warned them something was amiss. □ [+ in ] Something is radically amiss in our health care system.
2 PHRASE If you say that something would not go amiss or would not come amiss , you mean that it would be pleasant and useful. [BRIT ] □ A bit of charm and humour would not go amiss.
am|ity /æ m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Amity is peaceful, friendly relations between people or countries. [FORMAL ] □ He wished to live in amity with his neighbour.
ammo /æ moʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Ammo is ammunition for guns and other weapons. [INFORMAL ]
am|mo|nia /əmoʊ niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ammonia is a colourless liquid or gas with a strong, sharp smell. It is used in making household cleaning substances.
am|mu|ni|tion /æ mjʊn I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Ammunition is bullets and rockets that are made to be fired from guns. □ He had only seven rounds of ammunition for the revolver.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can describe information that you can use against someone in an argument or discussion as ammunition . □ The improved trade figures have given the government fresh ammunition.
am|ne|sia /æmniː ziə, -ʒə/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from amnesia , they have lost their memory.
am|ne|si|ac /æmniː ziæk/ (amnesiacs ) ADJ Someone who is amnesiac has lost their memory. □ She was taken to hospital, apparently amnesiac and shocked. ● N‑COUNT An amnesiac is someone who is amnesiac. □ Even profound amnesiacs can usually recall how to perform daily activities.
am|nes|ty /æ mn I sti/ (amnesties )
1 N‑VAR An amnesty is an official pardon granted to a group of prisoners by the state. □ Activists who were involved in crimes of violence will not automatically be granted amnesty.
2 N‑COUNT An amnesty is a period of time during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without being punished. □ [+ for ] The government has announced an immediate amnesty for rebel fighters.
am|nio|cen|tesis /æ mnioʊsentiː s I s/ N‑SING If a pregnant woman has an amniocentesis , fluid is removed from her womb in order to check that her unborn baby is not affected by certain genetic disorders.
amoe|ba /əmiː bə/ (amoebae /əmiː bi/ or amoebas ) N‑COUNT An amoeba is the smallest kind of living creature. Amoebae consist of only one cell, and are found in water or soil.
amok /əmʌ k, əmɒ k/ PHRASE If a person or animal runs amok , they behave in a violent and uncontrolled way. □ There is a lack of respect for authority in some schools with kids running amok.
among ◆◆◆ /əmʌ ŋ/ The form amongst is also used, but is more literary. 1 PREP Someone or something that is situated or moving among a group of things or people is surrounded by them. □ They walked among the crowds in Red Square. □ …a little house among the trees.
2 PREP If you are among people of a particular kind, you are with them and having contact with them. □ Things weren't so bad, after all. I was among friends again. □ I was brought up among people who read and wrote a lot.
3 PREP If someone or something is among a group, they are a member of that group and share its characteristics. □ A fifteen year old girl was among the injured. □ Also among the speakers was the new American ambassador to Moscow.
4 PREP If you want to focus on something that is happening within a particular group of people, you can say that it is happening among that group. □ Unemployment is quite high, especially among young people.
5 PREP If something happens among a group of people, it happens within the whole of that group or between the members of that group. □ I am sick of all the quarrelling among politicians who should be concentrating on vital issues.
6 PREP If something such as a feeling, opinion, or situation exists among a group of people, most of them have it or experience it. □ The biggest fear among parents thinking of using the Internet is that their children will be exposed to pornography.
7 PREP If something applies to a particular person or thing among others , it also applies to other people or things. □ …a news conference attended among others by our foreign affairs correspondent.
8 PREP If something is shared among a number of people, some of it is given to all of them. □ Most of the furniture was left to the neighbours or distributed among friends.
9 PREP If people talk, fight, or agree among themselves , they do it together, without involving anyone else. □ European farm ministers disagree among themselves.
amongst /əmʌ ŋst/ PREP Amongst means the same as among . [LITERARY ]
amor|al /e I mɒ rəl, [AM ] -mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe someone as amoral , you do not like the way they behave because they do not seem to care whether what they do is right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I strongly disagree with this amoral approach to politics.
amo|rous /æ mərəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's feelings or actions as amorous , you mean that they involve sexual desire.
amor|phous /əmɔː r fəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is amorphous has no clear shape or structure. [FORMAL ] □ A dark, strangely amorphous shadow filled the room. □ …the amorphous mass of the unemployed.
amor|tize /əmɔː r ta I z, [AM ] æ mər-/ (amortizes , amortizing , amortized ) in BRIT, also use amortise VERB In finance, if you amortize a debt, you pay it back in regular payments. [BUSINESS ] □ [be V -ed] Business expenses had to be amortized over a 60 month period.
amount ◆◆◇ /əmaʊ nt/ (amounts , amounting , amounted )
1 N‑VAR The amount of something is how much there is, or how much you have, need, or get. □ [+ of ] He needs that amount of money to survive. □ [+ of ] I still do a certain amount of work for them. □ Postal money orders are available in amounts up to $700.
2 VERB If something amounts to a particular total, all the parts of it add up to that total. □ [V + to ] Consumer spending on sports-related items amounted to £9.75 billion.
▸ amount to PHRASAL VERB If you say that one thing amounts to something else, you consider the first thing to be the same as the second thing. □ [V P n] The confessions were obtained by what amounts to torture. COLLOCATIONS amount NOUN 1
adjective + amount : certain, considerable, fair, significant, substantial; enormous, huge, large, tremendous, vast; maximum, minimum; total
verb + amount : invest, pay, spend; increase, reduce
amour /æmʊə r / (amours ) N‑COUNT An amour is a love affair, especially one which is kept secret. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ]
amp /æ mp/ (amps )
1 N‑COUNT An amp is the same as an ampere . □ Use a 3 amp fuse for equipment up to 720 watts.
2 N‑COUNT An amp is the same as an amplifier . [INFORMAL ]
am|pere /æ mpeə r , [AM ] -p I ə r / (amperes ) in BRIT, also use ampère N‑COUNT An ampere is a unit which is used for measuring electric current. The abbreviation amp is also used.
am|pheta|mine /æmfe təmiːn/ (amphetamines ) N‑VAR Amphetamine is a drug which increases people's energy, makes them excited, and reduces their desire for food.
am|phib|ian /æmf I biən/ (amphibians )
1 N‑COUNT Amphibians are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.
2 N‑COUNT An amphibian is a vehicle which is able to move on both land and water, or an aeroplane which can land on both land and water.
am|phibi|ous /æmf I biəs/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] In an amphibious military operation, army and navy forces attack a place from the sea. □ A third brigade is at sea, ready for an amphibious assault.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An amphibious vehicle is able to move on both land and water.
3 ADJ Amphibious animals are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.
am|phi|thea|tre /æ mfiθ I ətə r / (amphitheatres ) in AM, use amphitheater N‑COUNT An amphitheatre is a large open area surrounded by rows of seats sloping upwards. Amphitheatres were built mainly in Greek and Roman times for the performance of plays.
am|ple /æ mp ə l/ (ampler , amplest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is an ample amount of something, there is enough of it and usually some extra. □ There'll be ample opportunity to relax, swim and soak up some sun. ● am|ply ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ They have been amply rewarded with huge salaries.
am|pli|fi|er /æ mpl I fa I ə r / (amplifiers ) N‑COUNT An amplifier is an electronic device in a radio or stereo system which causes sounds or signals to get louder.
am|pli|fy /æ mpl I fa I / (amplifies , amplifying , amplified )
1 VERB If you amplify a sound, you make it louder, usually by using electronic equipment. □ [V n] This landscape seemed to trap and amplify sounds. □ [be V -ed + with ] The music was amplified with microphones. □ [V -ed] 'This is the police,' came the amplified voice from the helicopter. ● am|pli|fi|ca|tion /æ mpl I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a voice that needed no amplification.
2 VERB To amplify something means to increase its strength or intensity. □ [V n] The mist had been replaced by a kind of haze that seemed to amplify the heat.
am|pli|tude /æ mpl I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (amplitudes ) N‑VAR In physics, the amplitude of a sound wave or electrical signal is its strength. [TECHNICAL ]
am|poule /æ mpuːl/ (ampoules ) in AM, use ampule N‑COUNT An ampoule is a small container, usually made of glass, that contains a drug which will be injected into someone. The abbreviation amp is also used.
am|pu|tate /æ mpjʊte I t/ (amputates , amputating , amputated ) VERB To amputate someone's arm or leg means to cut all or part of it off in an operation because it is diseased or badly damaged. □ [V n] To save his life, doctors amputated his legs. □ [have n V -ed] He had to have one leg amputated above the knee. [Also V ] ● am|pu|ta|tion /æ mpjʊte I ʃ ə n/ (amputations ) N‑VAR □ He lived only hours after the amputation.
am|pu|tee /æ mpjʊtiː / (amputees ) N‑COUNT An amputee is someone who has had all or part of an arm or a leg amputated.
amu|let /æ mjʊlət/ (amulets ) N‑COUNT An amulet is a small object that you wear or carry because you think it will bring you good luck and protect you from evil or injury.
amuse /əmjuː z/ (amuses , amusing , amused )
1 VERB If something amuses you, it makes you want to laugh or smile. □ [V n] The thought seemed to amuse him. □ [V ] Their antics never fail to amuse.
2 VERB If you amuse yourself , you do something in order to pass the time and not become bored. □ [V pron-refl] I need distractions. I need to amuse myself so I won't keep thinking about things. □ [V n] Put a selection of baby toys in his cot to amuse him if he wakes early.
3 → see also amused , amusing
amused /əmjuː zd/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are amused by something, it makes you want to laugh or smile. □ [+ by/at ] Sara was not amused by Franklin's teasing.
2 PHRASE If you keep someone amused , you find things to do which stop them getting bored. □ Having pictures to colour will keep children amused for hours.
amuse|ment /əmjuː zmənt/ (amusements )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Amusement is the feeling that you have when you think that something is funny or amusing. □ He stopped and watched with amusement to see the child so absorbed. □ Steamers tooted at us as sailors on deck waved in amusement.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Amusement is the pleasure that you get from being entertained or from doing something interesting. □ I fell flat on my back, much to the amusement of the rest of the lads.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Amusements are ways of passing the time pleasantly. □ People had very few amusements to choose from. There was no radio, or television.
4 N‑PLURAL Amusements are games, rides, and other things that you can enjoy, for example at a fairground or at the seaside.
amu se|ment ar|cade (amusement arcades ) N‑COUNT An amusement arcade is a place where you can play games on machines which work when you put money in them.
amu se|ment park (amusement parks ) N‑COUNT An amusement park is the same as a funfair . [mainly AM ]
amus|ing /əmjuː z I ŋ/ ADJ Someone or something that is amusing makes you laugh or smile. □ He had a terrific sense of humour and could be very amusing. ● amus|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ It must be amusingly written.
an /ən, STRONG æn/
1 DET An is used instead of 'a', the indefinite article, in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.
2 → see also a
SUFFIX -an
is added to the names of some places in order to form adjectives or nouns that refer to people or things which come from that place. For example, the Australian foreign minister is the foreign minister for Australia.
ana|bol|ic ster|oid /æ nəbɒl I k ste rɔ I d, st I ə r-/ (anabolic steroids ) N‑COUNT Anabolic steroids are drugs which people, especially athletes, take to make their muscles bigger and to give them more strength.
anach|ro|nism /ənæ krən I zəm/ (anachronisms )
1 N‑COUNT You say that something is an anachronism when you think that it is out of date or old-fashioned. □ The President tended to regard the Church as an anachronism.
2 N‑COUNT An anachronism is something in a book, play, or film that is wrong because it did not exist at the time the book, play, or film is set. □ I noticed repeated linguistic anachronisms, which occur in every episode.
anach|ro|nis|tic /ənæ krən I st I k/ ADJ You say that something is anachronistic when you think that it is out of date or old-fashioned. □ Many of its practices seem anachronistic.
anaemia /əniː miə/ in AM, use anemia N‑UNCOUNT Anaemia is a medical condition in which there are too few red cells in your blood, causing you to feel tired and look pale.
anaemic /əniː m I k/ in AM, use anemic 1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is anaemic suffers from anaemia.
2 ADJ If you describe something as anaemic , you mean that it is not as strong or effective as you think it should be. □ We will see some economic recovery, but it will be very anaemic.
an|aero|bic /æneəroʊ b I k/
1 ADJ Anaerobic creatures or processes do not need oxygen in order to function or survive.
2 ADJ Anaerobic exercise is exercise such as weight training that improves your strength but does not raise your heart rate.
an|aes|the|sia /æ n I sθiː ziə, -ʒə/ also anesthesia N‑UNCOUNT Anaesthesia is the use of anaesthetics in medicine and surgery.
an|aes|thet|ic /æ n I sθe t I k/ (anaesthetics ) also anesthetic N‑VAR [oft under N ] Anaesthetic is a substance that doctors use to stop you feeling pain during an operation, either in the whole of your body when you are unconscious, or in a part of your body when you are awake. □ The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic.
anaes|the|tist /əniː sθət I st/ (anaesthetists ) N‑COUNT An anaesthetist is a doctor who specializes in giving anaesthetics to patients. [BRIT ] in AM, use anesthesiologist
anaes|the|tize /əniː sθəta I z/ (anaesthetizes , anaesthetizing , anaesthetized ) The spellings anesthetize in American English, and anaesthetise in British English are also used. 1 VERB When a doctor or other trained person anaesthetizes a patient, they make the patient unconscious or unable to feel pain by giving them an anaesthetic.
2 VERB If something such as a drug anaesthetizes part or all of your body, it makes you unable to feel anything in that part of your body.
ana|gram /æ nəgræm/ (anagrams ) N‑COUNT An anagram is a word or phrase formed by changing the order of the letters in another word or phrase. For example, 'triangle' is an anagram of 'integral'.
anal /e I n ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anal means relating to the anus of a person or animal.
an|alge|sic /æ n ə ldʒiː z I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An analgesic drug reduces the effect of pain. [FORMAL ]
analo|gous /ənæ ləgəs/ ADJ If one thing is analogous to another, the two things are similar in some way. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Marine construction technology is very complex, somewhat analogous to trying to build a bridge under water.
ana|logue /æ nəlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (analogues ) The spelling analog is used in American English, and also in British English for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT If one thing is an analogue of another, it is similar in some way. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] No model can ever be a perfect analogue of nature itself.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Analogue technology involves measuring, storing, or recording an infinitely variable amount of information by using physical quantities such as voltage.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An analogue watch or clock shows what it is measuring with a pointer on a dial rather than with a number display. Compare digital .
anal|ogy /ənæ lədʒi/ (analogies ) N‑COUNT If you make or draw an analogy between two things, you show that they are similar in some way. □ [+ between/with ] Once again, Hockett draws an analogy with American football
ana|lyse /æ nəla I z/ (analyses , analysing , analysed ) in AM, use analyze 1 VERB If you analyse something, you consider it carefully or use statistical methods in order to fully understand it. □ [V n] McCarthy was asked to analyse the data from the first phase of trials of the vaccine. □ [V wh] This book teaches you how to analyse what is causing the stress in your life.
2 VERB If you analyse something, you examine it using scientific methods in order to find out what it consists of. □ [V n] We haven't had time to analyse those samples yet. □ [have n V -ed] They had their tablets analysed to find out whether they were getting the real drug or not. [Also V wh]
ana|lys|er /æ nəla I zə r / (analysers ) in AM, use analyzer 1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An analyser is a piece of equipment which is used to analyse the substances that are present in something such as a gas. □ …an oxygen analyser.
2 N‑COUNT An analyser is someone who analyses information.
analy|sis ◆◇◇ /ənæ l I s I s/ (analyses /ənæ l I siːz/)
1 N‑VAR Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it. □ [+ of ] We did an analysis of the way that government money has been spent in the past.
2 N‑VAR Analysis is the scientific process of examining something in order to find out what it consists of. □ They collect blood samples for analysis at a national laboratory.
3 N‑COUNT An analysis is an explanation or description that results from considering something carefully. □ [+ of ] He started with an analysis of the situation as it stood in 1947.
4 PHRASE You use the expression in the final analysis or in the last analysis to indicate that the statement you are making is the most important or basic aspect of an issue. □ I'm on the right track and I think in the final analysis people will understand that. □ Violence in the last analysis produces more violence. SYNONYMS analysis NOUN
1
interpretation: Analysis and interpretation is a very personal thing.
evaluation: They announced that an inspection team was visiting the site, `for evaluation'.
scrutiny: The President promised a government open to public scrutiny.
3
examination: A post-mortem examination will check for any traces of drug taking.
study: …the first study of English children's attitudes.
test: X-rays and blood tests will also be used to aid diagnosis.
diagnosis: Symptoms may not appear for some weeks, so diagnosis can be difficult.
ana|lyst ◆◆◇ /æ nəl I st/ (analysts )
1 N‑COUNT An analyst is a person whose job is to analyse a subject and give opinions about it. □ …a political analyst.
2 N‑COUNT An analyst is someone, usually a doctor, who examines and treats people who are emotionally disturbed.
ana|lyt|ic /æ nəl I t I k/ ADJ Analytic means the same as analytical . [mainly AM ]
ana|lyti|cal /æ nəl I t I k ə l/
1 ADJ An analytical way of doing something involves the use of logical reasoning. □ I have an analytical approach to every survey. ● ana|lyti|cal|ly /æ nəl I t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ A teacher can encourage children to think analytically.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Analytical research involves using chemical analysis. □ All raw materials are subjected to our latest analytical techniques.
ana|lyze /æ nəla I z/ → see analyse
an|ar|chic /ænɑː r k I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as anarchic , you disapprove of them because they do not recognize or obey any rules or laws. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …anarchic attitudes and complete disrespect for authority.
an|ar|chism /æ nə r k I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anarchism is the belief that the laws and power of governments should be replaced by people working together freely.
an|ar|chist /æ nə r k I st/ (anarchists )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] An anarchist is a person who believes in anarchism. □ …a well-known anarchist poet.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has anarchist beliefs or views, they believe in anarchism. □ He was apparently quite converted from his anarchist views.
3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is an anarchist , you disapprove of them because they seem to pay no attention to the rules or laws that everyone else obeys. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was a social anarchist.
an|ar|chis|tic /æ nə r k I st I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An anarchistic person believes in anarchism. Anarchistic activity or literature promotes anarchism. □ …an anarchistic revolutionary movement.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as anarchistic , you disapprove of them because they pay no attention to the rules or laws that everyone else obeys. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Hell's Angels were once the most notorious and anarchistic of motorbike gangs.
anarcho- /ænɑː r koʊ-/ COMB Anarcho- combines with nouns and adjectives to form words indicating that something is both anarchistic and the other thing that is mentioned. □ In France there was a long tradition of anarcho-syndicalism.
an|ar|chy /æ nə r ki/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a situation as anarchy , you mean that nobody seems to be paying any attention to rules or laws. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Civil war and famine sent the nation plunging into anarchy.
anath|ema /ənæ θəmə/ N‑UNCOUNT If something is anathema to you, you strongly dislike it. □ [+ to ] Violence was anathema to them.
ana|tomi|cal /æ nətɒ m I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anatomical means relating to the structure of the bodies of people and animals. □ …minute anatomical differences between insects. ● ana|tomi|cal|ly /æ nətɒ m I kli/ ADV □ I need my pictures to be anatomically correct.
anato|mist /ənæ təm I st/ (anatomists ) N‑COUNT An anatomist is an expert in anatomy.
anato|mize /ənæ təma I z/ (anatomizes , anatomizing , anatomized ) in BRIT, also use anatomise VERB If you anatomise a subject or an issue, you examine it in great detail. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The magazine is devoted to anatomizing the inadequacies of liberalism.
anato|my /ənæ təmi/ (anatomies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Anatomy is the study of the structure of the bodies of people or animals.
2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can refer to your body as your anatomy . [HUMOROUS ]
3 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] An animal's anatomy is the structure of its body.
SUFFIX -ance
forms nouns that refer to a particular action, state, or quality. For example, brilliance is the state or quality of being brilliant, and appearance is the action of appearing.
an|ces|tor /æ nsestə r / (ancestors )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, with poss] Your ancestors are the people from whom you are descended. □ …our daily lives, so different from those of our ancestors. □ He could trace his ancestors back seven hundred years.
2 N‑COUNT An ancestor of something modern is an earlier thing from which it developed. □ [+ of ] The direct ancestor of the modern cat was the Kaffir cat of ancient Egypt.
an|ces|tral /ænse strəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use ancestral to refer to a person's family in former times, especially when the family is important and has property or land which they have had for a long time. □ …the family's ancestral home in southern Germany.
an|ces|try /æ nsestri/ (ancestries ) N‑COUNT Your ancestry is the fact that you are descended from certain people. □ …a family who could trace their ancestry back to the sixteenth century.
an|chor /æ ŋkə r / (anchors , anchoring , anchored )
1 N‑COUNT An anchor is a heavy hooked object that is dropped from a boat into the water at the end of a chain in order to make the boat stay in one place.
2 VERB When a boat anchors or when you anchor it, its anchor is dropped into the water in order to make it stay in one place. □ [V ] We could anchor off the pier. □ [V n] They anchored the boat.
3 VERB If you anchor an object somewhere, you fix it to something to prevent it moving from that place. □ [V n prep] The roots anchor the plant in the earth. □ [V -ed] The child seat belt was not properly anchored to the car.
4 VERB The person who anchors a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it and acts as a link between interviews and reports which come from other places or studios. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] Viewers saw him anchoring a five-minute summary of regional news. □ [V -ed] …a series of reports on the Vietnam War, anchored by Mr. Cronkite.
5 N‑COUNT The anchor on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it. [mainly AM ] □ He was the anchor of the 15-minute evening newscast.
6 PHRASE If a boat is at anchor , it is floating in a particular place and is prevented from moving by its anchor.
an|chor|age /æ ŋkər I dʒ/ (anchorages ) N‑VAR An anchorage is a place where a boat can anchor safely. □ The nearest safe anchorage was in Halifax, Nova Scotia. □ The vessel yesterday reached anchorage off Dubai.
anchor|man /æ ŋkə r mæn/ (anchormen ) also anchor man N‑COUNT The anchorman on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it.
anchor|woman /æ ŋkə r wʊmən/ (anchorwomen ) N‑COUNT The anchorwoman on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the woman who presents it.
an|cho|vy /æ ntʃəvi, [AM ] -tʃoʊvi/ (anchovies ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Anchovies are small fish that live in the sea. They are often eaten salted.
an|cien re|gime /ɑː nsjɒn re I ʒiː m/
1 N‑SING The ancien regime was the political and social system in France before the revolution of 1789.
2 N‑SING If a country has had the same political system for a long time and you disapprove of it, you can refer to it as the ancien regime . [DISAPPROVAL ]
an|cient ◆◇◇ /e I nʃənt/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ancient means belonging to the distant past, especially to the period in history before the end of the Roman Empire. □ They believed ancient Greece and Rome were vital sources of learning. ● an|cient|ly ADV □ Salisbury Plain was known anciently as Ellendune.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ancient means very old, or having existed for a long time. □ …ancient Jewish tradition.
a n|cient hi s|to|ry N‑UNCOUNT Ancient history is the history of ancient civilizations, especially Greece and Rome.
an|cil|lary /æns I ləri, [AM ] æ nsəleri/ (ancillaries )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] The ancillary workers in an institution are the people such as cleaners and cooks whose work supports the main work of the institution. □ …ancillary staff. □ …ancillary services like cleaning. ● N‑COUNT Ancillary is also a noun. □ …ancillaries who look after the children in the playground.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ancillary means additional to something else. [FORMAL ]
and ◆◆◆ /ənd, STRONG ænd/
1 CONJ You use and to link two or more words, groups, or clauses. □ When he returned, she and Simon had already gone. □ I'm going to write good jokes and become a good comedian. □ I'm 53 and I'm very happy.
2 CONJ You use and to link two words or phrases that are the same in order to emphasize the degree of something, or to suggest that something continues or increases over a period of time. [EMPHASIS ] □ We talked for hours and hours. □ He lay down on the floor and cried and cried.
3 CONJ You use and to link two statements about events when one of the events follows the other. □ I waved goodbye and went down the stone harbour steps.
4 CONJ You use and to link two statements when the second statement continues the point that has been made in the first statement. □ You could only tell the effects of the disease in the long term, and five years wasn't long enough.
5 CONJ You use and to link two clauses when the second clause is a result of the first clause. □ All through yesterday crowds have been arriving and by midnight thousands of people packed the square.
6 CONJ You use and to interrupt yourself in order to make a comment on what you are saying. □ As Downing claims, and as we noted above, reading is best established when the child has an intimate knowledge of the language.
7 CONJ You use and at the beginning of a sentence to introduce something else that you want to add to what you have just said. Some people think that starting a sentence with and is ungrammatical, but it is now quite common in both spoken and written English. □ Commuter airlines fly to out-of-the-way places. And business travelers are the ones who go to those locations.
8 CONJ You use and to introduce a question which follows logically from what someone has just said. □ 'He used to be so handsome.'—'And now?'.
9 CONJ And is used by broadcasters and people making announcements to change a topic or to start talking about a topic they have just mentioned. □ And now the headlines.
10 CONJ You use and to indicate that two numbers are to be added together. □ What does two and two make?
11 CONJ And is used before a fraction that comes after a whole number. □ …spent five and a half years. □ …fourteen and a quarter per cent.
12 CONJ You use and in numbers larger than one hundred, after the words 'hundred' or 'thousand' and before other numbers. □ …three thousand and twenty-six pounds.
an|dan|te /ændæ nti/ (andantes )
1 ADV [ADV after v] Andante written above a piece of music means that it should be played fairly slowly.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An andante is a piece of music that is played fairly slowly.
an|drogy|nous /ændrɒ dʒ I nəs/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In biology, an androgynous person, animal, or plant has both male and female sexual characteristics. [TECHNICAL ]
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as androgynous , you mean that they are not distinctly masculine or feminine in appearance or in behaviour.
an|drogy|ny /ændrɒ dʒ I ni/ N‑UNCOUNT Androgyny is the state of being neither distinctly masculine nor distinctly feminine.
an|droid /æ ndrɔ I d/ (androids )
1 N‑COUNT In science fiction books and films, an android is a robot that looks like a human being.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Android is an operating system for mobile phones and tablets. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ]
3 N‑COUNT An Android is a mobile phone or tablet that uses this software. [TRADEMARK , COMPUTING ]
an|ec|do|tal /æ n I kdoʊ t ə l/ ADJ Anecdotal evidence is based on individual accounts, rather than on reliable research or statistics, and so may not be valid. □ Anecdotal evidence suggests that sales in Europe have slipped.
an|ec|dote /æ n I kdoʊt/ (anecdotes ) N‑VAR An anecdote is a short, amusing account of something that has happened.
anemia /əniː miə/ → see anaemia
anemic /əniː m I k/ → see anaemic
anemo|ne /əne məni/ (anemones ) N‑COUNT An anemone is a garden plant with red, purple, or white flowers.
an|es|the|sia /æ n I sθiː ziə, -ʒə/ → see anaesthesia
an|es|thesi|olo|gist /æ n I sθiːziɒ lədʒ I st/ (anesthesiologists ) N‑COUNT An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in giving anaesthetics to patients. [AM ] in BRIT, use anaesthetist
an|es|thet|ic /æ n I sθe t I k/ → see anaesthetic
anes|the|tist /əniː sθət I st/ (anesthetists ) N‑COUNT An anesthetist is a nurse or other person who gives an anaesthetic to a patient. [AM ]
anes|the|tize /əniː sθəta I z/ → see anaesthetize
anew /ənjuː , [AM ] ənuː / ADV [ADV after v] If you do something anew , you do it again, often in a different way from before. [WRITTEN ] □ She's ready to start anew.
an|gel /e I ndʒ ə l/ (angels )
1 N‑COUNT Angels are spiritual beings that some people believe are God's servants in heaven.
2 N‑COUNT You can call someone you like very much an angel in order to show affection, especially when they have been kind to you or done you a favour. [FEELINGS ]
3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an angel , you mean that they seem to be very kind and good. [APPROVAL ]
an|gel|ic /ændʒe l I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone as angelic if they are, or seem to be, very good, kind, and gentle. [APPROVAL ] □ …an angelic face.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Angelic means like angels or relating to angels. □ …angelic choirs.
an|gel|ica /ændʒe l I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Angelica is the candied stems of the angelica plant which can be used in making cakes or sweets.
an|ger ◆◇◇ /æ ŋgə r / (angers , angering , angered )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Anger is the strong emotion that you feel when you think that someone has behaved in an unfair, cruel, or unacceptable way. □ He cried with anger and frustration. □ [+ at ] Ellen felt both despair and anger at her mother.
2 VERB If something angers you, it makes you feel angry. □ [V n] The decision to allow more offshore oil drilling angered some Californians. COLLOCATIONS anger NOUN 1
adjective + anger : growing, mounting, widespread; pent-up, righteous
anger + be + adjective : palpable, understandable
verb + anger : express, vent, voice; arouse, provoke, spark; control, suppress VERB 2
anger + noun : fans, residents, voters
anger + adverb : deeply
a nger ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Anger management is a set of guidelines that are designed to help people control their anger. □ …anger management courses
an|gi|na /ændʒa I nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Angina is severe pain in the chest and left arm, caused by heart disease.
an|gle ◆◇◇ /æ ŋg ə l/ (angles , angling , angled )
1 N‑COUNT An angle is the difference in direction between two lines or surfaces. Angles are measured in degrees. □ The boat is now leaning at a 30 degree angle.
2 → see also right angle
3 N‑COUNT An angle is the shape that is created where two lines or surfaces join together. □ …the angle of the blade.
4 N‑COUNT An angle is the direction from which you look at something. □ Thanks to the angle at which he stood, he could just see the sunset.
5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a way of presenting something or thinking about it as a particular angle . □ He was considering the idea from all angles.
6 VERB [usu cont] If someone is angling for something, they are trying to get it without asking for it directly. □ [V + for ] It sounds as if he's just angling for sympathy.
7 PHRASE If something is at an angle , it is leaning in a particular direction so that it is not straight, horizontal, or vertical. □ An iron bar stuck out at an angle.
an|gler /æ ŋglə r / (anglers ) N‑COUNT An angler is someone who fishes with a fishing rod as a hobby.
An|gli|can /æ ŋgl I kən/ (Anglicans )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anglican means belonging or relating to the Church of England, or to the churches related to it. □ …the Anglican Church. □ …an Anglican priest.
2 N‑COUNT An Anglican is a Christian who is a member of the Church of England, or of one of the churches related to it.
An|gli|can|ism /æ ŋgl I kən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anglicanism is the beliefs and practices of the Church of England, and of the churches related to it.
an|gli|cize /æ ŋgl I sa I z/ (anglicizes , anglicizing , anglicized ) in BRIT, also use anglicise VERB If you anglicize something, you change it so that it resembles or becomes part of the English language or English culture. □ [V n] He had anglicized his surname. ● an|gli|cized ADJ □ …an Anglicised version of the Welsh name 'Llywelyn'.
an|gling /æ ŋgl I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Angling is the activity or sport of fishing with a fishing rod.
Anglo- /æ ŋgloʊ-/
1 COMB [ADJ n] Anglo- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe something connected with relations between Britain and another country. □ …the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
2 COMB [ADJ n] Anglo- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe a person who has one British parent and one non-British parent. □ He was born of Anglo-American parentage.
A nglo-A sian (Anglo-Asians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] An Anglo-Asian person is someone of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi origin who has grown up in Britain. □ …the Anglo-Asian community. ● N‑COUNT An Anglo-Asian is someone who is Anglo-Asian.
A nglo-Ca tholic (Anglo-Catholics )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] The Anglo-Catholic part of the Church of England, or of the churches related to it, is the part whose beliefs and practices are similar to those of the Catholic Church. □ …a parish in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.
2 N‑COUNT An Anglo-Catholic is a Christian who belongs to the Anglo-Catholic section of the Church of England, or to the churches related to it.
A nglo-I ndian (Anglo-Indians ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] An Anglo-Indian person is someone whose family is partly British and partly Indian. □ …Anglo-Indian writer Amitav Ghosh. ● N‑COUNT An Anglo-Indian is someone who is Anglo-Indian.
An|glo|phile /æ ŋgloʊfa I l/ (Anglophiles ) ADJ If you describe a non-British person as Anglophile , you mean that they admire Britain and British culture. □ …a Shakespeare sonnet taught to him by his Anglophile uncle. ● N‑COUNT Anglophile is also a noun. □ He became a fanatical Anglophile.
An|glo|phone /æ ŋgləfoʊn/ (Anglophones )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Anglophone communities are English-speaking communities in areas where more than one language is commonly spoken. □ …anglophone Canadians. □ …anglophone Africa.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Anglophones are people whose native language is English or who speak English because they live in a country where English is one of the official languages.
A nglo-Sa xon (Anglo-Saxons )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The Anglo-Saxon period is the period of English history from the fifth century A.D. to the Norman Conquest in 1066. □ …the grave of an early Anglo-Saxon king. ● N‑COUNT An Anglo-Saxon was someone who was Anglo-Saxon. □ …the mighty sea power of the Anglo-Saxons.
2 ADJ Anglo-Saxon people are members of or are descended from the English race. □ …white Anglo-Saxon Protestant men. ● N‑COUNT Anglo-Saxon is also a noun. □ The difference is, you are Anglo-Saxons, we are Latins.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anglo-Saxon attitudes or ideas have been strongly influenced by English culture. □ Debilly had no Anglo-Saxon shyness about discussing money.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Anglo-Saxon is the language that was spoken in England between the fifth century A.D. and the Norman Conquest in 1066.
An|go|lan /æŋgoʊ l ə n/ (Angolans )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Angolan means belonging or relating to Angola or its people. □ …the Angolan government.
2 N‑COUNT An Angolan is someone who comes from Angola.
an|go|ra /æŋgɔː rə/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] An angora goat or rabbit is a particular breed that has long silky hair.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Angora cloth or clothing is made from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit. □ …an angora sweater.
an|gry ◆◇◇ /æ ŋgri/ (angrier , angriest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When you are angry , you feel strong dislike or impatience about something. □ [+ at ] She had been very angry at the person who stole her new bike. □ [+ with ] Are you angry with me for some reason? □ [+ about ] I was angry about the rumours. □ He's angry that people have called him a racist. □ An angry mob gathered outside the courthouse. ● an|gri|ly /æ ŋgr I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □ Officials reacted angrily to those charges.
angst /æ ŋst/ N‑UNCOUNT Angst is a feeling of anxiety and worry. [JOURNALISM ]
an|guish /æ ŋgw I ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Anguish is great mental suffering or physical pain. [WRITTEN ] □ Mark looked at him in anguish.
an|guished /æ ŋgw I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anguished means showing or feeling great mental suffering or physical pain. [WRITTEN ] □ She let out an anguished cry.
an|gu|lar /æ ŋgjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Angular things have shapes that seem to contain a lot of straight lines and sharp points. □ He had an angular face with prominent cheekbones.
ani|mal ◆◆◇ /æ n I m ə l/ (animals )
1 N‑COUNT An animal is a living creature such as a dog, lion, or rabbit, rather than a bird, fish, insect, or human being. □ He was attacked by wild animals. □ He had a real knowledge of animals, birds and flowers.
2 N‑COUNT Any living creature other than a human being can be referred to as an animal . □ Language is something which fundamentally distinguishes humans from animals. □ …a habitat for plants and animals.
3 N‑COUNT Any living creature, including a human being, can be referred to as an animal . □ Watch any young human being, or any other young animal.
4 ADJ Animal products come from animals rather than from plants. □ The illegal trade in animal products continues to flourish.
ani|mal|istic /æ n I məli st I k/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as animalistic , you mean that they do not try to hide or control their basic feelings and physical needs. □ The two teams were matched in a ferocious, almost animalistic battle. □ …her animalistic instincts for survival.
a ni|mal ri ghts N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] People who are concerned with animal rights believe very strongly that animals should not be exploited or harmed by humans.
a ni|mal te st|ing N‑UNCOUNT Animal testing involves doing scientific tests on animals when developing new products or drugs.
ani|mate (animates , animating , animated ) The adjective is pronounced /æ n I mət/. The verb is pronounced /æ n I me I t/. 1 ADJ Something that is animate has life, in contrast to things like stones and machines which do not. □ …all aspects of the material world, animate and inanimate.
2 VERB To animate something means to make it lively or more cheerful. □ [V n] The girls watched, little teasing smiles animating their faces.
ani|mat|ed /æ n I me I t I d/
1 ADJ Someone who is animated or who is having an animated conversation is lively and is showing their feelings. ● ani|mat|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Sammy was talking animatedly with Ned.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An animated film is one in which puppets or drawings appear to move.
ani|ma|tion /æ n I me I ʃ ə n/ (animations )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Animation is the process of making films in which drawings or puppets appear to move. □ …computer animation.
2 N‑COUNT An animation is a film in which drawings or puppets appear to move.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Someone with animation shows liveliness in the way that they speak, look, or behave. □ They both spoke with animation.
4 → see also suspended animation
ani|ma|tor /æ n I me I tə r / (animators ) N‑COUNT An animator is a person who makes films by means of animation.
an|ime /æ n I me I / N‑UNCOUNT Anime is a style of Japanese animated film that often contains scenes that are intended for adults. □ Japanese anime is usually richer, and more artistically dynamic than Hollywood's cartoons for kids.
ani|mos|ity /æ n I mɒ s I ti/ (animosities ) N‑UNCOUNT Animosity is a strong feeling of dislike and anger. Animosities are feelings of this kind. □ There's a long history of animosity between the two nations.
ani|mus /æ n I məs/ N‑UNCOUNT If a person has an animus against someone, they have a strong feeling of dislike for them, even when there is no good reason for it. [FORMAL ] □ Your animus towards him suggests that you are the wrong man for the job.
an|ise /æ n I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Anise is a plant with seeds that have a strong smell and taste. It is often made into an alcoholic drink.
ani|seed /æ n I siːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Aniseed is a substance made from the seeds of the anise plant. It is used as a flavouring in sweets, drinks, and medicine.
an|kle /æ ŋk ə l/ (ankles ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your ankle is the joint where your foot joins your leg.
an|nals /æ n ə lz/ N‑PLURAL [usu in the N of n] If something is in the annals of a nation or field of activity, it is recorded as part of its history. □ He has become a legend in the annals of military history.
an|nex /æne ks/ (annexes , annexing , annexed ) VERB If a country annexes another country or an area of land, it seizes it and takes control of it. □ [V n] Rome annexed the Nabatean kingdom in 106 AD. □ [V n + to ] Hitler was determined to annex Austria to Germany. ● an|nexa|tion /æ nekse I ʃ ə n/ (annexations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] □ [+ of ] …the Nazi annexation of territories in the run up to the Second World War.
an|nexe /æ neks/ (annexes ) also annex
1 N‑COUNT An annexe is a building which is joined to or is next to a larger main building. □ …setting up a museum in an annexe to the theatre.
2 N‑COUNT An annexe to a document is a section added to it at the end. □ The Annex lists and discusses eight titles.
an|ni|hi|late /əna I I le I t/ (annihilates , annihilating , annihilated )
1 VERB To annihilate something means to destroy it completely. □ [be V -ed] The Army was annihilated. ● an|ni|hi|la|tion /əna I I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the threat of nuclear war and annihilation of the human race.
2 VERB If you annihilate someone in a contest or argument, you totally defeat them. □ [V n] The Dutch annihilated the European champions 5-0.
an|ni|ver|sa|ry ◆◇◇ /æ n I vɜː r səri/ (anniversaries ) N‑COUNT An anniversary is a date which is remembered or celebrated because a special event happened on that date in a previous year. □ …the celebrations of the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America.
an|no|tate /æ noʊte I t/ (annotates , annotating , annotated ) VERB If you annotate written work or a diagram, you add notes to it, especially in order to explain it. □ [V n] Historians annotate, check and interpret the diary selections. □ [V -ed] …an annotated bibliography.
an|no|ta|tion /æ noʊte I ʃ ə n/ (annotations )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Annotation is the activity of annotating something. □ She retained a number of copies for further annotation.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] An annotation is a note that is added to a text or diagram, often in order to explain it. □ He supplied annotations to nearly 15,000 musical works.
an|nounce ◆◆◆ /ənaʊ ns/ (announces , announcing , announced )
1 VERB If you announce something, you tell people about it publicly or officially. □ [V that] He will announce tonight that he is resigning from office. □ [V n] When they announced their engagement, no one was surprised. □ [be V -ed that] It was announced that the groups have agreed to a cease-fire.
2 VERB If you announce a piece of news or an intention, especially something that people may not like, you say it loudly and clearly, so that everyone you are with can hear it. □ [V that] Peter announced that he had no intention of wasting his time at any university. □ [V with quote] 'I'm having a bath and going to bed,' she announced, and left the room.
3 VERB If an airport or railway employee announces something, they tell the public about it by means of a loudspeaker system. □ [V n] Station staff announced the arrival of the train over the tannoy. □ [V that] They announced his plane was delayed.
an|nounce|ment ◆◇◇ /ənaʊ nsmənt/ (announcements )
1 N‑COUNT [N that] An announcement is a statement made to the public or to the media which gives information about something that has happened or that will happen. □ Sir Robert made his announcement after talks with the President.
2 N‑SING The announcement of something that has happened is the act of telling people about it. □ [+ of ] …the announcement of their engagement.
3 N‑COUNT An announcement in a public place, such as a newspaper or the window of a shop, is a short piece of writing telling people about something or asking for something. □ An announcement in The Times listed the forthcoming marriage. SYNONYMS announcement NOUN 1
statement: The statement by the military denied any involvement in last night's attack.
declaration: The opening speeches sounded more like declarations of war than offerings of peace.
bulletin: A bulletin was released announcing that the president was out of danger.
communication: The ambassador has brought with him a communication from the President.
communiqué: The communiqué said military targets had been hit.
an|nounc|er /ənaʊ nsə r / (announcers )
1 N‑COUNT An announcer is someone who introduces programmes on radio or television or who reads the text of a radio or television advertisement. □ The radio announcer said it was nine o'clock.
2 N‑COUNT The announcer at a railway station or airport is the person who makes the announcements. □ The announcer apologised for the delay.
an|noy /ənɔ I / (annoys , annoying , annoyed )
1 VERB If someone or something annoys you, it makes you fairly angry and impatient. □ [V n] Try making a note of the things which annoy you. □ [V n that] It annoyed me that I didn't have time to do more reading. □ [V n to-inf] It just annoyed me to hear him going on. [Also V ]
2 → see also annoyed , annoying
an|noy|ance /ənɔ I əns/ (annoyances )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Annoyance is the feeling that you get when someone makes you feel fairly angry or impatient. □ To her annoyance the stranger did not go away.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An annoyance is something that makes you feel angry or impatient. □ Inconsiderate neighbours can be more than an annoyance.
an|noyed /ənɔ I d/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are annoyed , you are fairly angry about something. □ She is hurt and annoyed that the authorities have banned her from working with children.
2 → see also annoy
an|noy|ing /ənɔ I I ŋ/
1 ADJ Someone or something that is annoying makes you feel fairly angry and impatient. □ You must have found my attitude annoying. □ The annoying thing about the scheme is that it's confusing. ● an|noy|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □ Alex looked annoyingly cheerful.
2 → see also annoy
an|nual ◆◆◇ /æ njuəl/ (annuals )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Annual events happen once every year. □ …the annual conference of Britain's trade union movement. □ In its annual report, UNICEF says at least 40,000 children die every day. ● an|nual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Companies report to their shareholders annually.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Annual quantities or rates relate to a period of one year. □ The electronic and printing unit has annual sales of about $80 million. ● an|nual|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ El Salvador produces 100,000 tons of refined copper annually.
3 N‑COUNT An annual is a book or magazine that is published once a year.
4 N‑COUNT An annual is a plant that grows and dies within one year. SYNONYMS annual ADJ 1
yearly: …the yearly increase in the cost of raw materials.
an|nu|ity /ənjuː I ti, [AM ] ənuː I ti/ (annuities ) N‑COUNT An annuity is an investment or insurance policy that pays someone a fixed sum of money each year. [BUSINESS ]
an|nul /ənʌ l/ (annuls , annulling , annulled ) VERB [usu passive] If an election or a contract is annulled , it is declared invalid, so that legally it is considered never to have existed. □ [be V -ed] The marriage was annulled last month.
an|nul|ment /ənʌ lmənt/ (annulments ) N‑VAR The annulment of a contract or marriage is an official declaration that it is invalid, so that legally it is considered never to have existed. □ [+ of ] …the annulment of the elections.
an|num /æ nəm/ → see per annum
An|nun|cia|tion /ənʌ nsie I ʃ ə n/ N‑PROPER In Christianity, the Annunciation was the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she was going to give birth to the son of God.
an|ode /æ noʊd/ (anodes ) N‑COUNT In electronics, an anode is the positive electrode in a cell such as a battery. Compare cathode . [TECHNICAL ]
ano|dyne /æ nəda I n/ ADJ If you describe something as anodyne , you are criticizing it because it has no strong characteristics and is not likely to excite, interest, or upset anyone. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Their quarterly meetings were anodyne affairs.
anoint /ənɔ I nt/ (anoints , anointing , anointed )
1 VERB To anoint someone means to put oil or water on a part of their body, usually for religious reasons. □ [V n] He anointed my forehead. □ [V n + as ] The Pope has anointed him as Archbishop. □ [V -ed] …the anointed king.
2 VERB If a person in a position of authority anoints someone, they choose them to do a particular important job. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n + as ] The populist party anointed him as its candidate. □ [V n] Mr. Olsen has always avoided anointing any successor.
anoma|lous /ənɒ mələs/ ADJ Something that is anomalous is different from what is usual or expected. [FORMAL ] □ For years this anomalous behaviour has baffled scientists.
anoma|ly /ənɒ məli/ (anomalies ) N‑COUNT If something is an anomaly , it is different from what is usual or expected. [FORMAL ] □ The British public's wariness of opera is an anomaly in Europe.
anon /ənɒ n/ ADV [ADV after v] Anon means quite soon. [LITERARY ] □ You shall see him anon.
anon. Anon. is often written after poems or other writing to indicate that the author is not known. Anon. is an abbreviation for 'anonymous'.
anony|mous /ənɒ n I məs/
1 ADJ If you remain anonymous when you do something, you do not let people know that you were the person who did it. □ You can remain anonymous if you wish. □ An anonymous benefactor stepped in to provide the prize money. □ …anonymous phone calls. ● ano|nym|ity /æ nɒn I m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Both mother and daughter, who have requested anonymity, are doing fine. ● anony|mous|ly ADV □ The latest photographs were sent anonymously to the magazine's headquarters.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is anonymous does not reveal who you are. □ Of course, that would have to be by anonymous vote. ● ano|nym|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ He claims many more people would support him in the anonymity of a voting booth.
3 ADJ If you describe a place as anonymous , you dislike it because it has no unusual or interesting features and seems unwelcoming. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It's nice to stay in a home rather than in an anonymous holiday villa. ● ano|nym|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ …the anonymity of the rented room.
ano|rak /æ nəræk/ (anoraks ) N‑COUNT An anorak is a warm waterproof jacket, usually with a hood.
ano|rexia /ænəre ksiə/ N‑UNCOUNT Anorexia or anorexia nervosa is an illness in which a person has an overwhelming fear of becoming fat, and so refuses to eat enough and becomes thinner and thinner.
ano|rex|ic /ænəre ks I k/ (anorexics ) ADJ If someone is anorexic , they are suffering from anorexia and so are very thin. ● N‑COUNT An anorexic is someone who is anorexic.
an|oth|er ◆◆◆ /ənʌ ðə r /
1 DET Another thing or person means an additional thing or person of the same type as one that already exists. □ Mrs. Madrigal buttered another piece of toast. □ We're going to have another baby. ● PRON Another is also a pronoun. □ The demand generated by one factory required the construction of another.
2 DET You use another when you want to emphasize that an additional thing or person is different to one that already exists. □ I think he's just going to deal with this problem another day. □ The counsellor referred her to another therapist. ● PRON Another is also a pronoun. □ He didn't really believe that any human being could read another's mind.
3 DET You use another at the beginning of a statement to link it to a previous statement. □ Another change that Sue made was to install central heating.
4 DET You use another before a word referring to a distance, length of time, or other amount, to indicate an additional amount. □ Continue down the same road for another 2 kilometres. □ He believes prices will not rise by more than another 4 per cent.
5 PRON You use one another to indicate that each member of a group does something to or for the other members. □ …women learning to help themselves and one another.
6 PHRASE If you talk about one thing after another , you are referring to a series of repeated or continuous events. □ They kept going, destroying one store after another.
7 PHRASE You use or another in expressions such as one kind or another when you do not want to be precise about which of several alternatives or possibilities you are referring to. □ …family members and visiting artists of one kind or another crowding the huge kitchen. USAGE another
Don’t use ‘another’ in front of a plural noun or an uncountable noun. Don’t say, for example, ‘
They arrange things better in another countries
’. Say ‘They arrange things better in other
countries’. □
Other
people had the same idea.
an|swer ◆◆◆ /ɑː nsə r , æ n-/ (answers , answering , answered )
1 VERB When you answer someone who has asked you something, you say something back to them. □ [V n] Just answer the question. □ [V ] He paused before answering. □ [V with quote] 'When?' asked Alba, 'Tonight', answered Tom. □ [V that] Williams answered that he had no specific proposals yet.
2 N‑COUNT [oft in N to n] An answer is something that you say when you answer someone. □ Without waiting for an answer, he turned and went in through the door. □ I don't quite know what to say in answer to your question.
3 PHRASE If you say that someone will not take no for an answer , you mean that they go on trying to make you agree to something even after you have refused. □ He would never take no for an answer.
4 VERB If you answer a letter or advertisement, you write to the person who wrote it. □ [V n] She answered an advert for a job as a cook. [Also V ]
5 N‑COUNT [oft in N to n] An answer is a letter that you write to someone who has written to you. □ I wrote to him but I never had an answer back. □ She wrote to his secretary in answer to his letter of the day before.
6 VERB When you answer the telephone, you pick it up when it rings. When you answer the door, you open it when you hear a knock or the bell. □ [V n] She answered her phone on the first ring. □ [V n] A middle-aged woman answered the door. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Answer is also a noun. □ I knocked at the front door and there was no answer.
7 N‑COUNT An answer to a problem is a solution to it. □ [+ to ] There are no easy answers to the problems facing the economy. □ Prison is not the answer for most young offenders.
8 N‑COUNT Someone's answer to a question in a test or quiz is what they write or say in an attempt to give the facts that are asked for. The answer to a question is the fact that was asked for. □ Simply marking an answer wrong will not help the pupil to get future examples correct. [Also + to ]
9 VERB When you answer a question in a test or quiz, you write or say something in an attempt to give the facts that are asked for. □ [V n] To obtain her degree, she answered 81 questions over 10 papers.
10 N‑COUNT [oft in N to n] Your answer to something that someone has said or done is what you say or do in response to it or in defence of yourself. □ In answer to speculation that she wouldn't finish the race, she boldly declared her intention of winning it.
11 VERB If you answer something that someone has said or done, you respond to it. □ [V n + with ] He answered her smile with one of his own. □ [V n] That statement seemed designed to answer criticism of allied bombing missions. [Also V n + by ]
12 VERB If something answers a need or purpose, it satisfies it, because it has the right qualities. □ [V n] We provide specially designed shopping trolleys to answer the needs of parents with young children.
13 VERB If someone or something answers a particular description or answers to it, they have the characteristics described. □ [V n] Two men answering the description of the suspects tried to enter Switzerland. □ [V + to ] The Japanese never built any aircraft remotely answering to this description.
▸ answer back PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a child, answers back , they speak rudely to you when you speak to them. □ [V P ] She was punished by teachers for answering back. □ [V n P ] I always answered him back when I thought he was wrong.
▸ answer for
1 PHRASAL VERB If you have to answer for something bad or wrong you have done, you are punished for it. □ [V P n] He must be made to answer for his terrible crimes.
2 PHRASE If you say that someone has a lot to answer for , you are saying that their actions have led to problems which you think they are responsible for.
an|swer|able /ɑː nsərəb ə l, æ n-/
1 ADJ If you are answerable to someone, you have to report to them and explain your actions. □ [+ to ] Councils should be answerable to the people who elect them.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are answerable for your actions or for someone else's actions, you are considered to be responsible for them and if necessary must accept punishment for them. □ [+ for ] He must be made answerable for these terrible crimes.
a n|swer|ing ma|chine (answering machines ) N‑COUNT An answering machine is the same as an answerphone .
an|swer|phone /ɑː nsə r foʊn, æ n-/ (answerphones ) N‑COUNT An answerphone is a device which you connect to your telephone and which records telephone calls while you are out. [mainly BRIT ]
ant /æ nt/ (ants ) N‑COUNT Ants are small crawling insects that live in large groups.
ant|acid /æntæ s I d/ (antacids ) N‑VAR Antacid is a substance that reduces the level of acid in the stomach.
an|tago|nise /æntæ gəna I z/ → see antagonize
an|tago|nism /æntæ gən I zəm/ (antagonisms ) N‑VAR Antagonism between people is hatred or dislike between them. Antagonisms are instances of this. □ [+ between ] There is still much antagonism between trades unions and the oil companies. □ Old antagonisms resurfaced.
an|tago|nist /æntæ gən I st/ (antagonists ) N‑COUNT Your antagonist is your opponent or enemy. □ Spassky had never previously lost to his antagonist.
an|tago|nis|tic /æntæ gən I st I k/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person is antagonistic to someone or something, they show hatred or dislike towards them. □ [+ to/towards ] Nearly all the women I interviewed were aggressively antagonistic to the idea.
an|tago|nize /æntæ gəna I z/ (antagonizes , antagonizing , antagonized ) in BRIT, also use antagonise VERB If you antagonize someone, you make them feel angry or hostile towards you. □ [V n] He didn't want to antagonize her.
Ant|arc|tic /æntɑː r kt I k/ N‑PROPER The Antarctic is the area around the South Pole.
ante /æ nti/ PHRASE If you up the ante or raise the ante , you increase your demands when you are in dispute or fighting for something. [JOURNALISM ]
ant|eater /æ ntiːtə r / (anteaters ) also ant-eater N‑COUNT An anteater is an animal with a long nose that eats termites or ants. Anteaters live in warm countries.
ante|ced|ent /æ nt I siː d ə nt/ (antecedents ) N‑COUNT An antecedent of something happened or existed before it and was similar to it in some way. [FORMAL ] □ We shall first look briefly at the historical antecedents of this theory.
ante|cham|ber /æ ntitʃe I mbə r / (antechambers ) also ante-chamber N‑COUNT An antechamber is a small room leading into a larger room.
ante|di|lu|vian /æ ntid I luː viən/ ADJ Antediluvian things are old or old-fashioned. [HUMOROUS ] □ …antediluvian attitudes to women.
ante|lope /æ nt I loʊp/ (antelopes or antelope ) N‑COUNT An antelope is an animal like a deer, with long legs and horns, that lives in Africa or Asia. Antelopes are graceful and can run fast. There are many different types of antelope.
ante|na|tal /æ ntine I t ə l/ also ante-natal ADJ [ADJ n] Antenatal means relating to the medical care of women when they are expecting a baby. □ …antenatal classes. □ …antenatal care.
an|ten|na /ænte nə/ (antennae /ænte niː/ or antennas ) antennas is the usual plural form for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The antennae of something such as an insect or crustacean are the two long, thin parts attached to its head that it uses to feel things with.
2 N‑COUNT An antenna is a device that sends and receives television or radio signals.
a nte-po st ADJ [usu ADJ n] In gambling, ante-post bets are placed before the day of a particular race or competition. [BRIT ] □ …the ante-post favourite for the Epsom Classic, Celtic Swing.
ante|ri|or /ænt I ə riə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anterior describes a part of the body that is situated at or towards the front of another part. [MEDICAL ] □ …the left anterior descending artery.
ante|room /æ ntiruːm/ (anterooms ) also ante-room N‑COUNT An anteroom is a small room leading into a larger room. □ He had been patiently waiting in the anteroom for an hour.
an|them /æ nθəm/ (anthems )
1 N‑COUNT An anthem is a song which is used to represent a particular nation, society, or group and which is sung on special occasions. □ The band played the Czech anthem.
2 → see also national anthem
ant|hill /æ nth I l/ (anthills ) also ant-hill N‑COUNT An anthill is a pile of earth formed by ants when they are making a nest.
an|thol|ogy /ænθɒ lədʒi/ (anthologies ) N‑COUNT An anthology is a collection of writings by different writers published together in one book. □ …an anthology of poetry.
an|thra|cite /æ nθrəsa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthracite is a type of very hard coal which burns slowly, producing a lot of heat and very little smoke.
an|thrax /æ nθræks/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthrax is a disease of cattle and sheep, in which they get painful sores and a fever. Anthrax can be used in biological weapons.
an|thro|pol|ogy /æ nθrəpɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthropology is the scientific study of people, society, and culture. ● an|thro|polo|gist /æ nθrəpɒ lədʒ I st/ (anthropologists ) N‑COUNT □ …an anthropologist who had been in China for three years.
an|thro|po|mor|phic /æ nθrəpəmɔː r f I k/ ADJ Anthropomorphic means relating to the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being. □ …the anthropomorphic attitude to animals.
an|thro|po|mor|phism /æ nθrəpəmɔː r f I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anthropomorphism is the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being.
anti /æ nti/ (antis )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to people who are opposed to a particular activity or idea as antis . [INFORMAL ] □ Despite what the antis would tell you, hunting is for people from all walks of life.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is opposed to something you can say that they are anti it. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □ That's why you're so anti other people smoking.
PREFIX anti-
forms nouns and adjectives that refer to some sort of opposition. For example, anti-virus software protects a computer from attack by viruses.
a nti-abo rtionist (anti-abortionists ) N‑COUNT An anti-abortionist is someone who wants to limit or prevent the legal availability of abortions.
anti|bi|ot|ic /æ ntiba I ɒ t I k/ (antibiotics ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Antibiotics are medical drugs used to kill bacteria and treat infections. □ Your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
anti|body /æ ntibɒdi/ (antibodies ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Antibodies are substances which a person's or an animal's body produces in their blood in order to destroy substances which carry disease.
an|tici|pate /ænt I s I pe I t/ (anticipates , anticipating , anticipated )
1 VERB If you anticipate an event, you realize in advance that it may happen and you are prepared for it. □ [V n] At the time we couldn't have anticipated the result of our campaigning. □ [be V -ed that] It is anticipated that the equivalent of 192 full-time jobs will be lost. □ [V that] I hadn't anticipated that Rob's team would advance that far. [Also V ]
2 VERB If you anticipate a question, request, or need, you do what is necessary or required before the question, request, or need occurs. □ [V n] What Jeff did was to anticipate my next question.
3 VERB If you anticipate something, you do it, think it, or say it before someone else does. □ [V n] In the 50s, Rauschenberg anticipated the conceptual art movement of the 80s.
an|tici|pat|ed /ænt I s I pe I t I d/ ADJ If an event, especially a cultural event, is eagerly anticipated , people expect that it will be very good, exciting, or interesting. □ …the most eagerly anticipated rock event of the year. □ …one of the conference's most keenly anticipated debates.
an|tici|pa|tion /ænt I s I pe I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Anticipation is a feeling of excitement about something pleasant or exciting that you know is going to happen. □ There's been an atmosphere of anticipation around here for a few days now.
2 PHRASE If something is done in anticipation of an event, it is done because people believe that event is going to happen. □ Troops in the Philippines have been put on full alert in anticipation of trouble during a planned general strike.
an|tici|pa|tory /ænt I s I pe I təri, [AM ] -pətɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An anticipatory feeling or action is one that you have or do because you are expecting something to happen soon. [FORMAL ] □ …an anticipatory smile.
anti|cli|max /æ ntikla I mæks/ (anticlimaxes ) N‑VAR You can describe something as an anticlimax if it disappoints you because it happens after something that was very exciting, or because it is not as exciting as you expected. □ After such a promising approach, the cave in itself was something of an anticlimax.
anti|clock|wise /æ ntiklɒ kwa I z/ also anti-clockwise ADV [ADV after v] If something is moving anticlockwise , it is moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the hands of a clock move. [BRIT ] □ The cutters are opened by turning the knob anticlockwise. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Anticlockwise is also an adjective. □ …an anticlockwise route around the coast. [in AM, use counterclockwise ]
an|tics /æ nt I ks/ N‑PLURAL Antics are funny, silly, or unusual ways of behaving. □ Elizabeth tolerated Sarah's antics.
anti|cy|clone /æ ntisa I kloʊn/ (anticyclones ) N‑COUNT An anticyclone is an area of high atmospheric pressure which causes settled weather conditions and, in summer, clear skies and high temperatures.
a nti-depre ssant (anti-depressants ) also antidepressant N‑COUNT An anti-depressant is a drug which is used to treat people who are suffering from depression.
anti|dote /æ ntidoʊt/ (antidotes )
1 N‑COUNT An antidote is a chemical substance that stops or controls the effect of a poison. □ When he returned, he noticed their sickness and prepared an antidote.
2 N‑COUNT Something that is an antidote to a difficult or unpleasant situation helps you to overcome the situation. □ [+ to ] Massage is a wonderful antidote to stress.
anti|freeze /æ ntifriːz/ N‑UNCOUNT Antifreeze is a liquid which is added to water to stop it freezing. It is used in car radiators in cold weather.
anti|gen /æ nt I dʒən/ (antigens ) N‑COUNT An antigen is a substance that helps the production of antibodies.
a nti-hero (anti-heroes ) also antihero N‑COUNT An anti-hero is the main character in a novel, play, or film who is not morally good and does not behave like a typical hero.
anti|his|ta|mine /æ ntih I stəm I n/ (antihistamines ) also anti-histamine N‑COUNT An antihistamine is a drug that is used to treat allergies.
anti|mat|ter /æ ntimætə r / N‑UNCOUNT In science, antimatter is a form of matter whose particles have characteristics and properties opposite to those of ordinary matter. [TECHNICAL ]
anti|oxi|dant /æ ntiɒ ks I dənt/ (antioxidants ) also anti-oxidant N‑COUNT An antioxidant is a substance which slows down the damage that can be caused to other substances by the effects of oxygen. Foods which contain antioxidants are thought to be very good for you.
anti|pas|to /æ ntipæstoʊ/ (antipasti ) N‑VAR Antipasto is the sort of food that is often served at the beginning of an Italian meal, for example cold meats and vegetables in olive oil.
an|tipa|thy /ænt I pəθi/ N‑UNCOUNT Antipathy is a strong feeling of dislike or hostility towards someone or something. [FORMAL ] □ She'd often spoken of her antipathy towards London.
An|tipo|dean /ænt I pədiː ən/ also antipodean ADJ [usu ADJ n] Antipodean describes people or things that come from or relate to Australia and New Zealand. [BRIT ] □ This New Zealand winery produces some of the best antipodean wines.
An|tipo|des /ænt I pədiːz/ N‑PROPER People sometimes refer to Australia and New Zealand as the Antipodes . [BRIT ]
anti|quar|ian /æ nt I kweə riən/ (antiquarians )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Antiquarian means concerned with old and rare objects. □ …an antiquarian bookseller. □ …antiquarian and second-hand books.
2 N‑COUNT An antiquarian is the same as an antiquary .
anti|quary /æ nt I kwəri, [AM ] -kweri/ (antiquaries ) N‑COUNT An antiquary is a person who studies the past, or who collects or buys and sells old and valuable objects.
anti|quat|ed /æ nt I kwe I t I d/ ADJ If you describe something as antiquated , you are criticizing it because it is very old or old-fashioned. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Many factories are so antiquated they are not worth saving.
an|tique ◆◇◇ /æntiː k/ (antiques ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An antique is an old object such as a piece of china or furniture which is valuable because of its beauty or rarity. □ …a genuine antique. □ …antique silver jewellery.
an|tiqued /æntiː kt/ ADJ An antiqued object is modern but has been made to look like an antique. □ Both rooms have antiqued pine furniture.
an|tiq|uity /ænt I kw I ti/ (antiquities )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Antiquity is the distant past, especially the time of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. □ …famous monuments of classical antiquity.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Antiquities are things such as buildings, statues, or coins that were made in ancient times and have survived to the present day. □ …collectors of Roman antiquities.
3 N‑UNCOUNT The antiquity of something is its great age. □ …a town of great antiquity.
anti-Semite /æ nti siː ma I t, [AM ] - se m-/ (anti-Semites ) N‑COUNT An anti-Semite is someone who strongly dislikes and is prejudiced against Jewish people.
a nti-Semi tic also antisemitic ADJ Someone or something that is anti-Semitic is hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people.
anti-Semitism /æ nti se m I t I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Anti-Semitism is hostility to and prejudice against Jewish people.
anti|sep|tic /æ ntise pt I k/ (antiseptics )
1 N‑VAR Antiseptic is a substance that kills germs and harmful bacteria. □ She bathed the cut with antiseptic.
2 ADJ Something that is antiseptic kills germs and harmful bacteria. □ These vegetables and herbs have strong antiseptic qualities.
a nti-so cial also antisocial
1 ADJ Someone who is anti-social is unwilling to meet and be friendly with other people. □ …teenagers who will become aggressive and anti-social.
2 ADJ Anti-social behaviour is annoying or upsetting to other people.
an|tith|esis /ænt I θəs I s/ (antitheses /ænt I θəsiːz/) N‑COUNT The antithesis of something is its exact opposite. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The little black dress is the antithesis of fussy dressing.
anti|theti|cal /æ nt I θe t I k ə l/ ADJ Something that is antithetical to something else is the opposite of it and is unable to exist with it. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ to ] Their priorities are antithetical to those of environmentalists.
anti|trust /æ ntitrʌ st/ ADJ [ADJ n] In the United States, antitrust laws are intended to stop large firms taking over their competitors, fixing prices with their competitors, or interfering with free competition in any way.
a nti-vi rus also antivirus ADJ [ADJ n] Anti-virus software is software that protects a computer against viruses.
ant|ler /æ ntlə r / (antlers ) N‑COUNT A male deer's antlers are the branched horns on its head.
an|to|nym /æ ntən I m/ (antonyms ) N‑COUNT The antonym of a word is a word which means the opposite. [FORMAL ]
antsy /æ ntsi/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is antsy , they are nervous or impatient. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ This is the end of a tour so I'm a little antsy, I guess.
anus /e I nəs/ (anuses ) N‑COUNT A person's anus is the hole from which faeces leaves their body.
an|vil /æ nv I l/ (anvils ) N‑COUNT An anvil is a heavy iron block on which hot metals are beaten into shape.
anxi|ety ◆◇◇ /æŋza I I ti/ (anxieties ) N‑VAR Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry. □ Her voice was full of anxiety. □ [+ about ] Many editorials express their anxieties about the economic chaos in the country. SYNONYMS anxiety NOUN
unease: Garland tried to appear casual, but he couldn't conquer his unease.
worry: His wife Cheryl said she had no worries about his health.
tension: Smiling and laughing has actually been shown to relieve tension and stress.
apprehension: It reflects real anger and apprehension about the future.
nervousness: I smiled warmly so he wouldn't see my nervousness.
anx|ious ◆◇◇ /æ ŋkʃəs/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] If you are anxious to do something or anxious that something should happen, you very much want to do it or very much want it to happen. □ The miners were anxious to avoid a strike. □ He is anxious that there should be no delay. □ Those anxious for reform say that the present system is too narrow.
2 ADJ If you are anxious , you are nervous or worried about something. □ The foreign minister admitted he was still anxious about the situation in the country. □ A friend of mine is a very anxious person. ● anx|ious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ They are waiting anxiously to see who will succeed him.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] An anxious time or situation is one during which you feel nervous and worried. □ He told last night of the anxious hours waiting to discover whether his girlfriend was safe from the earthquake. SYNONYMS anxious ADJ
1
eager: Robert was eager to talk about life in the Army.
keen: She's still keen to keep in touch.
impatient: He was impatient to get home.
2
uneasy: I had an uneasy feeling that he was going to spoil it.
concerned: I've been concerned about you lately.
worried: He seemed very worried.
nervous: She described Mr Hutchinson as nervous and jumpy after his wife's disappearance.
tense: There was a tense silence.
any ◆◆◆ /e ni/
1 DET You use any in statements with negative meaning to indicate that no thing or person of a particular type exists, is present, or is involved in a situation. □ I never make any big decisions. □ We are doing this all without any support from the hospital. □ Earlier reports were unable to confirm that there were any survivors. ● QUANT Any is also a quantifier. □ You don't know any of my friends. ● PRON Any is also a pronoun. □ The children needed new school clothes and Kim couldn't afford any.
2 DET You use any in questions and conditional clauses to ask whether there is some of a particular thing or some of a particular group of people, or to suggest that there might be. □ Do you speak any foreign languages? □ Have you got any cheese I can have with this bread? ● QUANT Any is also a quantifier. □ Have you ever used a homeopathic remedy for any of the following reasons? ● PRON Any is also a pronoun. □ The plants are inspected for insects and if I find any, they are squashed.
3 DET You use any in positive statements when you are referring to someone or something of a particular kind that might exist, occur, or be involved in a situation, when their exact identity or nature is not important. □ Any actor will tell you that it is easier to perform than to be themselves. □ I'm prepared to take any advice. ● QUANT Any is also a quantifier. □ It had been the biggest mistake any of them could remember. ● PRON Any is also a pronoun. □ Clean the mussels and discard any that do not close.
4 ADV You can also use any to emphasize a comparative adjective or adverb in a negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □ I can't see things getting any easier for graduates.
5 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not just any person or thing, you mean that they are special in some way. □ It's fashionable for young people to wear trainers, but not just any trainers.
6 PHRASE If something does not happen or is not true any more or any longer , it has stopped happening or is no longer true. □ I don't want to see her any more. □ I couldn't keep the tears hidden any longer.
7 in any case → see case ➊
8 by any chance → see chance
9 in any event → see event
10 not by any means → see means
11 any old → see old
12 at any rate → see rate
any|body ◆◇◇ /e nibɒdi/ PRON Anybody means the same as anyone .
any|how /e nihaʊ/
1 ADV Anyhow means the same as anyway .
2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something anyhow , you do it in a careless or untidy way. □ …her long legs which she displayed all anyhow getting in and out of her car.
any|more /e nimɔː r / In British English, the spelling anymore is sometimes considered incorrect, and any more is used instead. ADV [ADV after v] If something does not happen or is not true anymore , it has stopped happening or is no longer true. □ I don't ride my motorbike much anymore. □ I couldn't trust him anymore.
any|one ◆◆◇ /e niwʌn/ or anybody
1 PRON You use anyone or anybody in statements with negative meaning to indicate in a general way that nobody is present or involved in an action. □ You needn't talk to anyone if you don't want to. □ He was far too scared to tell anybody.
2 PRON You use anyone or anybody in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about whether someone is present or doing something. □ Why would anyone want that job? □ If anyone deserves to be happy, you do.
3 PRON You use anyone or anybody before words which indicate the kind of person you are talking about. □ It's not a job for anyone who is slow with numbers. □ Anybody interested in pop culture at all should buy this movie.
4 PRON You use anyone or anybody to refer to a person when you are emphasizing that it could be any person out of a very large number of people. [EMPHASIS ] □ Anyone could be doing what I'm doing.
5 PHRASE You use anyone who is anyone and anybody who is anybody to refer to people who are important or influential.
any|place /e niple I s/ ADV [ADV after v] Anyplace means the same as anywhere . [AM , INFORMAL ] □ She didn't have anyplace to go.
any|thing ◆◆◆ /e n I θ I ŋ/
1 PRON You use anything in statements with negative meaning to indicate in a general way that nothing is present or that an action or event does not or cannot happen. □ We can't do anything. □ She couldn't see or hear anything at all. □ By the time I get home, I'm too tired to do anything active.
2 PRON You use anything in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about whether something is present or happening. □ What happened, is anything wrong? □ Did you find anything? □ Is there anything you can do to help?
3 PRON You can use anything before words which indicate the kind of thing you are talking about. □ More than anything else, he wanted to become a teacher. □ Anything that's cheap this year will be even cheaper next year.
4 PRON You use anything to emphasize a possible thing, event, or situation, when you are saying that it could be any one of a very large number of things. [EMPHASIS ] □ He is young, fresh, and ready for anything. □ At that point, anything could happen.
5 PRON You use anything in expressions such as anything near , anything close to and anything like to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □ The only way he can live anything near a normal life is to have an operation.
6 PRON When you do not want to be exact, you use anything to talk about a particular range of things or quantities. □ The cows produce anything from 25 to 40 litres of milk per day.
7 PHRASE You use anything but in expressions such as anything but quiet and anything but attractive to emphasize that something is not the case. [EMPHASIS ] □ There's no evidence that he told anyone to say anything but the truth.
8 PHRASE You can say that you would not do something for anything to emphasize that you definitely would not want to do or be a particular thing. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ I wouldn't want to move for anything in the world.
9 PHRASE You use if anything , especially after a negative statement, to introduce a statement that adds to what you have just said. □ I never had to clean up after him. If anything, he did most of the cleaning.
10 PHRASE You can add or anything to the end of a clause or sentence in order to refer vaguely to other things that are or may be similar to what has just been mentioned. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , VAGUENESS ] □ Listen, if you talk to him or anything make sure you let us know, will you.
any|time /e nita I m/ ADV [ADV with v] You use anytime to mean a point in time which is not fixed or set. □ The college admits students anytime during the year. □ He can call me anytime.
any|way ◆◆◇ /e niwe I / or anyhow
1 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous point. □ I'm certain David's told you his business troubles. Anyway, it's no secret that he owes money. □ Mother certainly won't let him stay with her and anyhow he wouldn't.
2 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to suggest that a statement is true or relevant in spite of other things that have been said. □ I don't know why I settled on Aberdeen, but anyway I did. □ I wasn't qualified to apply for the job really but I got it anyhow.
3 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to correct or modify a statement, for example to limit it to what you definitely know to be true. □ Mary Ann doesn't want to have children. Not right now, anyway.
4 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you are asking what the real situation is or what the real reason for something is. □ What do you want from me, anyway? □ Where was Bud, anyhow?
5 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you are missing out some details in a story and are passing on to the next main point or event. □ I was told to go to Reading for this interview. It was a very amusing affair. Anyhow, I got the job.
6 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to change the topic or return to a previous topic. □ 'I've got a terrible cold.'—'Have you? Anyway, so you're staying at home this weekend?'
7 ADV You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you want to end the conversation. □ 'Anyway, I'd better let you have your dinner. Give our love to Francis. Bye.'
any|ways /e niwe I z/ ADV Anyways is a non-standard form of anyway . [AM , SPOKEN ]
any|where ◆◇◇ /e ni h weə r /
1 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use anywhere in statements with negative meaning to indicate that a place does not exist. □ I haven't got anywhere to live. □ There had never been such a beautiful woman anywhere in the world.
2 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV , from ADV ] You use anywhere in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about a place without saying exactly where you mean. □ Did you try to get help from anywhere? □ If she wanted to go anywhere at all she had to wait for her father to drive her.
3 ADV You use anywhere before words that indicate the kind of place you are talking about. □ He'll meet you anywhere you want. □ Let us know if you come across anywhere that has something special to offer.
4 ADV [ADV after v, be ADV ] You use anywhere to refer to a place when you are emphasizing that it could be any of a large number of places. [EMPHASIS ] □ Rachel would have known Julia Stone anywhere. □ …jokes that are so funny they always work anywhere.
5 ADV When you do not want to be exact, you use anywhere to refer to a particular range of things. □ [+ from ] His shoes cost anywhere from $200 up. □ [+ from ] My visits lasted anywhere from three weeks to two months. [Also + between/to ]
6 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use anywhere in expressions such as anywhere near and anywhere close to to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □ There weren't anywhere near enough empty boxes.
7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not getting anywhere or is not going anywhere , you mean that they are not making progress or achieving a satisfactory result. □ The conversation did not seem to be getting anywhere.
AOB /e I oʊ biː / AOB is a heading on an agenda for a meeting, to show that any topics not listed separately can be discussed at this point, usually the end. AOB is an abbreviation for 'any other business'.
aor|ta /e I ɔː r tə/ (aortas ) N‑COUNT The aorta is the main artery through which blood leaves your heart before it flows through the rest of your body.
apace /əpe I s/ ADV [ADV after v] If something develops or continues apace , it is developing or continuing quickly. [FORMAL ]
apart
➊ POSITIONS AND STATES
➋ INDICATING EXCEPTIONS AND FOCUSING
➊ apart ◆◆◇ /əpɑː r t/ In addition to the uses shown below, apart is used in phrasal verbs such as 'grow apart' and 'take apart'. 1 ADV [ADV after v] When people or things are apart , they are some distance from each other. □ [+ from ] He was standing a bit apart from the rest of us, watching us. □ [+ from ] Ray and sister Renee lived just 25 miles apart from each other. □ …regions that were too far apart to have any way of knowing about each other.
2 ADV [ADV after v] If two people or things move apart or are pulled apart , they move away from each other. □ John and Isabelle moved apart, back into the sun. □ He tried in vain to keep the two dogs apart before the neighbour intervened.
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