2 VERB When an official inspects a place or a group of people, they visit it and check it carefully, for example in order to find out whether regulations are being obeyed. □ [V n] The Public Utilities Commission inspects us once a year. ● in|spec|tion N‑VAR □ [+ of ] Officers making a routine inspection of the vessel found fifty kilograms of the drug. SYNONYMS inspect VERB 1
examine: He examined her passport and stamped it.
check: It's worth checking each item for obvious flaws.
survey: He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.
scrutinize: Their results were carefully scrutinised.
scan: She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspapers.
in|spec|tor ◆◇◇ / I nspe ktə r / (inspectors )
1 N‑COUNT An inspector is a person, usually employed by a government agency, whose job is to find out whether people are obeying official regulations. □ The mill was finally shut down by state safety inspectors.
2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In Britain, an inspector is an officer in the police who is higher in rank than a sergeant and lower in rank than a superintendent. □ I got on the phone to Inspector Joplin at Scotland Yard.
3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, an inspector is an officer in the police who is next in rank to a superintendent or police chief. □ …San Francisco police inspector Tony Camileri.
in|spec|tor|ate / I nspe ktərət/ (inspectorates ) N‑COUNT An inspectorate is a group of inspectors who work on the same issue or area. □ …the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.
in|spi|ra|tion / I nsp I re I ʃ ə n/ (inspirations )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something, which gives you new and creative ideas. □ My inspiration comes from poets like Baudelaire and Jacques Prévert.
2 N‑SING [an N ] If you describe someone or something good as an inspiration , you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] Powell's unusual journey to high office is an inspiration to millions.
3 N‑SING If something or someone is the inspiration for a particular book, work of art, or action, they are the source of the ideas in it or act as a model for it. □ [+ for ] India's myths and songs are the inspiration for her books. [also + behind ]
4 N‑COUNT If you suddenly have an inspiration , you suddenly think of an idea of what to do or say. □ Alison had an inspiration.
in|spi|ra|tion|al / I nsp I re I ʃən ə l/ ADJ Something that is inspirational provides you with inspiration. [APPROVAL ] □ Gandhi was an inspirational figure.
in|spire ◆◇◇ / I nspa I ə r / (inspires , inspiring , inspired )
1 VERB If someone or something inspires you to do something new or unusual, they make you want to do it. □ [V n to-inf] Our challenge is to motivate those voters and inspire them to join our cause.
2 VERB If someone or something inspires you, they give you new ideas and a strong feeling of enthusiasm. □ [V n] Jimi Hendrix inspired a generation of guitarists.
3 VERB [usu passive] If a book, work of art, or action is inspired by something, that thing is the source of the idea for it. □ [be V -ed + by ] The book was inspired by a real person, namely Tamara de Treaux. □ [V -ed] …a political murder inspired by the same nationalist conflicts now wrecking the country. ● -inspired COMB □ …Mediterranean-inspired ceramics in bright yellow and blue.
4 VERB Someone or something that inspires a particular emotion or reaction in people makes them feel this emotion or reaction. □ [V n] The car's performance quickly inspires confidence.
in|spir|ing / I nspa I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ Something or someone that is inspiring is exciting and makes you feel strongly interested and enthusiastic… □ She was one of the most inspiring people I've ever met.
Inst. N‑COUNT Inst. is a written abbreviation for institute or institution . □ …the Liverpool Inst. of Higher Ed.
in|stabil|ity / I nstəb I l I ti/ (instabilities ) N‑UNCOUNT Instability is the quality of being unstable. □ …unpopular policies, which resulted in social discontent and political instability.
in|stall ◆◇◇ / I nstɔː l/ (installs , installing , installed ) also instal
1 VERB If you install a piece of equipment, you fit it or put it somewhere so that it is ready to be used. □ [V n] They had installed a new phone line in the apartment. ● in|stal|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Hundreds of lives could be saved if the installation of alarms was more widespread.
2 VERB If someone is installed in a new job or important position, they are officially given the job or position, often in a special ceremony. □ [be V -ed] Almost a century of upheaval ended when William III of Orange was installed on the throne. □ [be V -ed + as ] The opposition candidate of the previous May was installed as president. □ [V n] The army has promised to install a new government within a week. [Also V n as n] ● in|stal|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □ [+ as ] He sent a letter inviting Naomi to attend his installation as chief of his tribe.
3 VERB If you install yourself in a particular place, you settle there and make yourself comfortable. [FORMAL ] □ [V pron-refl prep/adv] She had installed herself and her daughter, Cathy, in a villa.
in|stal|la|tion / I nstəle I ʃ ə n/ (installations )
1 N‑COUNT An installation is a place that contains equipment and machinery which are being used for a particular purpose. □ …a nuclear installation.
2 → see also install
in|sta ll|ment plan (installment plans ) N‑COUNT An installment plan is a way of buying goods gradually. You make regular payments to the seller until, after some time, you have paid the full price and the goods belong to you. [AM ] in BRIT, use hire purchase
in|stal|ment / I nstɔː lmənt/ (instalments ) in AM, use installment 1 N‑COUNT If you pay for something in instalments , you pay small sums of money at regular intervals over a period of time, rather than paying the whole amount at once. □ [+ of ] The first instalment of £1 per share is payable on application.
2 N‑COUNT An instalment of a story or plan is one of its parts that are published or carried out separately one after the other. □ [+ of ] …the disappointing third instalment of the Highlander series.
in|stance ◆◆◇ / I nstəns/ (instances )
1 PHRASE You use for instance to introduce a particular event, situation, or person that is an example of what you are talking about. □ There are a number of improvements; for instance, both mouse buttons can now be used.
2 N‑COUNT An instance is a particular example or occurrence of something. □ [+ of ] …an investigation into a serious instance of corruption.
3 PHRASE You say in the first instance to mention something that is the first step in a series of actions. □ In the first instance your child will be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist. SYNONYMS instance NOUN 2
example: The doctors gave numerous examples of patients being expelled from hospital.
case: In extreme cases, insurance companies can prosecute for fraud.
occurrence: Complaints seemed to be an everyday occurrence.
occasion: Mr Davis has been asked on a number of occasions.
in|stant ◆◇◇ / I nstənt/ (instants )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An instant is an extremely short period of time. □ For an instant, Catherine was tempted to flee. □ The pain disappeared in an instant.
2 N‑SING [usu at/in N ] If you say that something happens at a particular instant , you mean that it happens at exactly the time you have been referring to, and you are usually suggesting that it happens quickly or immediately. □ At that instant the museum was plunged into total darkness.
3 PHRASE To do something the instant something else happens means to do it immediately. [EMPHASIS ] □ I had bolted the door the instant I had seen the bat.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use instant to describe something that happens immediately. □ He had taken an instant dislike to Mortlake. ● in|stant|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The man was killed instantly.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] Instant food is food that you can prepare very quickly, for example by just adding water. □ …instant coffee. SYNONYMS instant NOUN 1
moment: In a moment he was gone.
second: Within seconds the other soldiers began firing too.
flash: It was done in a flash.
split second: Her gaze met Michael's for a split second. ADJ 4
immediate: These tragic incidents have had an immediate effect.
prompt: It is not too late, but prompt action is needed.
instantaneous: The bitter wind brought instantaneous tears to his eyes.
in|stan|ta|neous / I nstənte I niəs/ ADJ Something that is instantaneous happens immediately and very quickly. □ Death was instantaneous because both bullets hit the heart. ● in|stan|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Airbags inflate instantaneously on impact.
i n|stant me s|sag|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Instant messaging is a form of written communication that allows you to send messages from one computer to another. The message appears immediately on the screen of the computer you send it to, provided the computer is using the service. The abbreviation IM is also used. □ They keep in contact through instant messaging.
i n|stant re |play (instant replays ) N‑COUNT An instant replay is a repeated showing, usually in slow motion, of an event that has just been on television. [AM ] in BRIT, use action replay
in|stead ◆◆◇ / I nste d/
1 PHRASE If you do one thing instead of another, you do the first thing and not the second thing, as the result of a choice or a change of behaviour. □ They raised prices and cut production, instead of cutting costs. □ Instead of going to work thinking that it will be totally boring, try to be positive.
2 ADV If you do not do something, but do something else instead , you do the second thing and not the first thing, as the result of a choice or a change of behaviour. □ I decided to forget about dieting all the time and eat normally instead.
in|step / I nstep/ (insteps ) N‑COUNT Your instep is the middle part of your foot, where it arches upwards.
in|sti|gate / I nst I ge I t/ (instigates , instigating , instigated ) VERB Someone who instigates an event causes it to happen. □ [V n] Jenkinson instigated a refurbishment of the old gallery. ● in|sti|ga|tion / I nst I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The talks are taking place at the instigation of Germany.
in|sti|ga|tor / I nst I ge I tə r / (instigators ) N‑COUNT The instigator of an event is the person who causes it to happen. □ [+ of ] He was accused of being the main instigator of the coup.
in|stil / I nst I l/ (instils , instilling , instilled ) in AM, use instill VERB If you instil an idea or feeling in someone, especially over a period of time, you make them think it or feel it. □ [V n + in/into ] They hope that their work will instil a sense of responsibility in children. □ [V n] The motive of the executions would be to instil fear.
in|stinct / I nst I ŋkt/ (instincts )
1 N‑VAR Instinct is the natural tendency that a person or animal has to behave or react in a particular way. □ I didn't have as strong a maternal instinct as some other mothers. □ He always knew what time it was, as if by instinct.
2 N‑COUNT [also N to-inf] If you have an instinct for something, you are naturally good at it or able to do it. □ [+ for ] Farmers are increasingly losing touch with their instinct for managing the land.
3 N‑VAR [usu with poss, oft N to-inf] If it is your instinct to do something, you feel that it is right to do it. □ I should've gone with my first instinct, which was not to do the interview.
4 N‑VAR [oft N that] Instinct is a feeling that you have that something is the case, rather than an opinion or idea based on facts. □ He seems so honest and genuine and my every instinct says he's not.
in|stinc|tive / I nst I ŋkt I v/ ADJ An instinctive feeling, idea, or action is one that you have or do without thinking or reasoning. □ It's an absolutely instinctive reaction–if a child falls you pick it up. ● in|stinc|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Jane instinctively knew all was not well with her 10-month-old son.
in|stinc|tual / I nst I ŋktʃuəl/ ADJ An instinctual feeling, action, or idea is one based on instinct. [WRITTEN ] □ The relationship between a parent and a child is instinctual and stems from basic human nature.
in|sti|tute ◆◆◇ / I nst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (institutes , instituting , instituted )
1 N‑COUNT An institute is an organization set up to do a particular type of work, especially research or teaching. You can also use institute to refer to the building the organization occupies. □ …an elite research institute devoted to computer software.
2 VERB If you institute a system, rule, or course of action, you start it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We will institute a number of measures to better safeguard the public. SYNONYMS institute NOUN 1
establishment: …a scientific research establishment.
body: …the Chairman of the police representative body, the Police Federation.
organization: Most of these specialized schools are provided by voluntary organizations.
institution: …the Institution of Civil Engineers.
association: Research associations are often linked to a particular industry.
in|sti|tu|tion ◆◆◇ / I nst I tjuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (institutions )
1 N‑COUNT An institution is a large important organization such as a university, church, or bank. □ The Hong Kong Bank is Hong Kong's largest financial institution.
2 N‑COUNT An institution is a building where certain people are looked after, for example people who are mentally ill or children who have no parents. □ Larry has been in an institution since he was four.
3 N‑COUNT An institution is a custom or system that is considered an important or typical feature of a particular society or group, usually because it has existed for a long time. □ [+ of ] I believe in the institution of marriage.
4 N‑UNCOUNT The institution of a new system is the act of starting it or bringing it in. □ [+ of ] There was never an official institution of censorship in Albania. SYNONYMS institution NOUN 1
establishment: …a scientific research establishment.
body: …the main trade union body, COSATU, Congress of South African Trade Unions.
organization: …a report by the International Labour Organisation.
in|sti|tu|tion|al / I nst I tjuː ʃən ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Institutional means relating to a large organization, for example a university, bank, or church. □ The share price will be determined by bidding from institutional investors.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Institutional means relating to a building where people are looked after or held. □ Outside the protected environment of institutional care he could not survive.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] An institutional value or quality is considered an important and typical feature of a particular society or group, usually because it has existed for a long time. □ …social and institutional values.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone accuses an organization of institutional racism or sexism, they mean that the organization is deeply racist or sexist and has been so for a long time. □ …the Macpherson report, which accused the Metropolitan Police of institutional racism. ● in|sti|tu|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …the Government's policy still appeared to be institutionally racist.
in|sti|tu|tion|al|ize / I nst I tjuː ʃənəla I z, [AM ] -tuː -/ (institutionalizes , institutionalizing , institutionalized ) in BRIT, also use institutionalise 1 VERB [usu passive] If someone such as a sick, mentally ill, or old person is institutionalized , they are sent to stay in a special hospital or home, usually for a long period. □ [be V -ed] She became seriously ill and had to be institutionalized for a lengthy period. □ [V -ed] …institutionalized kids with medical problems. ● in|sti|tu|tion|ali|za|tion / I nst I tjuː ʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Institutionalization was necessary when his wife became both blind and violent.
2 VERB To institutionalize something means to establish it as part of a culture, social system, or organization. □ [V n] The goal is to institutionalize family planning into community life. □ [V -ed] In the first century there was no such thing as institutionalized religion. ● in|sti|tu|tion|ali|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the institutionalization of social change.
i n-sto re also instore ADJ [usu ADJ n] In-store facilities are facilities that are available within a department store, supermarket or other large shop. □ …in-store banking. □ …an instore bakery. ● ADV [ADV after v] In-store is also an adverb. □ Ask in-store for details.
in|struct / I nstrʌ kt/ (instructs , instructing , instructed )
1 VERB If you instruct someone to do something, you formally tell them to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n to-inf] The family has instructed solicitors to sue Thomson for compensation. □ [V with quote] 'Go and have a word with her, Ken,' Webb instructed. □ [V n that] I want you to instruct them that they've got three months to get the details sorted out. [Also V n with quote]
2 VERB Someone who instructs people in a subject or skill teaches it to them. □ [V n + in/on ] He instructed family members in nursing techniques. [Also V ]
in|struc|tion ◆◇◇ / I nstrʌ kʃ ə n/ (instructions )
1 N‑COUNT An instruction is something that someone tells you to do. □ Two lawyers were told not to leave the building but no reason for this instruction was given.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone gives you instruction in a subject or skill, they teach it to you. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] Each candidate is given instruction in safety.
3 N‑PLURAL Instructions are clear and detailed information on how to do something. □ Always read the instructions before you start taking the medicine. SYNONYMS instruction NOUN 1
order: As darkness fell, Clinton gave orders for his men to rest.
command: The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop.
rule: Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.
ruling: Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.
demand: He grew ever more fierce in his demands.
direction: Do not throw away the directions until we've finished cooking.
in|struc|tion|al / I nstrʌ kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Instructional books or films are meant to teach people something or to offer them help with a particular problem. □ …instructional material designed to help you with your lifestyle.
in|struc|tive / I nstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ Something that is instructive gives useful information. □ …an entertaining and instructive documentary.
in|struc|tor / I nstrʌ ktə r / (instructors ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An instructor is someone who teaches a skill such as driving or skiing. In American English, instructor can also be used to refer to a schoolteacher or to a university teacher of low rank. □ …tuition from an approved driving instructor.
in|stru|ment ◆◇◇ / I nstrəmənt/ (instruments )
1 N‑COUNT An instrument is a tool or device that is used to do a particular task, especially a scientific task. □ …instruments for cleaning and polishing teeth. □ The environment itself will at the same time be measured by about 60 scientific instruments.
2 N‑COUNT A musical instrument is an object such as a piano, guitar, or flute, which you play in order to produce music. □ Learning a musical instrument introduces a child to an understanding of music.
3 N‑COUNT An instrument is a device that is used for making measurements of something such as speed, height, or sound, for example on a ship or plane or in a car. □ …crucial instruments on the control panel.
4 N‑COUNT Something that is an instrument for achieving a particular aim is used by people to achieve that aim. □ [+ of ] The veto has been a traditional instrument of diplomacy for centuries.
5 → see also stringed instrument , wind instrument SYNONYMS instrument NOUN 1
tool: I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.
device: …an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.
implement: …knives and other useful implements.
gadget: …kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators.
utensil: The best carving utensil is a long, sharp, flexible knife.
in|stru|men|tal / I nstrəme nt ə l/ (instrumentals )
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is instrumental in a process or event helps to make it happen. □ [+ in ] In his first years as chairman he was instrumental in raising the company's wider profile.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Instrumental music is performed by instruments and not by voices. □ …a recording of vocal and instrumental music. ● N‑COUNT [usu pl] Instrumentals are pieces of instrumental music. □ The last track on the abum is an instrumental.
in|stru|men|tal|ist / I nstrəme ntəl I st/ (instrumentalists ) N‑COUNT An instrumentalist is someone who plays a musical instrument.
in|stru|men|ta|tion / I nstrəmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Instrumentation is a group or collection of instruments, usually ones that are part of the same machine. □ Basic flight instrumentation was similar on both planes.
i n|stru|ment pan|el (instrument panels ) N‑COUNT The instrument panel of a plane, car, or machine is the panel where the dials and switches are located.
in|sub|or|di|nate / I nsəbɔː r d I nət/ ADJ If you say that someone is insubordinate , you mean that they do not obey someone of higher rank. [FORMAL ] □ In industry, a worker who is grossly insubordinate is threatened with discharge.
in|sub|or|di|na|tion / I nsəbɔː r d I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Insubordination is a refusal to obey someone of higher rank. [FORMAL ] □ Hansen and his partner were fired for insubordination.
in|sub|stan|tial / I nsəbstæ nʃ ə l/ ADJ Something that is insubstantial is not large, solid, or strong. □ Mars has an insubstantial atmosphere, consisting almost entirely of carbon dioxide.
in|suf|fer|able / I nsʌ frəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is insufferable , you are emphasizing that they are very unpleasant or annoying. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ He was an insufferable bore. ● in|suf|fer|ably / I nsʌ frəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ His letters are insufferably dull.
in|suf|fi|cient / I nsəf I ʃ ə nt/ ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is insufficient is not large enough in amount or degree for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ He decided there was insufficient evidence to justify criminal proceedings. [Also + for ] ● in|suf|fi|cien|cy / I nsəf I ʃ ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Late miscarriages are usually not due to hormonal insufficiency. ● in|suf|fi|cient|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ Food that is insufficiently cooked can lead to food poisoning.
in|su|lar / I nsjʊlə r , [AM ] -sə-/ ADJ If you say that someone is insular , you are being critical of them because they are unwilling to meet new people or to consider new ideas. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the old image of the insular, xenophobic Brit. ● in|su|lar|ity / I nsjʊlæ r I ti, [AM ] -sə-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ But at least they have started to break out of their old insularity.
in|su|late / I nsjʊle I t, [AM ] -sə-/ (insulates , insulating , insulated )
1 VERB If a person or group is insulated from the rest of society or from outside influences, they are protected from them. □ [be V -ed + from/against ] They wonder if their community is no longer insulated from big city problems. □ [V n + from/against ] Their wealth had insulated them from reality. ● in|su|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ from ] They lived in happy insulation from brutal facts.
2 VERB To insulate something such as a building means to protect it from cold or noise by covering it or surrounding it in a thick layer. □ [V n] …a scheme to insulate the homes of pensioners and other low-income households. □ [V n + from/against ] Is there any way we can insulate our home from the noise? □ [V -ed] Are your hot and cold water pipes well insulated?
3 VERB If a piece of equipment is insulated , it is covered with rubber or plastic to prevent electricity passing through it and giving the person using it an electric shock. □ [be V -ed] In order to make it safe, the element is electrically insulated.
in|su|la|tion / I nsjʊle I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -sə-/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Insulation is a thick layer of a substance that keeps something warm, especially a building. □ High electricity bills point to a poor heating system or bad insulation.
2 → see also insulate
in|su|la|tor / I nsjʊle I tə r , [AM ] -sə-/ (insulators ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] An insulator is a material that insulates something. □ [+ against ] Fat is an excellent insulator against the cold.
in|su|lin / I nsjʊl I n, [AM ] -sə-/ N‑UNCOUNT Insulin is a substance that most people produce naturally in their body and which controls the level of sugar in their blood. □ In diabetes the body produces insufficient insulin.
in|sult (insults , insulting , insulted ) The verb is pronounced / I nsʌ lt/. The noun is pronounced / I nsʌlt/. 1 VERB If someone insults you, they say or do something that is rude or offensive. □ [V n] I did not mean to insult you. ● in|sult|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ I would be a bit insulted if he said anything like that.
2 N‑COUNT An insult is a rude remark, or something a person says or does which insults you. □ [+ to ] Their behaviour was an insult to the people they represent.
3 PHRASE You say to add insult to injury when mentioning an action or fact that makes an unfair or unacceptable situation even worse.
in|sult|ing / I nsʌ lt I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is insulting is rude or offensive. □ [+ to ] The article was insulting to the families of British citizens. ● in|sult|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Anthony laughed loudly and insultingly.
in|su|per|able / I nsuː pərəb ə l/ ADJ A problem that is insuperable cannot be dealt with successfully. [FORMAL ] □ …an insuperable obstacle to negotiations.
in|sup|port|able / I nsəpɔː r təb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is insupportable , you mean that it cannot be coped with or accepted. [FORMAL ] □ He believes that large families place an insupportable burden on the planet's resources. □ Life without Anna had no savour, was tedious, insupportable.
in|sur|ance ◆◆◇ / I nʃʊə rəns/ (insurances )
1 N‑VAR [oft N n] Insurance is an arrangement in which you pay money to a company, and they pay money to you if something unpleasant happens to you, for example if your property is stolen or damaged, or if you get a serious illness. □ The insurance company paid out for the stolen jewellery and silver. □ [+ on ] We recommend that you take out travel insurance on all holidays.
2 N‑VAR If you do something as insurance against something unpleasant happening, you do it to protect yourself in case the unpleasant thing happens. □ [+ against ] The country needs a defence capability as insurance against the unexpected. COLLOCATIONS insurance NOUN 1
noun + insurance : car, health, home, life, travel
verb + insurance : buy, take out SYNONYMS insurance NOUN 1
assurance: …endowment assurance.
cover: Make sure that the firm's insurance cover is adequate.
protection: This is believed to be the first scheme to offer protection against illness.
indemnity: They were charged with failing to have professional indemnity cover.
in|su r|ance ad|just|er (insurance adjusters ) N‑COUNT An insurance adjuster is the same as a claims adjuster . [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use loss adjuster
in|sure / I nʃʊə r / (insures , insuring , insured )
1 VERB If you insure yourself or your property, you pay money to an insurance company so that, if you become ill or if your property is damaged or stolen, the company will pay you a sum of money. □ [V n] For protection against unforeseen emergencies, you insure your house and your car. □ [V + against/for ] Think carefully before you insure against accident, sickness and redundancy. □ [V n + against ] We automatically insure your belongings against fire and theft. [Also V n + for ]
2 VERB If you insure yourself against something unpleasant that might happen in the future, you do something to protect yourself in case it happens, or to prevent it happening. □ [V pron-refl + against ] He insured himself against failure by treating only people he was sure he could cure. □ [V + against ] All the electronics in the world cannot insure against accidents, though.
3 → see also ensure
in|sured / I nʃʊə r d/ (insured ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The insured is the person who is insured by a particular policy. [LEGAL ] □ Once the insured has sold his policy, he naturally loses all rights to it.
in|sur|er / I nʃʊə rə r / (insurers ) N‑COUNT An insurer is a company that sells insurance. [BUSINESS ]
in|sur|gen|cy / I nsɜː r dʒ ə nsi/ (insurgencies ) N‑VAR An insurgency is a violent attempt to oppose a country's government carried out by citizens of that country. [FORMAL ] □ He has led a violent armed insurgency for 15 years.
in|sur|gent / I nsɜː r dʒ ə nt/ (insurgents ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Insurgents are people who are fighting against the government or army of their own country. [FORMAL ] □ By early yesterday, the insurgents had taken control of the country's main military air base.
in|sur|mount|able / I nsə r maʊ ntəb ə l/ ADJ A problem that is insurmountable is so great that it cannot be dealt with successfully. □ The crisis doesn't seem like an insurmountable problem.
in|sur|rec|tion / I nsəre kʃ ə n/ (insurrections ) N‑VAR An insurrection is violent action that is taken by a large group of people against the rulers of their country, usually in order to remove them from office. [FORMAL ] □ They were plotting to stage an armed insurrection.
int. int. is an abbreviation for internal or for international .
in|tact / I ntæ kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is intact is complete and has not been damaged or changed. □ Most of the cargo was left intact after the explosion.
in|take / I nte I k/ (intakes )
1 N‑SING Your intake of a particular kind of food, drink, or air is the amount that you eat, drink, or breathe in. □ [+ of ] Your intake of alcohol should not exceed two units per day.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The people who are accepted into an organization or place at a particular time are referred to as a particular intake . □ [+ of ] …one of this year's intake of students.
in|tan|gible / I ntæ ndʒ I b ə l/ (intangibles ) ADJ Something that is intangible is abstract or is hard to define or measure. □ There are intangible benefits beyond a rise in the share price. ● N‑PLURAL You can refer to intangible things as intangibles . □ Women workers place more importance on intangibles such as a sense of achievement.
in|te|ger / I nt I dʒə r / (integers ) N‑COUNT In mathematics, an integer is an exact whole number such as 1, 7, or 24 as opposed to a number with fractions or decimals. [TECHNICAL ]
in|te|gral / I nt I grəl/ ADJ Something that is an integral part of something is an essential part of that thing. □ Rituals and festivals form an integral part of every human society. [Also + to ]
in|te|grate ◆◇◇ / I nt I gre I t/ (integrates , integrating , integrated )
1 VERB If someone integrates into a social group, or is integrated into it, they behave in such a way that they become part of the group or are accepted into it. □ [V + into/with ] He didn't integrate successfully into the Italian way of life. □ [V n + into/with ] Integrating the kids with the community, finding them a role, is essential. □ [V n] The way Swedes integrate immigrants is, she feels, 100% more advanced. □ [V ] If they want to integrate, that's fine with me. ● in|te|grat|ed ADJ □ He thinks we are living in a fully integrated, supportive society. ● in|te|gra|tion / I nt I gre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society.
2 VERB When races integrate or when schools and organizations are integrated , people who are black or belong to ethnic minorities can join white people in their schools and organizations. [AM ] □ [V ] Schools came to us because they wanted to integrate. □ [V n] Encouraging teacher transfer would not, by itself, integrate the teaching corps. ● in|te|grat|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □ …a black honor student in Chicago's integrated Lincoln Park High School. ● in|te|gra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ Lots of people in Chicago don't see that racial border. They see progress towards integration.
3 VERB If you integrate one thing with another, or one thing integrates with another, the two things become closely linked or form part of a whole idea or system. You can also say that two things integrate . □ [V n + with ] …the problem of integrating the spoken passages with the musical numbers. □ [V + with ] Ann wanted the conservatory to integrate with the kitchen. □ [V n + into ] Little attempt was made to integrate the parts into a coherent whole. □ [V n] Talks will now begin about integrating the activities of both companies. [Also V ] ● in|te|grat|ed ADJ □ There is, he said, a lack of an integrated national transport policy. ● in|te|gra|tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N ] □ …the closer integration of global capital markets. SYNONYMS integrate VERB 3
combine: Different states or groups can combine to enlarge their markets.
unite: The two parties have been trying to unite since the New Year.
blend: …a band that blended jazz, folk and classical music.
incorporate: The party vowed to incorporate environmental considerations into all its policies.
merge: He sees sense in merging the two agencies while both are new.
in|te|grat|ed / I nt I gre I t I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An integrated institution is intended for use by all races or religious groups. □ We believe that pupils of integrated schools will have more tolerant attitudes.
2 → see also integrate
i n|te|grat|ed ci r|cuit (integrated circuits ) N‑COUNT An integrated circuit is a very small electronic circuit printed on a single silicon chip. [TECHNICAL ]
in|teg|rity / I nte gr I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have integrity , you are honest and firm in your moral principles. □ I have always regarded him as a man of integrity.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [with poss] The integrity of something such as a group of people or a text is its state of being a united whole. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Separatist movements are a threat to the integrity of the nation.
in|tel / I ntel/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Intel is military information collected about an enemy’s secret plans. [INFORMAL ] □ What makes this intel credible?
2 N‑UNCOUNT Intel is information. [INFORMAL ]
in|tel|lect / I nt I lekt/ (intellects )
1 N‑VAR Intellect is the ability to understand or deal with ideas and information. □ Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect?
2 N‑VAR [oft poss N ] Intellect is the quality of being very intelligent or clever. □ Her intellect is famed far and wide.
in|tel|lec|tual ◆◇◇ / I nt I le ktʃuəl/ (intellectuals )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Intellectual means involving a person's ability to think and to understand ideas and information. □ High levels of lead could damage the intellectual development of children. ● in|tel|lec|tual|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ …intellectually satisfying work.
2 N‑COUNT An intellectual is someone who spends a lot of time studying and thinking about complicated ideas. □ …teachers, artists and other intellectuals. ● ADJ Intellectual is also an adjective. □ They were very intellectual and witty. SYNONYMS intellectual ADJ 1
cerebral: Hannah preferred more cerebral activities such as reading and discussing philosophy.
scholarly: He was an intellectual, scholarly man.
learned: He is a serious scholar, a genuinely learned man.
academic: The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children.
erudite: He was never dull, always erudite and well informed.
in|tel|lec|tu|al|ize / I nt I le ktʃuəla I z/ (intellectualizes , intellectualizing , intellectualized ) in BRIT, also use intellectualise VERB If someone intellectualizes a subject or issue, they consider it in an intellectual way, often when this is not appropriate. □ [V n] I tended to mistrust my emotions and intellectualize everything.
in|tel|li|gence ◆◇◇ / I nte l I dʒ ə ns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Intelligence is the quality of being intelligent or clever. □ She's a woman of exceptional intelligence.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Intelligence is the ability to think, reason, and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct. □ Nerve cells, after all, do not have intelligence of their own.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Intelligence is information that is gathered by the government or the army about their country's enemies and their activities. □ Why was military intelligence so lacking?
in|tel|li|gent ◆◇◇ / I nte l I dʒ ə nt/
1 ADJ A person or animal that is intelligent has the ability to think, understand, and learn things quickly and well. □ Susan's a very bright and intelligent woman who knows her own mind. ● in|tel|li|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ They are incapable of thinking intelligently about politics.
2 ADJ Something that is intelligent has the ability to think and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct. □ An intelligent computer will be an indispensable diagnostic tool for doctors. SYNONYMS intelligent ADJ 1
clever: My sister was always a lot cleverer than I was.
smart: He thinks he's smarter than Sarah is.
bright: I was convinced that he was brighter than average.
brainy: I don't class myself as being very intelligent or brainy.
in|tel|li|gent|sia / I nte l I dʒe ntsiə/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The intelligentsia in a country or community are the most educated people there, especially those interested in the arts, philosophy, and politics.
in|tel|li|gi|ble / I nte l I dʒ I b ə l/ ADJ Something that is intelligible can be understood. □ [+ to ] The language of Darwin was intelligible to experts and non-experts alike.
in|tem|per|ate / I nte mpərət/ ADJ If you describe someone's words as intemperate , you are critical of them because they are too forceful and uncontrolled. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The tone of the article is intemperate.
in|tend ◆◆◇ / I nte nd/ (intends , intending , intended )
1 VERB If you intend to do something, you have decided or planned to do it. □ [V to-inf] She intends to do A levels and go to university. □ [V v-ing] I didn't intend coming to Germany to work. □ [V that] We had always intended that the new series would be live.
2 VERB [usu passive] If something is intended for a particular purpose, it has been planned to fulfil that purpose. If something is intended for a particular person, it has been planned to be used by that person or to affect them in some way. □ [be V -ed + for ] This money is intended for the development of the tourist industry. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Columns are usually intended in architecture to add grandeur and status. □ [be V -ed + as ] Originally, Hatfield had been intended as a leisure complex.
3 VERB If you intend a particular idea or feeling in something that you say or do, you want to express it or want it to be understood. □ [V n] He didn't intend any sarcasm. □ [V n n] His response seemed a little patronizing, though he undoubtedly hadn't intended it that way. □ [V n to-inf] This sounds like a barrage of accusation–I don't intend it to be. □ [V n prep] I think he intended it as a put-down comment. SYNONYMS intend VERB 1
plan: He planned to leave Baghdad on Monday.
aim: …an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.
mean: I didn't mean to hurt you.
propose: And where do you propose building such a huge thing?
seek: He also denied that he would seek to annex the country.
in|tend|ed / I nte nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use intended to describe the thing you are trying to achieve or person you are trying to affect. □ The intended target had been a military building.
in|tense ◆◇◇ / I nte ns/
1 ADJ Intense is used to describe something that is very great or extreme in strength or degree. □ He was sweating from the intense heat. □ His threats become more intense, agitated, and frequent. ● in|tense|ly ADV □ The fast-food business is intensely competitive. ● in|ten|sity / I nte ns I ti/ (intensities ) N‑VAR [usu with poss] □ The attack was anticipated but its intensity came as a shock.
2 ADJ If you describe an activity as intense , you mean that it is very serious and concentrated, and often involves doing a great deal in a short time. □ The battle for third place was intense.
3 ADJ If you describe the way someone looks at you as intense , you mean that they look at you very directly and seem to know what you are thinking or feeling. □ I felt so self-conscious under Luke's mother's intense gaze. ● in|tense|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He sipped his drink, staring intensely at me.
4 ADJ If you describe a person as intense , you mean that they appear to concentrate very hard on everything that they do, and they feel and show their emotions in a very extreme way. □ I know he's an intense player, but he does enjoy what he's doing. ● in|ten|sity N‑UNCOUNT □ His intensity and the ferocity of his feelings alarmed me. SYNONYMS intense ADJ 1
extreme: …people living in extreme poverty.
great: I'll take great care of it.
severe: I suffered from severe bouts of depression.
deep: I had a deep admiration for Sartre.
powerful: …tiny creamy flowers with a powerful scent.
profound: Anna's patriotism was profound.
in|ten|si|fi|er / I nte ns I fa I ə r / (intensifiers ) N‑COUNT In grammar, an intensifier is a word such as 'very' or 'extremely' which you can put in front of an adjective or adverb in order to make its meaning stronger. [TECHNICAL ]
in|ten|si|fy / I nte ns I fa I / (intensifies , intensifying , intensified ) VERB If you intensify something or if it intensifies , it becomes greater in strength, amount, or degree. □ [V n] Britain is intensifying its efforts to secure the release of the hostages. □ [V ] The conflict is almost bound to intensify. ● in|ten|si|fi|ca|tion / I nte ns I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The intensification of the debt crisis was hurting the entire region.
in|ten|sive / I nte ns I v/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intensive activity involves concentrating a lot of effort or people on one particular task in order to try to achieve a great deal in a short time. □ …several days and nights of intensive negotiations. ● in|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Ruth's parents opted to educate her intensively at home.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intensive farming involves producing as many crops or animals as possible from your land, usually with the aid of chemicals. □ …intensive methods of rearing poultry. ● in|ten|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Will they farm the rest of their land less intensively?
-intensive /- I ntens I v/ COMB -intensive combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that an industry or activity involves the use of a lot of a particular thing. □ …the development of capital-intensive farming.
in|te n|sive ca re N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] If someone is in intensive care , they are being given extremely thorough care in a hospital because they are very ill or very badly injured. □ She spent the night in intensive care after the operation.
in|tent / I nte nt/ (intents )
1 ADJ If you are intent on doing something, you are eager and determined to do it. □ [+ on/upon ] The rebels are obviously intent on keeping up the pressure.
2 ADJ If someone does something in an intent way, they pay great attention to what they are doing. [WRITTEN ] □ She looked from one intent face to another. ● in|tent|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ He listened intently, then slammed down the phone.
3 N‑VAR A person's intent is their intention to do something. [FORMAL ] □ …a strong statement of intent on arms control.
4 PHRASE You say to all intents and purposes to suggest that a situation is not exactly as you describe it but the effect is the same as if it were. □ To all intents and purposes he was my father.
in|ten|tion ◆◇◇ / I nte nʃ ə n/ (intentions )
1 N‑VAR [N to-inf] An intention is an idea or plan of what you are going to do. □ [+ of ] Beveridge announced his intention of standing for parliament. □ Unfortunately, his good intentions never seemed to last long.
2 PHRASE If you say that you have no intention of doing something, you are emphasizing that you are not going to do it. If you say that you have every intention of doing something, you are emphasizing that you intend to do it. [EMPHASIS ] □ We have no intention of buying American jets. SYNONYMS intention NOUN 1
aim: …a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.
plan: The project is part of a United Nations plan for refugees.
idea: The idea is to encourage people to get to know their neighbours.
goal: The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
wish: She was sincere in her wish to make amends for the past.
objective: His objective was to play golf and win.
in|ten|tion|al / I nte nʃən ə l/ ADJ Something that is intentional is deliberate. □ How can I blame him? It wasn't intentional. ● in|ten|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ I've never intentionally hurt anyone.
in|ter / I ntɜː r / (inters , interring , interred ) VERB When a dead person is interred , they are buried. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] …the spot where his bones were originally interred. [Also V n]
PREFIX inter-
forms adjectives that refer to things that move, exist, or happen between two or more people or things. For example, inter-city trains travel between cities.
inter|act / I ntəræ kt/ (interacts , interacting , interacted )
1 VERB When people interact with each other or interact , they communicate as they work or spend time together. □ [V ] While the other children interacted and played together, Ted ignored them. □ [V + with ] …rhymes and songs to help parents interact with their babies. ● inter|ac|tion / I ntəræ kʃ ə n/ (interactions ) N‑VAR □ [+ among ] …our experience of informal social interaction among adults.
2 VERB When people interact with computers, or when computers interact with other machines, information or instructions are exchanged. □ [V + with ] Millions of people want new, simplified ways of interacting with a computer. □ [V ] There will be a true global village in which phones, computers and televisions interact. ● inter|ac|tion (interactions ) N‑VAR □ …experts on human-computer interaction.
3 VERB When one thing interacts with another or two things interact , the two things affect each other's behaviour or condition. □ [V ] You have to understand how cells interact. □ [V + with ] Atoms within the fluid interact with the minerals that form the grains. ● inter|ac|tion N‑VAR □ [+ between ] …the interaction between physical and emotional illness.
inter|ac|tive / I ntəræ kt I v/
1 ADJ An interactive computer program or television system is one which allows direct communication between the user and the machine. □ This will make videogames more interactive than ever. ● inter|ac|tiv|ity / I ntərækt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …cable broadcast companies that offer interactivity.
2 ADJ If you describe a group of people or their activities as interactive , you mean that the people communicate with each other. □ …flexible, interactive teaching in the classroom.
in|ter alia / I ntər e I liə/ PHRASE You use inter alia , meaning 'among other things', when you want to say that there are other things involved apart from the one you are mentioning. [FORMAL ] □ …a collector who had, inter alia, 900 engraved gems and over 2,500 coins and medals.
inter|cede / I ntə r siː d/ (intercedes , interceding , interceded ) VERB If you intercede with someone, you try to persuade them to forgive someone or end their disagreement with them. [FORMAL ] □ [V + with ] They asked my father to intercede with the king on their behalf. □ [V ] It has also asked Britain and the United States to intercede.
inter|cept / I ntə r se pt/ (intercepts , intercepting , intercepted ) VERB If you intercept someone or something that is travelling from one place to another, you stop them before they get to their destination. □ [V n] Gunmen intercepted him on his way to the airport. ● inter|cep|tion / I ntə r se pʃ ə n/ (interceptions ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the interception of a ship off the west coast of Scotland.
inter|cep|tor / I ntə r se ptə r / (interceptors ) N‑COUNT An interceptor is an aircraft or ground-based missile system designed to intercept and attack enemy planes.
inter|ces|sion / I ntə r se ʃ ə n/ (intercessions ) N‑VAR Intercession is the act of interceding with someone. [FORMAL ] □ His intercession could be of help to the tribe.
inter|change (interchanges , interchanging , interchanged ) The noun is pronounced / I ntə r tʃe I ndʒ/. The verb is pronounced / I ntə r tʃe I ndʒ/. 1 N‑VAR If there is an interchange of ideas or information among a group of people, each person talks about his or her ideas or gives information to the others. □ [+ of ] What made the meeting exciting was the interchange of ideas from different disciplines.
2 VERB If you interchange one thing with another, or you interchange two things, each thing takes the place of the other or is exchanged for the other. You can also say that two things interchange . □ [V n + with ] She likes to interchange her furnishings at home with the stock in her shop. □ [V n] Your task is to interchange words so that the sentence makes sense. □ [V ] …the point where the illusions of the stage and reality begin to interchange. [Also + with ] ● N‑VAR Interchange is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the interchange of matter and energy at atomic or sub-atomic levels.
3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An interchange on a motorway, freeway, or road is a place where it joins a main road or another motorway or freeway.
inter|change|able / I ntə r tʃe I ndʒəb ə l/ ADJ Things that are interchangeable can be exchanged with each other without it making any difference. □ [+ with ] Every part on the new models is interchangeable with those on the original. ● inter|change|ably ADV [ADV after v] □ These expressions are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings.
inter|col|legi|ate / I ntə r kəliː dʒət/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intercollegiate means involving or related to more than one college or university. [AM ] □ …the first intercollegiate gymnastics team championship.
inter|com / I ntə r kɒm/ (intercoms ) N‑COUNT An intercom is a small box with a microphone which is connected to a loudspeaker in another room. You use it to talk to the people in the other room.
inter|con|nect / I ntə r kəne kt/ (interconnects , interconnecting , interconnected ) VERB Things that interconnect or are interconnected are connected to or with each other. You can also say that one thing interconnects with another. □ [V ] The causes are many and may interconnect. □ [V + with ] Their lives interconnect with those of celebrated figures of the late eighteenth-century. □ [V n] …a dense network of nerve fibres that interconnects neurons in the brain. [Also V n + with ]
inter|con|nec|tion / I ntə r kəne kʃ ə n/ (interconnections ) N‑VAR If you say that there is an interconnection between two or more things, you mean that they are very closely connected. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …our knowledge of the interconnection of natural processes.
inter|con|ti|nen|tal / I ntə r kɒnt I ne nt ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intercontinental is used to describe something that exists or happens between continents. □ …intercontinental flights.
inter|course / I ntə r kɔː r s/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Intercourse is the act of having sex. [FORMAL ] □ …sexual intercourse. □ We didn't have intercourse.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Social intercourse is communication between people as they spend time together. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [+ between ] There was social intercourse between the old and the young.
inter|cut / I ntə r kʌ t/ (intercuts , intercutting ) The form intercut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. VERB If a film is intercut with particular images, those images appear regularly throughout the film. [TECHNICAL ] □ [be V -ed + with ] The film is set in a night club and intercut with images of gangland London. □ [V n + with ] He intercuts scenes of Rex getting more and more desperate with scenes of the abductor with his family.
inter|de|pend|ence / I ntə r d I pe nd ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Interdependence is the condition of a group of people or things that all depend on each other. □ [+ of ] …the interdependence of nations.
inter|de|pend|ent / I ntə r d I pe nd ə nt/ ADJ People or things that are interdependent all depend on each other. □ We live in an increasingly interdependent world.
inter|dict (interdicts , interdicting , interdicted ) The verb is pronounced / I ntə r d I kt/. The noun is pronounced / I ntə r d I kt/. 1 VERB If an armed force interdicts something or someone, they stop them and prevent them from moving. If they interdict a route, they block it or cut it off. [AM , FORMAL ] □ [V n] Troops could be ferried in to interdict drug shipments. ● inter|dic|tion (interdictions ) N‑VAR □ There should be interdiction of shipping suspected of carrying illegal goods.
2 N‑COUNT An interdict is an official order that something must not be done or used. [FORMAL ] □ [+ on ] The National Trust has placed an interdict on jet-skis in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
inter|dis|ci|pli|nary / I ntə r d I s I pl I nəri, [AM ] -pl I neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Interdisciplinary means involving more than one academic subject. □ …interdisciplinary courses combining psychology, philosophy and linguistics.
in|ter|est ◆◆◆ / I ntrəst, -tərest/ (interests , interesting , interested )
1 N‑VAR If you have an interest in something, you want to learn or hear more about it. □ [+ in ] There has been a lively interest in the elections in the last two weeks. □ [+ in ] His parents tried to discourage his interest in music, but he persisted. □ [+ to ] Food was of no interest to her at all.
2 N‑COUNT Your interests are the things that you enjoy doing. □ Encourage your child in her interests and hobbies.
3 VERB If something interests you, it attracts your attention so that you want to learn or hear more about it or continue doing it. □ [V n] Animation had always interested me. □ [V n to-inf] It may interest you to know that Miss Woods, the housekeeper, witnessed the attack.
4 VERB If you are trying to persuade someone to buy or do something, you can say that you are trying to interest them in it. □ [V n + in ] In the meantime I can't interest you in a new car, I suppose?
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If something is in the interests of a particular person or group, it will benefit them in some way. □ [+ of ] Did those directors act in the best interests of their club?
6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can use interests to refer to groups of people who you think use their power or money to benefit themselves. □ The government accused unnamed 'foreign interests' of inciting the trouble.
7 N‑COUNT A person or organization that has interests in a company or in a particular type of business owns shares in this company or this type of business. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ in ] Disney will retain a 51 percent controlling interest in the venture.
8 N‑COUNT If a person, country, or organization has an interest in a possible event or situation, they want that event or situation to happen because they are likely to benefit from it. □ [+ in ] The West has an interest in promoting democratic forces in Eastern Europe.
9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Interest is extra money that you receive if you have invested a sum of money. Interest is also the extra money that you pay if you have borrowed money or are buying something on credit. □ Does your current account pay interest?
10 → see also compound interest , interested , interesting , self-interest , vested interest
11 PHRASE If you do something in the interests of a particular result or situation, you do it in order to achieve that result or maintain that situation. □ …a call for all businessmen to work together in the interests of national stability.
12 to have someone's interests at heart → see heart COLLOCATIONS interest NOUN
1
adjective + interest : keen
verb + interest : express, show, take; arouse, attract; lose
5
verb + interest : defend, protect, safeguard
in|ter|est|ed ◆◆◇ / I ntrest I d, -tərest I d/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are interested in something, you think it is important and want to learn more about it or spend time doing it. □ [+ in ] I thought she might be interested in Paula's proposal. □ I'd be interested to meet her.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An interested party or group of people is affected by or involved in a particular event or situation. □ All the interested parties eventually agreed to the idea.
3 → see also self-interested SYNONYMS interested ADJ 1
curious: Children are naturally curious.
fascinated: A new generation of scientists became fascinated by dinosaurs.
keen: I wasn't too keen on physics and chemistry.
gripped: The nation is gripped by the dramatic story.
intent: Rodney had been intent on every word.
i nterest-free ADJ [usu ADJ n] An interest-free loan has no interest charged on it. □ He was offered a £10,000 interest-free loan. ● ADV [ADV after v] Interest-free is also an adverb. □ Customers allowed the banks to use their money interest-free.
in|ter|est|ing ◆◇◇ / I ntrest I ŋ, -tərest I ŋ/ ADJ If you find something interesting , it attracts your attention, for example because you think it is exciting or unusual. □ It was interesting to be in a different environment. □ His third album is by far his most interesting. SYNONYMS interesting ADJ
absorbing: Children will find other exhibits equally absorbing.
fascinating: Madagascar is the most fascinating place I have ever been to.
compelling: …a frighteningly violent yet compelling film.
gripping: The film turned out to be a gripping thriller.
curious: There is a curious thing about her writings in this period.
intriguing: This intriguing book is both thoughtful and informative.
in|ter|est|ing|ly / I ntrest I ŋli, -tərest I ŋli/ ADV You use interestingly to introduce a piece of information that you think is interesting or unexpected. □ Interestingly enough, a few weeks later, Benjamin remarried.
i n|ter|est rate (interest rates ) N‑COUNT The interest rate is the amount of interest that must be paid. It is expressed as a percentage of the amount that is borrowed or gained as profit. □ The Finance Minister has renewed his call for lower interest rates.
inter|face / I ntə r fe I s/ (interfaces , interfacing , interfaced )
1 N‑COUNT The interface between two subjects or systems is the area in which they affect each other or have links with each other. □ [+ between ] …a witty exploration of that interface between bureaucracy and the working world.
2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you refer to the user interface of a particular piece of computing software, you are talking about its presentation on screen and how easy it is to operate. [COMPUTING ] □ …the development of better user interfaces.
3 N‑COUNT In computing and electronics, an interface is an electrical circuit which links one machine, especially a computer, with another. [TECHNICAL ]
4 VERB If one thing interfaces with another, or if two things interface , they have connections with each other. If you interface one thing with another, you connect the two things. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □ [V + with ] …the way we interface with the environment. □ [V ] The different components all have to interface smoothly. □ [V n + with ] He had interfaced all this machinery with a master computer. [Also V n]
inter|fere / I ntə r f I ə r / (interferes , interfering , interfered )
1 VERB If you say that someone interferes in a situation, you mean they get involved in it although it does not concern them and their involvement is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] I wish everyone would stop interfering and just leave me alone. □ [V + in/with ] The U.N. cannot interfere in the internal affairs of any country.
2 VERB Something that interferes with a situation, activity, or process has a damaging effect on it. □ [V + with ] Smoking and drinking interfere with your body's ability to process oxygen.
inter|fer|ence / I ntə r f I ə rəns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Interference by a person or group is their unwanted or unnecessary involvement in something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ from ] Airlines will be able to set cheap fares without interference from the government.
2 N‑UNCOUNT When there is interference , a radio signal is affected by other radio waves or electrical activity so that it cannot be received properly. □ …electrical interference.
inter|fer|ing / I ntə r f I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as interfering , you are criticizing them because they try to get involved in other people's affairs or to give them advice, especially when the advice is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …interfering neighbours.
in|ter|im ◆◇◇ / I ntər I m/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Interim is used to describe something that is intended to be used until something permanent is done or established. □ She was sworn in as head of an interim government in March. □ …an interim report.
2 PHRASE In the interim means until a particular thing happens or until a particular thing happened. [FORMAL ] □ But, in the interim, we obviously have a duty to maintain law and order. SYNONYMS interim ADJ 1
temporary: His job here is only temporary.
provisional: …the possibility of setting up a provisional coalition government.
makeshift: …the cardboard boxes and makeshift shelters of the homeless.
acting: …the new acting President.
stopgap: This would be no more than a stopgap measure.
in|te|ri|or ◆◇◇ / I nt I ə riə r / (interiors )
1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The interior of something is the inside part of it. □ The boat's interior badly needed painting.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use interior to describe something that is inside a building or vehicle. □ The interior walls were painted green.
3 N‑SING [oft with poss] The interior of a country or continent is the central area of it. □ The Yangzi river would give access to much of China's interior.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] A country's interior minister, ministry, or department deals with affairs within that country, such as law and order. □ The French Interior Minister has intervened in a scandal over the role of a secret police force.
5 N‑SING A country's minister or ministry of the interior deals with affairs within that country, such as law and order. □ An official from the Ministry of the Interior said six people had died. SYNONYMS interior NOUN 1
inside: I painted the inside of the house.
centre: A large wooden table dominates the centre of the room.
heart: …a busy dentists' practice in the heart of London's West End.
middle: Howard stood in the middle of the room sipping a cup of coffee.
core: …the earth's core.
in|te |ri|or deco|ra |tion N‑UNCOUNT Interior decoration is the decoration of the inside of a house.
in|te |ri|or de co|ra|tor (interior decorators ) N‑COUNT An interior decorator is a person who is employed to design and decorate the inside of people's houses.
in|te |ri|or de|si gn N‑UNCOUNT Interior design is the art or profession of designing the decoration for the inside of a house.
in|te |ri|or de|si gn|er (interior designers ) N‑COUNT An interior designer is a person who is employed to design the decoration for the inside of people's houses.
inter|ject / I ntə r dʒe kt/ (interjects , interjecting , interjected ) VERB If you interject something, you say it and interrupt someone else who is speaking. [FORMAL ] □ [V with quote] 'Surely there's something we can do?' interjected Palin. □ [V n] He listened thoughtfully, interjecting only the odd word. [Also V ]
inter|jec|tion / I ntə r dʒe kʃ ə n/ (interjections )
1 N‑COUNT An interjection is something you say which interrupts someone else who is speaking. □ [+ of ] …the moronic and insensitive interjections of the disc jockey.
2 N‑COUNT In grammar, an interjection is a word or expression which you use to express a strong feeling such as surprise, pain, or horror.
inter|laced / I ntə r le I st/ ADJ If things are interlaced , parts of one thing go over, under, or between parts of another. [WRITTEN ] □ During my whole report, he sat with his eyes closed and his fingers interlaced. □ [+ with ] …languid women, their flowing locks interlaced with flowers and vines.
inter|link / I ntə r l I ŋk/ (interlinks , interlinking , interlinked ) VERB Things that are interlinked or interlink are linked with each other in some way. □ [be V -ed] Those two processes are very closely interlinked. □ [be V -ed + with ] The question to be addressed is interlinked with the question of human rights. □ [V ] …a more integrated transport network, with bus, rail, and ferry services all interlinking.
inter|lock / I ntə r lɒ k/ (interlocks , interlocking , interlocked )
1 VERB Things that interlock or are interlocked go between or through each other so that they are linked. □ [V ] The parts interlock. □ [V n] Interlock your fingers behind your back. [Also V with n]
2 VERB If systems, situations, or plans are interlocked or interlock , they are very closely connected. □ [be V -ed] The problems of the two countries were tightly interlocked. □ [V ] The tragedies begin to interlock. □ [V + with ] Your girlfriend's fear seems to interlock with your fear. [Also V n]
inter|locu|tor / I ntə r lɒ kjʊtə r / (interlocutors )
1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your interlocutor is the person with whom you are having a conversation. [FORMAL ] □ Owen had the habit of staring motionlessly at his interlocutor.
2 N‑COUNT If a person or organization has a role as an interlocutor in talks or negotiations, they take part or act as a representative in them. [FORMAL ] □ He was a key interlocutor between his corporate clients and the market.
inter|lop|er / I ntə r loʊpə r / (interlopers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an interloper , you mean that they have come into a situation or a place where they are not wanted or do not belong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She had no wish to share her father with any outsider and regarded us as interlopers.
inter|lude / I ntə r luːd/ (interludes ) N‑COUNT An interlude is a short period of time when an activity or situation stops and something else happens. □ Superb musical interludes were provided by Sinclair.
inter|mar|riage / I ntə r mæ r I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Intermarriage is marriage between people from different social, racial, or religious groups. □ [+ between ] …intermarriage between members of the old and new ruling classes.
inter|mar|ry / I ntə r mæ ri/ (intermarries , intermarrying , intermarried ) VERB When people from different social, racial, or religious groups intermarry , they marry each other. You can also say that one group intermarries with another group. □ [V ] They were allowed to intermarry. □ [V + with ] Some of the traders settled and intermarried with local women.
inter|medi|ary / I ntə r miː diəri/ (intermediaries ) N‑COUNT An intermediary is a person who passes messages or proposals between two people or groups. □ She wanted him to act as an intermediary in the dispute with Moscow.
inter|medi|ate / I ntə r miː diət/ (intermediates )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intermediate stage, level, or position is one that occurs between two other stages, levels, or positions. □ You should consider breaking the journey with intermediate stopovers at airport hotels.
2 ADJ Intermediate learners of something have some knowledge or skill but are not yet advanced. □ The Badminton Club holds coaching sessions for beginners and intermediate players on Friday evenings. ● N‑COUNT An intermediate is an intermediate learner. □ The ski school coaches beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.
in|ter|ment / I ntɜː r mənt/ (interments ) N‑VAR The interment of a dead person is their burial. [FORMAL ]
in|ter|mi|nable / I ntɜː r m I nəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as interminable , you are emphasizing that it continues for a very long time and indicating that you wish it was shorter or would stop. [EMPHASIS ] □ …an interminable meeting. ● in|ter|mi|nably ADV [usu ADV after v] □ He talked to me interminably about his first wife.
inter|min|gle / I ntə r m I ŋg ə l/ (intermingles , intermingling , intermingled ) VERB When people or things intermingle , they mix with each other. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] This allows the two cultures to intermingle without losing their separate identities. □ [V + with ] …an opportunity for them to intermingle with the citizens of other countries. ● inter|min|gled ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ The ethnic populations are so intermingled that there's bound to be conflict.
inter|mis|sion / I ntə r m I ʃ ə n/ (intermissions ) N‑COUNT An intermission is a short break between two parts of a film, concert, or show. □ [+ of ] …during the intermission of the musical 'Steppin' Out'. ● N‑VAR In American English, you can also use intermission to refer to a short break between two parts of a game, or say that something happens at, after, or during intermission . □ Fraser did not perform until after intermission.
inter|mit|tent / I ntə r m I t ə nt/ ADJ Something that is intermittent happens occasionally rather than continuously. □ After three hours of intermittent rain, the game was abandoned. ● inter|mit|tent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The talks went on intermittently for three years.
in|tern (interns , interning , interned ) The verb is pronounced / I ntɜː r n/. The noun is pronounced / I ntɜː r n/. 1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is interned , they are put in prison or in a prison camp for political reasons. □ [be V -ed] He was interned as an enemy alien at the outbreak of the Second World War.
2 N‑COUNT An intern is an advanced student or a recent graduate, especially in medicine, who is being given practical training under supervision. [AM ]
in|ter|nal ◆◇◇ / I ntɜː r n ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Internal is used to describe things that exist or happen inside a country or organization. □ The country stepped up internal security. □ We now have a Europe without internal borders. ● in|ter|nal|ly ADV □ The state is not a unified and internally coherent entity.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Internal is used to describe things that exist or happen inside a particular person, object, or place. □ …massive internal bleeding. □ Some of the internal walls of my house are made of plasterboard. ● in|ter|nal|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Evening primrose oil is used on the skin as well as taken internally. SYNONYMS internal ADJ 2
inner: She got up and went into an inner office.
inside: …four-berth inside cabins with en-suite bathroom and shower.
interior: The interior walls were painted green.
in|te r|nal com|bu s|tion en|gine (internal combustion engines ) N‑COUNT An internal combustion engine is an engine that creates its energy by burning fuel inside itself. Most cars have internal combustion engines.
in|ter|nal|ize / I ntɜː r nəla I z/ (internalizes , internalizing , internalized ) in BRIT, also use internalise VERB If you internalize something such as a belief or a set of values, you make it become part of your attitude or way of thinking. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Over time she internalized her parents' attitudes. ● in|ter|nali|za|tion / I ntɜː r nəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □ [+ of ] …my internalisation of hatred, disgust and fear.
inter|na|tion|al ◆◆◆ / I ntə r næ ʃən ə l/ (internationals )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] International means between or involving different countries. □ …an international agreement against exporting arms to that country. □ …emergency aid from the international community. ● inter|na|tion|al|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ There are only two internationally recognised certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
2 N‑COUNT In sport, an international is a game that is played between teams representing two different countries. [BRIT ] □ …the midweek international against England.
3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] An international is a member of a country's sports team. [BRIT ] □ …a former England international.
inter|na|tion|al|ism / I ntə r næ ʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Internationalism is the belief that countries should work with, help, and be friendly with one another.
inter|na|tion|al|ist / I ntə r næ ʃənəl I st/ ADJ If someone has internationalist beliefs or opinions, they believe that countries should work with, help, and be friendly with one another. □ …a more genuinely internationalist view of U.S. participation in peace-keeping.
inter|na|tion|al|ize / I ntə r næ ʃənəla I z/ (internationalizes , internationalizing , internationalized ) in BRIT, also use internationalise VERB If an issue or a crisis is internationalized , it becomes the concern of many nations throughout the world. [JOURNALISM ] □ [be V -ed] A very real danger exists of the conflict becoming internationalised. □ [V n] This will internationalize the financial crisis already afflicting many countries. ● inter|na|tion|ali|za|tion / I ntə r næʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the increasing internationalization of business.
i nter|na|tion|al re|la |tions N‑PLURAL The political relationships between different countries are referred to as international relations . □ …peaceful and friendly international relations.
inter|necine / I ntə r niː sa I n, [AM ] -siːn/ ADJ [ADJ n] An internecine conflict, war, or quarrel is one which takes place between opposing groups within a country or organization. [FORMAL ]
in|ternee / I ntɜː r niː / (internees ) N‑COUNT An internee is a person who has been put in prison for political reasons.
in|ter|net ◆◇◇ / I ntə r net/ also Internet N‑PROPER The internet is the computer network which allows computer users to connect with computers all over the world, and which carries email.
i n|ter|net ca fé (internet cafés ) N‑COUNT An internet café is a café with computers where people can pay to use the internet.
in|tern|ment / I ntɜː r nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Internment is the practice of putting people in prison for political reasons. □ They called for the return of internment without trial for terrorists.
in|tern|ship / I ntɜː r nʃ I p/ (internships ) N‑COUNT An internship is the position held by an intern, or the period of time when someone is an intern. [AM ]
inter|per|son|al / I ntə r pɜː r sən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Interpersonal means relating to relationships between people. □ Training in interpersonal skills is essential.
inter|play / I ntə r ple I / N‑UNCOUNT The interplay between two or more things or people is the way that they have an effect on each another or react to each other. □ [+ of ] …the interplay of political, economic, social and cultural factors.
in|ter|po|late / I ntɜː r pəle I t/ (interpolates , interpolating , interpolated ) VERB If you interpolate a comment into a conversation or some words into a piece of writing, you put it in as an addition. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Williams interpolated much spurious matter. □ [be V -ed + into ] These odd assertions were interpolated into the manuscript some time after 1400.
in|ter|po|la|tion / I ntɜː r pəle I ʃ ə n/ (interpolations ) N‑COUNT An interpolation is an addition to a piece of writing. [FORMAL ] □ The interpolation appears to have been inserted very soon after the original text was finished.
inter|pose / I ntə r poʊ z/ (interposes , interposing , interposed ) VERB If you interpose something between two people or things, you place it between them. [FORMAL ] □ [V pron-refl + between ] Police had to interpose themselves between the two rival groups. □ [V n + between ] The work interposes a glass plate between two large circular mirrors.
in|ter|pret / I ntɜː r pr I t/ (interprets , interpreting , interpreted )
1 VERB If you interpret something in a particular way, you decide that this is its meaning or significance. □ [be V -ed + as ] The whole speech might well be interpreted as a coded message to the Americans. □ [V n] The judge quite rightly says that he has to interpret the law as it's been passed. □ [be V -ed] Both approaches agree on what is depicted in the poem, but not on how it should be interpreted.
2 VERB If you interpret what someone is saying, you translate it immediately into another language. □ [V ] The chambermaid spoke little English, so her husband came with her to interpret. □ [V n] Interpreters found they could not interpret half of what he said.
in|ter|pre|ta|tion / I ntɜː r pr I te I ʃ ə n/ (interpretations )
1 N‑VAR An interpretation of something is an opinion about what it means. □ The government put a different interpretation on the figures.
2 N‑COUNT A performer's interpretation of something such as a piece of music or a role in a play is the particular way in which they choose to perform it. □ [+ of ] …her full-bodied interpretation of the role of Micaela.
in|ter|pre|ta|tive / I ntɜː r pr I tət I v/ → see interpretive
in|ter|pret|er / I ntɜː r pr I tə r / (interpreters ) N‑COUNT An interpreter is a person whose job is to translate what someone is saying into another language. □ Aristide spoke to the press through an interpreter.
in|ter|pre|tive / I ntɜː r pr I t I v/ also interpretative ADJ [ADJ n] You use interpretive to describe something that provides an interpretation. [FORMAL ] □ History is an interpretive process.
inter|reg|num / I ntə r re gnəm/ N‑SING An interregnum is a period between the end of one person's time as ruler or leader and the coming to power of the next ruler or leader. [FORMAL ]
inter|re|late / I ntə r r I le I t/ (interrelates , interrelating , interrelated ) VERB If two or more things interrelate , there is a connection between them and they have an effect on each other. □ [V ] The body and the mind interrelate. □ [V + with ] Each of these cells have their specific jobs to do, but they also interrelate with each other. □ [V + with ] …the way in which we communicate and interrelate with others. □ [be V -ed] All things are interrelated.
inter|re|la|tion|ship / I ntə r r I le I ʃ ə nʃ I p/ (interrelationships ) N‑COUNT An interrelationship is a close relationship between two or more things or people. □ [+ between/of ] …the interrelationships between unemployment, crime, and imprisonment.
in|ter|ro|gate / I nte rəge I t/ (interrogates , interrogating , interrogated ) VERB If someone, especially a police officer, interrogates someone, they question them thoroughly for a long time in order to get some information from them. □ [V n] I interrogated everyone even slightly involved. ● in|ter|ro|ga|tor (interrogators ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] □ I was well aware of what my interrogators wanted to hear.
in|ter|ro|ga|tion / I nte rəge I ʃ ə n/ (interrogations ) N‑VAR An interrogation is the act of interrogating someone. □ …the right to silence in police interrogations.
in|ter|roga|tive / I ntərɒ gət I v/ (interrogatives )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An interrogative gesture or tone of voice shows that you want to know the answer to a question. [WRITTEN ] □ Donovan cocked an interrogative eye at his companion, who nodded in reply.
2 N‑SING In grammar, a clause that is in the interrogative , or in the interrogative mood, has its subject following 'do', 'be', 'have', or a modal verb. Examples are 'When did he get back?' and 'Are you all right?'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to ask questions.
3 N‑COUNT In grammar, an interrogative is a word such as 'who', 'how', or 'why', which can be used to ask a question.
in|ter|rupt / I ntərʌ pt/ (interrupts , interrupting , interrupted )
1 VERB If you interrupt someone who is speaking, you say or do something that causes them to stop. □ [V ] Turkin tapped him on the shoulder. 'Sorry to interrupt, Colonel.'. □ [V n] He tried to speak, but she interrupted him. ● in|ter|rup|tion / I ntərʌ pʃ ə n/ (interruptions ) N‑VAR □ The sudden interruption stopped Beryl in mid-flow.
2 VERB If someone or something interrupts a process or activity, they stop it for a period of time. □ [V n] He has rightly interrupted his holiday in Spain to return to London. ● in|ter|rup|tion N‑VAR □ [+ in/to ] …interruptions in the supply of food and fuel.
3 VERB If something interrupts a line, surface, or view, it stops it from being continuous or makes it look irregular. □ [V n] Taller plants interrupt the views from the house.
inter|sect / I ntə r se kt/ (intersects , intersecting , intersected )
1 VERB If two or more lines or roads intersect , they meet or cross each other. You can also say that one line or road intersects another. □ [V n] The orbit of this comet intersects the orbit of the Earth. □ [V ] The circles will intersect in two places.
2 VERB If one thing intersects with another or if two things intersect , the two things have a connection at a particular point. □ [V + with ] …the ways in which historical events intersect with individual lives. □ [V ] Their histories intersect.
3 VERB [usu passive] If a place, area, or surface is intersected by things such as roads or lines, they cross it. □ [be V -ed] The city is intersected by three main waterways.
inter|sec|tion / I ntə r se kʃ ə n/ (intersections ) N‑COUNT An intersection is a place where roads or other lines meet or cross. □ [+ of ] …at the intersection of two main canals. □ …a busy highway intersection. [Also + with ]
inter|sex / I ntə r seks/ ADJ An intersex person has genitals or other sexual characteristics that do not clearly fit the usual definition for a male or female body. □ …the controversy surrounding intersex athletes.
inter|sperse / I ntə r spɜː r s/ (intersperses , interspersing , interspersed ) VERB If you intersperse one group of things with another or among another, you put or include the second things between or among the first things. □ [V n + with ] Originally the intention was to intersperse the historical scenes with modern ones.
inter|spersed / I ntə r spɜː r st/ ADJ If one group of things are interspersed with another or interspersed among another, the second things occur between or among the first things. □ [+ with ] …bursts of gunfire, interspersed with single shots.
inter|state / I ntə r ste I t/ (interstates )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Interstate means between states, especially the states of the United States. □ …interstate highways.
2 N‑COUNT In the United States, an interstate is a major road linking states. □ …the southbound lane of Interstate 75.
inter|stel|lar / I ntə r ste lə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Interstellar means between the stars. [FORMAL ] □ …interstellar space.
inter|twine / I ntə r twa I n/ (intertwines , intertwining , intertwined )
1 VERB If two or more things are intertwined or intertwine , they are closely connected with each other in many ways. □ [be V -ed] Their destinies are intertwined. □ [V ] Three major narratives intertwine within Foucault's text, 'Madness and Civilisation'. □ [V n + with ] He intertwines personal reminiscences with the story of British television. □ [V + with ] Her fate intertwined with his. [Also V n]
2 VERB If two things intertwine , they are twisted together or go over and under each other. □ [V ] Trees, undergrowth and creepers intertwined, blocking our way. □ [V -ed] The towels were embroidered with their intertwined initials. [Also V + with ]
in|ter|val / I ntə r v ə l/ (intervals )
1 N‑COUNT An interval between two events or dates is the period of time between them. □ [+ of ] The ferry service has restarted after an interval of 12 years.
2 N‑COUNT An interval during a film, concert, show, or game is a short break between two of the parts. [mainly BRIT ] □ During the interval, wine was served. in AM, usually use intermission
3 PHRASE If something happens at intervals , it happens several times with gaps or pauses in between. □ She woke him for his medicines at intervals throughout the night.
4 PHRASE If things are placed at particular intervals , there are spaces of a particular size between them. □ Several red and white barriers marked the road at intervals of about a mile.
inter|vene / I ntə r viː n/ (intervenes , intervening , intervened )
1 VERB If you intervene in a situation, you become involved in it and try to change it. □ [V ] The situation calmed down when police intervened. □ [V + in ] The Government is doing nothing to intervene in the crisis.
2 VERB If you intervene , you interrupt a conversation in order to add something to it. □ [V ] Hattie intervened and told me to stop it. □ [V with quote] 'I've told you he's not here,' Irena intervened.
3 VERB If an event intervenes , it happens suddenly in a way that stops, delays, or prevents something from happening. □ [V ] The South African mailboat arrived on Friday mornings unless bad weather intervened.
inter|ven|ing / I ntə r viː n I ŋ/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] An intervening period of time is one that separates two events or points in time. □ During those intervening years Bridget had married her husband Robert.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An intervening object or area comes between two other objects or areas. □ They had scoured the intervening miles of moorland.
inter|ven|tion ◆◇◇ / I ntə r ve nʃ ə n/ (interventions ) N‑VAR Intervention is the act of intervening in a situation. □ [+ in ] …the role of the United States and its intervention in the internal affairs of many countries. □ …military interventions.
inter|ven|tion|ist / I ntə r ve nʃən I st/ (interventionists ) ADJ Interventionist policies are policies which show an organization's desire to become involved in a problem or a crisis which does not concern it directly. [JOURNALISM ] □ …the interventionist industrial policy of the government. ● N‑COUNT An interventionist is someone who supports interventionist policies. [JOURNALISM ]
inter|view ◆◆◇ / I ntə r vjuː/ (interviews , interviewing , interviewed )
1 N‑VAR An interview is a formal meeting at which someone is asked questions in order to find out if they are suitable for a job or a course of study. □ The interview went well. □ Not everyone who writes in can be invited for interview.
2 VERB [usu passive] If you are interviewed for a particular job or course of study, someone asks you questions about yourself to find out if you are suitable for it. □ [be V -ed] When Wardell was interviewed, he was impressive, and on that basis, he was hired.
3 N‑COUNT An interview is a conversation in which a journalist puts questions to someone such as a famous person or politician. □ Allan gave an interview to the Chicago Tribune newspaper last month.
4 VERB When a journalist interviews someone such as a famous person, they ask them a series of questions. □ [V n] I seized the chance to interview Chris Hani about this issue.
5 VERB When the police interview someone, they ask them questions about a crime that has been committed. □ [V n] The police interviewed the driver, but had no evidence to go on.
inter|viewee / I ntə r vjuiː / (interviewees ) N‑COUNT An interviewee is a person who is being interviewed.
inter|view|er / I ntə r vjuə r / (interviewers ) N‑COUNT An interviewer is a person who is asking someone questions at an interview.
inter|weave / I ntə r wiː v/ (interweaves , interweaving , interwove , interwoven ) VERB If two or more things are interwoven or interweave , they are very closely connected or are combined with each other. □ [be V -ed + with ] For these people, land is inextricably interwoven with life itself. □ [V + with ] Complex family relationships interweave with a murder plot in this ambitious new novel. □ [V n] The programme successfully interweaves words and pictures. □ [V ] Social structures are not discrete objects; they overlap and interweave. [Also V n + with ]
inter|web / I ntə r web/ N‑PROPER The interweb is a humorous name for the internet. [HUMOROUS ] □ Do you know much about this interweb thingy?
in|tes|ti|nal / I nte st I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intestinal means relating to the intestines. [FORMAL ]
in|tes|tine / I nte st I n/ (intestines ) N‑COUNT Your intestines are the tubes in your body through which food passes when it has left your stomach. □ This area is always tender to the touch if the intestines are not functioning properly.
in|ti|ma|cy / I nt I məsi/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Intimacy between two people is a very close personal relationship between them. □ [+ with ] …a means of achieving intimacy with another person. [Also + between ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT You sometimes use intimacy to refer to sex or a sexual relationship. □ [+ with ] The truth was he did not feel like intimacy with any woman.
in|ti|mate (intimates , intimating , intimated ) The adjective is pronounced / I nt I mət/. The verb is pronounced / I nt I me I t/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have an intimate friendship with someone, you know them very well and like them a lot. ● in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ He did not feel he had got to know them intimately.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If two people are in an intimate relationship, they are involved with each other in a loving or sexual way. □ …their intimate moments with their boyfriends. ● in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ You have to be willing to get to know yourself and your partner intimately.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intimate conversation or detail, for example, is very personal and private. □ He wrote about the intimate details of his family life. ● in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ It was the first time they had attempted to talk intimately.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use intimate to describe an occasion or the atmosphere of a place, you like it because it is quiet and pleasant, and seems suitable for close conversations between friends. [APPROVAL ] □ …an intimate candlelit dinner for two.
5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intimate connection between ideas or organizations, for example, is a very strong link between them. □ …an intimate connection between madness and wisdom. ● in|ti|mate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Property and equities are intimately connected in Hong Kong.
6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intimate knowledge of something is a deep and detailed knowledge of it. □ He surprised me with his intimate knowledge of Kierkegaard and Schopenhauer. ● in|ti|mate|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ …a golden age of musicians whose work she knew intimately.
7 VERB If you intimate something, you say it in an indirect way. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] He went on to intimate that he was indeed contemplating a shake-up of the company. □ [V + to ] He had intimated to the French and Russians his readiness to come to a settlement. [Also V n]
in|ti|ma|tion / I nt I me I ʃ ə n/ (intimations ) N‑COUNT [N that] An intimation is an indirect suggestion or sign that something is likely to happen or be true. [FORMAL ] □ I did not have any intimation that he was going to resign.
in|timi|date / I nt I m I de I t/ (intimidates , intimidating , intimidated ) VERB If you intimidate someone, you deliberately make them frightened enough to do what you want them to do. □ [V n] Jones had set out to intimidate and dominate Paul. □ [V n + into ] Attempts to intimidate people into voting for the governing party did not work. ● in|timi|da|tion / I nt I m I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …an inquiry into allegations of intimidation during last week's vote.
in|timi|dat|ed / I nt I m I de I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who feels intimidated feels frightened and lacks confidence because of the people they are with or the situation they are in. □ Women can come in here and not feel intimidated.
in|timi|dat|ing / I nt I m I de I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as intimidating , you mean that they are frightening and make people lose confidence. □ He was a huge, intimidating figure.
into ◆◆◆ / I ntuː/ Pronounced / I ntuː/ or / I ntuː/, particularly before pronouns and for meaning 14 . In addition to the uses shown below, into is used after some verbs and nouns in order to introduce extra information. Into is also used with verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'push', and in phrasal verbs such as 'enter into' and 'talk into'. 1 PREP If you put one thing into another, you put the first thing inside the second. □ Combine the remaining ingredients and put them into a dish. □ Until the 1980s almost all olives were packed into jars by hand.
2 PREP If you go into a place or vehicle, you move from being outside it to being inside it. □ I have no idea how he got into Iraq. □ He got into bed and started to read.
3 PREP If one thing goes into another, the first thing moves from the outside to the inside of the second thing, by breaking or damaging the surface of it. □ The rider came off and the handlebar went into his neck.
4 PREP If one thing gets into another, the first thing enters the second and becomes part of it. □ Poisonous smoke had got into the water supply.
5 PREP If you are walking or driving a vehicle and you bump into something or crash into something, you hit it accidentally. □ A train plowed into the barrier at the end of the platform.
6 PREP When you get into a piece of clothing, you put it on. □ She could change into a different outfit in two minutes.
7 PREP If someone or something gets into a particular state, they start being in that state. □ I slid into a depression.
8 PREP If you talk someone into doing something, you persuade them to do it. □ Gerome tried to talk her into taking an apartment in Paris.
9 PREP If something changes into something else, it then has a new form, shape, or nature. □ …his attempt to turn a nasty episode into a joke.
10 PREP If something is cut or split into a number of pieces or sections, it is divided so that it becomes several smaller pieces or sections. □ Sixteen teams are taking part, divided into four groups.
11 PREP An investigation into a subject or event is concerned with that subject or event. □ The concert will raise funds for research into lung cancer.
12 PREP If you move or go into a particular career or business, you start working in it. □ In the early 1990s, it was easy to get into the rental business.
13 PREP If something continues into a period of time, it continues until after that period of time has begun. □ He had three children, and lived on into his sixties.
14 PREP If you are very interested in something and like it very much, you can say that you are into it. [INFORMAL ] □ I'm into electronics myself.
in|tol|er|able / I ntɒ lərəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as intolerable , you mean that it is so bad or extreme that no one can bear it or tolerate it. □ They felt this would put intolerable pressure on them. ● in|tol|er|ably / I ntɒ lərəbli/ ADV □ …intolerably cramped conditions.
in|tol|er|ance / I ntɒ lərəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Intolerance is unwillingness to let other people act in a different way or hold different opinions from you. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] …his intolerance of any opinion other than his own.
in|tol|er|ant / I ntɒ lərənt/ ADJ If you describe someone as intolerant , you mean that they do not accept behaviour and opinions that are different from their own. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …intolerant attitudes toward non-Catholics.
in|to|na|tion / I ntəne I ʃ ə n/ (intonations ) N‑VAR Your intonation is the way that your voice rises and falls as you speak. □ His voice had a very slight German intonation.
in|tone / I ntoʊ n/ (intones , intoning , intoned ) VERB If you intone something, you say it in a slow and serious way, with most of the words at one pitch. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] He quietly intoned several prayers. □ [V with quote] 'But Jesus is here!' the priest intoned.
in|toxi|cat|ed / I ntɒ ks I ke I t I d/
1 ADJ Someone who is intoxicated is drunk. [FORMAL ] □ He appeared intoxicated, police said.
2 ADJ If you are intoxicated by or with something such as a feeling or an event, you are so excited by it that you find it hard to think clearly and sensibly. [LITERARY ] □ [+ by/with ] They seem to have become intoxicated by their success.
in|toxi|cat|ing / I ntɒ ks I ke I t I ŋ/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intoxicating drink contains alcohol and can make you drunk. [FORMAL ] □ …intoxicating liquor.
2 ADJ If you describe something as intoxicating , you mean that it makes you feel a strong sense of excitement or happiness. [LITERARY ] □ …the intoxicating fragrance of lilies.
in|toxi|ca|tion / I ntɒ ks I ke I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Intoxication is the state of being drunk. [FORMAL ] □ Intoxication interferes with memory and thinking, speech and coordination.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You use intoxication to refer to a quality that something has that makes you feel very excited. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …the intoxication of greed and success.
in|trac|table / I ntræ ktəb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intractable people are very difficult to control or influence. [FORMAL ] □ What may be done to reduce the influence of intractable opponents?
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Intractable problems or situations are very difficult to deal with. [FORMAL ] □ The economy still faces intractable problems.
intra|mu|ral / I ntrəmjʊə rəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intramural activities happen within one college or university, rather than between different colleges or universities. [AM ] □ …a comprehensive, well-supported program of intramural sports.
in|tra|net / I ntrənet/ (intranets ) N‑COUNT An intranet is a network of computers, similar to the internet, within a particular company or organization.
in|tran|si|gence / I ntræ ns I dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you talk about someone's intransigence , you mean that they refuse to behave differently or to change their attitude to something. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] He often appeared angry and frustrated by the intransigence of both sides.
in|tran|si|gent / I ntræ ns I dʒ ə nt/ ADJ If you describe someone as intransigent , you mean that they refuse to behave differently or to change their attitude to something. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ They put pressure on the Government to change its intransigent stance.
in|tran|si|tive / I ntræ ns I t I v/ ADJ An intransitive verb does not have an object.
intra|venous / I ntrəviː nəs/ ADJ [ADJ n] Intravenous foods or drugs are given to sick people through their veins, rather than their mouths. [MEDICAL ] □ …an intravenous drip. ● intra|venous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Premature babies have to be fed intravenously.
i n tray (in trays ) also in-tray N‑COUNT An in tray is a shallow container used in offices to put letters and documents in before they are dealt with. Compare out tray .
in|trep|id / I ntre p I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An intrepid person acts in a brave way. □ …an intrepid space traveller.
in|tri|ca|cy / I ntr I kəsi/ (intricacies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Intricacy is the state of being made up of many small parts or details. □ [+ of ] The price depends on the intricacy of the work.
2 N‑PLURAL The intricacies of something are its complicated details. □ [+ of ] Rose explained the intricacies of the job.
in|tri|cate / I ntr I kət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use intricate to describe something that has many small parts or details. □ …intricate patterns and motifs. ● in|tri|cate|ly ADV □ …intricately-carved sculptures.
in|trigue (intrigues , intriguing , intrigued ) The noun is pronounced / I ntriːg/. The verb is pronounced / I ntriː g/. 1 N‑VAR Intrigue is the making of secret plans to harm or deceive people. □ …political intrigue. □ …a powerful story of intrigue, passion and betrayal.
2 VERB If something, especially something strange, intrigues you, it interests you and you want to know more about it. □ [V n] The novelty of the situation intrigued him.
in|trigued / I ntriː gd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are intrigued by something, especially something strange, it interests you and you want to know more about it. □ I would be intrigued to hear others' views.
in|tri|guing / I ntriː g I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as intriguing , you mean that it is interesting or strange. □ This intriguing book is both thoughtful and informative. ● in|tri|guing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ …the intriguingly-named newspaper Le Canard Enchainé (The Chained Duck).
in|trin|sic / I ntr I ns I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] If something has intrinsic value or intrinsic interest, it is valuable or interesting because of its basic nature or character, and not because of its connection with other things. [FORMAL ] □ The paintings have no intrinsic value except as curiosities. ● in|trin|si|cal|ly / I ntr I ns I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ Sometimes I wonder if people are intrinsically evil.
in|tro / I ntroʊ/ (intros ) N‑COUNT The intro to a song, programme, or book is the first part, which comes before the main part. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Her album contains the best intro to a song ever.
intro|duce ◆◆◇ / I ntrədjuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (introduces , introducing , introduced )
1 VERB To introduce something means to cause it to enter a place or exist in a system for the first time. □ [V n] The Government has introduced a number of other money-saving moves. □ [be V -ed + into/to ] The word 'Pagoda' was introduced to Europe by the 17th-century Portuguese. ● intro|duc|tion (introductions ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] He is best remembered for the introduction of the moving assembly-line.
2 VERB If you introduce someone to something, you cause them to learn about it or experience it for the first time. □ [V n + to ] He introduced us to the delights of natural food. ● intro|duc|tion N‑SING □ [+ to ] His introduction to League football would have been gentler if he had started at a smaller club.
3 VERB If you introduce one person to another, or you introduce two people, you tell them each other's names, so that they can get to know each other. If you introduce yourself to someone, you tell them your name. □ [V n + to ] Tim, may I introduce you to my uncle's secretary, Mary Waller? □ [V n] Someone introduced us and I sat next to him. □ [V pron-refl] Let me introduce myself. ● intro|duc|tion (introductions ) N‑VAR □ With considerable shyness, Elaine performed the introductions.
4 VERB The person who introduces a television or radio programme speaks at the beginning of it, and often between the different items in it, in order to explain what the programme or the items are about. □ [be V -ed + by ] 'Health Matters' is introduced by Dick Oliver on BBC World Service. [Also V n] SYNONYMS introduce VERB 1
bring in: The government brought in a controversial law.
establish: The U.N. has established detailed criteria for who should be allowed to vote.
set up: The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims.
pioneer: …the folk-tale writing style pioneered by Marquez.
initiate: They wanted to initiate a discussion on economics.
launch: The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
intro|duc|tion / I ntrədʌ kʃ ə n/ (introductions )
1 N‑COUNT The introduction to a book or talk is the part that comes at the beginning and tells you what the rest of the book or talk is about. □ [+ to ] Ellen Malos, in her introduction to 'The Politics of Housework', provides a summary of the debates.
2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] If you refer to a book as an introduction to a particular subject, you mean that it explains the basic facts about that subject. □ [+ to ] On balance, the book is a friendly, down-to-earth introduction to physics.
3 → see also introduce
intro|duc|tory / I ntrədʌ ktəri/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] An introductory remark, talk, or part of a book gives a small amount of general information about a particular subject, often before a more detailed explanation. □ …an introductory course in religion and theology.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An introductory offer or price on a new product is something such as a free gift or a low price that is meant to attract new customers. [BUSINESS ] □ …just out on the shelves at an introductory price of £2.99.
intro|spec|tion / I ntrəspe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Introspection is the examining of your own thoughts, ideas, and feelings. □ He had always had his moments of quiet introspection.
intro|spec|tive / I ntrəspe kt I v/ ADJ Introspective people spend a lot of time examining their own thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
intro|vert / I ntrəvɜː r t/ (introverts )
1 N‑COUNT An introvert is a quiet, shy person who finds it difficult to talk to people.
2 ADJ Introvert means the same as introverted . □ The music students here are a very introvert lot.
intro|vert|ed / I ntrəvɜː r t I d/ ADJ Introverted people are quiet and shy and find it difficult to talk to other people. □ Machen was a lonely, introverted child.
in|trude / I ntruː d/ (intrudes , intruding , intruded )
1 VERB If you say that someone is intruding into a particular place or situation, you mean that they are not wanted or welcome there. □ [V + into/on/upon ] The press has been blamed for intruding into people's personal lives in an unacceptable way. □ [V ] I hope I'm not intruding.
2 VERB If something intrudes on your mood or your life, it disturbs it or has an unwanted effect on it. □ [V + on/into/upon ] Do you feel anxious when unforeseen incidents intrude on your day? □ [V ] There are times when personal feelings cannot be allowed to intrude.
3 VERB If someone intrudes into a place, they go there even though they are not allowed to be there. □ [V + into/onto ] The officer on the scene said no one had intruded into the area.
in|trud|er / I ntruː də r / (intruders ) N‑COUNT An intruder is a person who goes into a place where they are not supposed to be.
in|tru|sion / I ntruː ʒ ə n/ (intrusions )
1 N‑VAR If someone disturbs you when you are in a private place or having a private conversation, you can call this event an intrusion . □ I hope you don't mind this intrusion, Jon.
2 N‑VAR An intrusion is something that disturbs your mood or your life in a way you do not like. □ [+ into ] I felt it was a grotesque intrusion into our lives.
in|tru|sive / I ntruː s I v/ ADJ Something that is intrusive disturbs your mood or your life in a way you do not like. □ The cameras were not an intrusive presence.
in|tu|it / I ntjuː I t, [AM ] -tuː -/ (intuits , intuiting , intuited ) VERB If you intuit something, you guess what it is on the basis of your intuition or feelings, rather than on the basis of knowledge. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They would confidently intuit your very thoughts. □ [V that] He was probably right to intuit that it was universal.
in|tui|tion / I ntju I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tu-/ (intuitions ) N‑VAR Your intuition or your intuitions are unexplained feelings you have that something is true even when you have no evidence or proof of it. □ Her intuition was telling her that something was wrong.
in|tui|tive / I ntjuː I t I v, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have an intuitive idea or feeling about something, you feel that it is true although you have no evidence or proof of it. □ A positive pregnancy test soon confirmed her intuitive feelings. ● in|tui|tive|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ He seemed to know intuitively that I must be missing my mother.
Inu|it / I nju I t/ (Inuits or Inuit ) N‑COUNT The Inuit are a race of people descended from the original people of Eastern Canada and Greenland.
in|un|date / I nʌnde I t/ (inundates , inundating , inundated )
1 VERB If you say that you are inundated with things such as letters, demands, or requests, you are emphasizing that you receive so many of them that you cannot deal with them all. [EMPHASIS ] □ [be V -ed + with ] Her office was inundated with requests for tickets. □ [V n + with ] They have inundated me with fan letters. [Also V n]
2 VERB [usu passive] If an area of land is inundated , it becomes covered with water. □ [be V -ed] Their neighborhood is being inundated by the rising waters of the Colorado River.
in|ured / I njʊə r d/ ADJ If you are inured to something unpleasant, you have become used to it so that it no longer affects you. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] Doctors become inured to death.
in|vade / I nve I d/ (invades , invading , invaded )
1 VERB To invade a country means to enter it by force with an army. □ [V n] In autumn 1944 the allies invaded the Italian mainland at Anzio and Salerno. □ [V -ing] The Romans and the Normans came to Britain as invading armies. [Also V ]
2 VERB If you say that people or animals invade a place, you mean that they enter it in large numbers, often in a way that is unpleasant or difficult to deal with. □ [V n] People invaded the streets in victory processions almost throughout the day.
3 to invade someone's privacy → see privacy
in|vad|er / I nve I də r / (invaders )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Invaders are soldiers who are invading a country. □ The invaders were only finally crushed when troops overcame them at Glenshiel in June 1719.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a country or army that has invaded or is about to invade another country as an invader . □ …action against a foreign invader.
in|va|lid (invalids ) The noun is pronounced / I nvəl I d/. The adjective is pronounced / I nvæ l I d/ and is hyphenated in|val|id. 1 N‑COUNT An invalid is someone who needs to be cared for because they have an illness or disability. □ I hate being treated as an invalid.
2 ADJ If an action, procedure, or document is invalid , it cannot be accepted, because it breaks the law or some official rule. □ The trial was stopped and the results declared invalid.
3 ADJ An invalid argument or conclusion is wrong because it is based on a mistake. □ We think that those arguments are rendered invalid by the hard facts on the ground.
in|vali|date / I nvæ l I de I t/ (invalidates , invalidating , invalidated )
1 VERB To invalidate something such as an argument, conclusion, or result means to prove that it is wrong or cause it to be wrong. □ [V n] Any form of physical activity will invalidate the results.
2 VERB If something invalidates something such as a law, contract, or election, it causes it to be considered illegal. □ [V n] An official decree invalidated the vote in the capital.
in|va|lid|ity / I nvəl I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Invalidity is the state of being an invalid. □ I live on an invalidity pension.
in|valu|able / I nvæ ljəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as invaluable , you mean that it is extremely useful. □ I was able to gain invaluable experience over that year. □ [+ in ] The research should prove invaluable in the study of linguistics. [Also + to ]
in|vari|able / I nveə riəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use invariable to describe something that never changes. □ Dressed crab followed by sticky toffee pudding were her almost invariable choices from the menu.
in|vari|ably / I nveə riəbli/ ADV [ADV with v] If something invariably happens or is invariably true, it always happens or is always true. □ They almost invariably get it wrong.
in|va|sion ◆◇◇ / I nve I ʒ ə n/ (invasions )
1 N‑VAR [oft adj N ] If there is an invasion of a country, a foreign army enters it by force. □ [+ of ] …seven years after the Roman invasion of Britain.
2 N‑VAR If you refer to the arrival of a large number of people or things as an invasion , you are emphasizing that they are unpleasant or difficult to deal with. □ [+ of ] …this year's annual invasion of flies, wasps and ants.
3 N‑VAR If you describe an action as an invasion , you disapprove of it because it affects someone or something in a way that is not wanted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] Is reading a child's diary always a gross invasion of privacy?
in|va|sive / I nve I s I v/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use invasive to describe something undesirable which spreads very quickly and which is very difficult to stop from spreading. □ They found invasive cancer during a routine examination.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An invasive medical procedure involves operating on a patient or examining the inside of their body.
in|vec|tive / I nve kt I v/ N‑UNCOUNT Invective is rude and unpleasant things that people shout at people they hate or are angry with. [FORMAL ] □ A woman had hurled racist invective at the family.
in|veigh / I nve I / (inveighs , inveighing , inveighed ) VERB If you inveigh against something, you criticize it strongly. [FORMAL ] □ [V + against ] A lot of his writings inveigh against luxury and riches.
in|vei|gle / I nve I g ə l/ (inveigles , inveigling , inveigled ) VERB If you inveigle someone into doing something, you cleverly persuade them to do it when they do not really want to. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + into ] She inveigles Paco into a plot to swindle Tania out of her savings.
in|vent / I nve nt/ (invents , inventing , invented )
1 VERB If you invent something such as a machine or process, you are the first person to think of it or make it. □ [V n] He invented the first electric clock.
2 VERB If you invent a story or excuse, you try to make other people believe that it is true when in fact it is not. □ [V n] I stood still, trying to invent a plausible excuse.
in|ven|tion / I nve nʃ ə n/ (inventions )
1 N‑COUNT An invention is a machine, device, or system that has been invented by someone. □ The spinning wheel was a Chinese invention.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Invention is the act of inventing something that has never been made or used before. □ [+ of ] …the invention of the telephone.
3 N‑VAR If you refer to someone's account of something as an invention , you think that it is untrue and that they have made it up. □ The story was certainly a favourite one, but it was undoubtedly pure invention.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Invention is the ability to invent things or to have clever and original ideas. □ …his great powers of invention.
in|ven|tive / I nve nt I v/ ADJ An inventive person is good at inventing things or has clever and original ideas. □ It inspired me to be more inventive with my own cooking. ● in|ven|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He has surprised us before with his inventiveness.
in|ven|tor / I nve ntə r / (inventors ) N‑COUNT An inventor is a person who has invented something, or whose job is to invent things. □ [+ of ] …Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.
in|ven|tory / I nv ə ntri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (inventories )
1 N‑COUNT An inventory is a written list of all the objects in a particular place. □ [+ of ] Before starting, he made an inventory of everything that was to stay.
2 N‑VAR An inventory is a supply or stock of something. [AM ] □ [+ of ] …one inventory of twelve sails for each yacht.
in|verse / I nvɜː r s/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is an inverse relationship between two things, one of them becomes larger as the other becomes smaller. □ The tension grew in inverse proportion to the distance from their final destination. ● in|verse|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ The size of the nebula at this stage is inversely proportional to its mass.
2 N‑SING The inverse of something is its exact opposite. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] There is no sign that you bothered to consider the inverse of your logic. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Inverse is also an adjective. □ The hologram can be flipped to show the inverse image.
in|ver|sion / I nvɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (inversions ) N‑VAR When there is an inversion of something, it is changed into its opposite. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a scandalous inversion of the truth.
in|vert / I nvɜː r t/ (inverts , inverting , inverted )
1 VERB If you invert something, you turn it the other way up or back to front. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Invert the cake onto a cooling rack. □ [V -ed] …a black inverted triangle.
2 VERB If you invert something, you change it to its opposite. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They may be hoping to invert the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proved guilty. □ [V -ed] …a telling illustration of inverted moral values.
in|ver|tebrate / I nvɜː r t I brət/ (invertebrates ) N‑COUNT An invertebrate is a creature that does not have a spine, for example an insect, a worm, or an octopus. [TECHNICAL ] ● ADJ Invertebrate is also an adjective. □ …invertebrate creatures.
in|ve rt|ed co m|mas
1 N‑PLURAL Inverted commas are punctuation marks that are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends. They are usually written or printed as ‘ ’ or “ ”. Inverted commas are also sometimes used around the titles of books, plays, or songs, or around a word or phrase that is being discussed. [BRIT ] in AM, use quotation marks
2 PHRASE If you say in inverted commas after a word or phrase, you are indicating that it is inaccurate or unacceptable in some way, or that you are quoting someone else. [BRIT ] □ They're asked to make objective, in inverted commas, evaluations of these statements.
in|vest ◆◇◇ / I nve st/ (invests , investing , invested )
1 VERB If you invest in something, or if you invest a sum of money, you use your money in a way that you hope will increase its value, for example by paying it into a bank, or buying shares or property. □ [V + in ] They intend to invest directly in shares. □ [V n + in ] He invested all our profits in gold shares. □ [V n] When people buy houses they're investing a lot of money.
2 VERB When a government or organization invests in something, it gives or lends money for a purpose that it considers useful or profitable. □ [V + in ] …the British government's failure to invest in an integrated transport system. □ [V n + in ] …the European Investment Bank, which invested £100 million in Canary Wharf. □ [V n] Why does Japan invest, on average, twice as much capital per worker per year than the United States? [Also V ]
3 VERB If you invest in something useful, you buy it, because it will help you to do something more efficiently or more cheaply. □ [V n + in ] The company invested thousands in an electronic order-control system. □ [V + in ] The easiest way to make ice cream yourself is to invest in an ice cream machine.
4 VERB If you invest time or energy in something, you spend a lot of time or energy on something that you consider to be useful or likely to be successful. □ [V n + in ] I would rather invest time in Rebecca than in the kitchen.
5 VERB To invest someone with rights or responsibilities means to give them those rights or responsibilities legally or officially. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + with ] The constitution had invested him with certain powers. COLLOCATIONS invest VERB
1
invest + noun : cash, fund, money, sum; capital, profit; billions, millions
invest + adverb : directly, heavily; wisely; abroad, overseas, offshore
2
noun + invest : company, firm, government, organization
4
invest + noun : effort, time
in|ves|ti|gate ◆◆◇ / I nve st I ge I t/ (investigates , investigating , investigated ) VERB If someone, especially an official, investigates an event, situation, or claim, they try to find out what happened or what is the truth. □ [V n] Gas officials are investigating the cause of an explosion which badly damaged a house in Hampshire. □ [V wh] Police are still investigating how the accident happened. [Also V ] ● in|ves|ti|ga|tion / I nve st I ge I ʃ ə n/ (investigations ) N‑VAR □ [+ into ] He ordered an investigation into the affair. COLLOCATIONS investigate VERB
investigate + noun : allegation, claim, complaint; case, crime, death, incident
noun + investigate : authority, detective, officer, police
investigate + adverb : fully, properly, thoroughly
in|ves|ti|gative / I nve st I gət I v, [AM ] -ge I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Investigative work, especially journalism, involves investigating things. □ …an investigative reporter.
in|ves|ti|ga|tor / I nve st I ge I tə r / (investigators ) N‑COUNT An investigator is someone who carries out investigations, especially as part of their job.
in|ves|ti|ga|tory / I nve st I gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Investigatory means the same as investigative . □ At no time did I make an attempt to impede any investigatory effort.
in|ves|ti|ture / I nve st I tʃə r / (investitures ) N‑COUNT An investiture is a ceremony in which someone is given an official title. □ …Edward VIII's investiture as Prince of Wales in 1911.
in|vest|ment ◆◆◇ / I nve stmənt/ (investments )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Investment is the activity of investing money. □ He said the government must introduce tax incentives to encourage investment. [Also + in ]
2 N‑VAR An investment is an amount of money that you invest, or the thing that you invest it in. □ You'll be able to earn an average rate of return of 8% on your investments.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] If you describe something you buy as an investment , you mean that it will be useful, especially because it will help you to do a task more cheaply or efficiently. □ When selecting boots, fine, quality leather will be a wise investment.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Investment of time or effort is the spending of time or effort on something in order to make it a success. □ [+ of ] I worry about this big investment of time and effort. COLLOCATIONS investment NOUN
1
noun + investment : business, capital, property
adjective + investment : foreign, overseas; heavy
verb + investment : attract, boost, encourage, promote; need, require
2
adjective + investment : fixed, long-term, minimum; sound
verb + investment : consider, make
3
adjective + investment : wise, worthwhile
in|ves|tor ◆◆◇ / I nve stə r / (investors ) N‑COUNT An investor is a person or organization that buys stocks or shares, or pays money into a bank in order to receive a profit. □ [+ in ] The main investor in the project is the French bank Credit National. COLLOCATIONS investor NOUN
noun + investor : bond, equity, property
adjective + investor : cautious, nervous, unhappy, wary; foreign, overseas; wealthy; institutional, private
verb + investor : attract; reassure; spook
in|vet|er|ate / I nve tərət/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as, for example, an inveterate liar or smoker, you mean that they have lied or smoked for a long time and are not likely to stop doing it. □ …an inveterate gambler.
in|vidi|ous / I nv I diəs/
1 ADJ If you describe a task or job as invidious , you mean that it is unpleasant because it is likely to make you unpopular. □ The local authority could find itself in the invidious position of having to refuse.
2 ADJ An invidious comparison or choice between two things is an unfair one because the two things are very different or are equally good or bad. □ Police officers fear invidious comparisons.
in|vigi|late / I nv I dʒ I le I t/ (invigilates , invigilating , invigilated ) VERB Someone who invigilates an examination supervises the people who are taking it in order to ensure that it starts and finishes at the correct time, and that there is no cheating. [BRIT ] □ [V n] I've taught sixth formers and invigilated exams. [Also V ] ● in|vigi|la|tor (invigilators ) N‑COUNT □ …an exam invigilator.
in|vig|or|ate / I nv I gəre I t/ (invigorates , invigorating , invigorated )
1 VERB If something invigorates you, it makes you feel more energetic. □ [V n] Take a deep breath in to invigorate you. ● in|vig|or|at|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ She seemed invigorated, full of life and energy.
2 VERB To invigorate a situation or a process means to make it more efficient or more effective. □ [V n] …the promise that they would invigorate the economy.
in|vig|or|at|ing / I nv I gəre I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as invigorating , you mean that it makes you feel more energetic. □ …the bright Finnish sun and invigorating northern air.
in|vin|cible / I nv I ns I b ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe an army or sports team as invincible , you believe that they cannot be defeated. □ When he is on form he is virtually invincible. ● in|vin|cibil|ity / I nv I ns I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …symbols of the invincibility of the Roman army.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has an invincible belief or attitude, it cannot be changed. □ He also had an invincible faith in the medicinal virtues of garlic.
in|vio|lable / I nva I ələb ə l/
1 ADJ If a law or principle is inviolable , you must not break it. [FORMAL ] □ The game had a single inviolable rule: obstacles were to be overcome, not circumvented.
2 ADJ If a country says its borders are inviolable , it means they must not be changed or crossed without permission. [FORMAL ] □ Yesterday's resolution says the present Polish border is 'inviolable'. ● in|vio|labil|ity / I nva I ələb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Parliament has recognised the inviolability of the current border.
in|vio|late / I nva I ələt/ ADJ If something is inviolate , it has not been or cannot be harmed or affected by anything. [FORMAL ] □ We believed our love was inviolate.
in|vis|ible / I nv I z I b ə l/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as invisible , you mean that it cannot be seen, for example because it is transparent, hidden, or very small. □ The lines were so finely etched as to be invisible from a distance. ● in|vis|ibly / I nv I z I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ A thin coil of smoke rose almost invisibly into the sharp, bright sky.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use invisible when you are talking about something that cannot be seen but has a definite effect. In this sense, invisible is often used before a noun which refers to something that can usually be seen. □ Parents fear they might overstep these invisible boundaries. ● in|vis|ibly ADV [ADV with v] □ …the tradition that invisibly shapes things in the present.
3 ADJ If you say that you feel invisible , you are complaining that you are being ignored by other people. If you say that a particular problem or situation is invisible , you are complaining that it is not being considered or dealt with. □ The problems of the poor are largely invisible. ● in|vis|ibil|ity / I nv I z I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the invisibility of women's concerns in society.
4 ADJ In stories, invisible people or things have a magic quality which makes people unable to see them. □ …The Invisible Man.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] In economics, invisible earnings are the money that a country makes as a result of services such as banking and tourism, rather than by producing goods. [BUSINESS ] □ Tourism is Britain's single biggest invisible export.
in|vi|ta|tion ◆◇◇ / I nv I te I ʃ ə n/ (invitations )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] An invitation is a written or spoken request to come to an event such as a party, a meal, or a meeting. □ [+ to ] …an invitation to lunch. □ [+ of ] He's understood to be there at the personal invitation of the President.
2 N‑COUNT An invitation is the card or paper on which an invitation is written or printed. □ Hundreds of invitations are being sent out this week.
3 N‑SING If you believe that someone's action is likely to have a particular result, especially a bad one, you can refer to the action as an invitation to that result. □ [+ to ] Don't leave your shopping on the back seat of your car–it's an open invitation to a thief.
in|vite ◆◆◇ (invites , inviting , invited ) The verb is pronounced / I nva I t/. The noun is pronounced / I nva I t/. 1 VERB If you invite someone to something such as a party or a meal, you ask them to come to it. □ [V n prep/adv] She invited him to her 26th birthday party in New Jersey. □ [V n to-inf] Barron invited her to accompany him to the races. □ [be V -ed] I haven't been invited. □ [V -ed] …an invited audience of children from inner-city schools.
2 VERB If you are invited to do something, you are formally asked or given permission to do it. □ [be V -ed to-inf] At a future date, managers will be invited to apply for a management buy-out. □ [V n to-inf] If a new leader emerged, it would then be for the Queen to invite him to form a government. □ [V n] The Department is inviting applications from groups within the Borough.
3 VERB If something you say or do invites trouble or criticism, it makes trouble or criticism more likely. □ [V n] Their refusal to compromise will inevitably invite more criticism from the U.N.
4 N‑COUNT An invite is an invitation to something such as a party or a meal. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ to ] They haven't got an invite to the wedding.
in|vit|ing / I nva I t I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you say that something is inviting , you mean that it has good qualities that attract you or make you want to experience it. □ The February air was soft, cool, and inviting. ● in|vit|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ The waters of the tropics are invitingly clear.
2 → see also invite
in vi|tro / I n viː troʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] In vitro fertilization is a method of helping a woman to have a baby in which an egg is removed from one of her ovaries, fertilized outside her body, and then replaced in her womb.
in|vo|ca|tion / I nvəke I ʃ ə n/ (invocations )
1 N‑VAR An invocation is a request for help or forgiveness made to a god. [FORMAL ] □ [+ for ] …an invocation for divine guidance.
2 N‑COUNT An invocation is a prayer at a public meeting, usually at the beginning. [AM ]
in|voice / I nvɔ I s/ (invoices , invoicing , invoiced )
1 N‑COUNT An invoice is a document that lists goods that have been supplied or services that have been done, and says how much money you owe for them. □ [+ for ] We will then send you an invoice for the total course fees.
2 VERB If you invoice someone, you send them a bill for goods or services you have provided them with. □ [V n] The agency invoices the client.
in|voke / I nvoʊ k/ (invokes , invoking , invoked )
1 VERB If you invoke a law, you state that you are taking a particular action because that law allows or tells you to. □ [V n] The judge invoked an international law that protects refugees.
2 VERB If you invoke something such as a principle, a saying, or a famous person, you refer to them in order to support your argument. □ [V n] He invoked memories of Britain's near-disastrous disarmament in the 1930s.
3 VERB If something such as a piece of music invokes a feeling or an image, it causes someone to have the feeling or to see the image. Many people consider this use to be incorrect. □ [V n] The music invoked the wide open spaces of the prairies.
in|vol|un|tary / I nvɒ ləntri, [AM ] -teri/
1 ADJ If you make an involuntary movement or exclamation, you make it suddenly and without intending to because you are unable to control yourself. □ Another surge of pain in my ankle caused me to give an involuntary shudder. ● in|vol|un|tari|ly / I nvɒləntrəli, [AM ] -teə r I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □ His left eyelid twitched involuntarily.
2 ADJ You use involuntary to describe an action or situation which is forced on someone. □ …insurance policies that cover involuntary unemployment.
in|volve ◆◆◇ / I nvɒ lv/ (involves , involving , involved )
1 VERB If a situation or activity involves something, that thing is a necessary part or consequence of it. □ [V n] Running a kitchen involves a great deal of discipline and speed. □ [V v-ing] Nicky's job involves spending quite a lot of time with other people.
2 VERB If a situation or activity involves someone, they are taking part in it. □ [V n] If there was a cover-up, it involved people at the very highest levels of government.
3 VERB If you say that someone involves themselves in something, you mean that they take part in it, often in a way that is unnecessary or unwanted. □ [V pron-refl + in ] I seem to have involved myself in something I don't understand.
4 VERB If you involve someone else in something, you get them to take part in it. □ [V n + in ] Noel and I do everything together, he involves me in everything.
5 VERB If one thing involves you in another thing, especially something unpleasant or inconvenient, the first thing causes you to do or deal with the second. □ [V n + in ] A late booking may involve you in extra cost. SYNONYMS involve VERB 1
entail: The job entails teaching dancers the technique and performance of dance movements.
mean: Managing well means communicating well.
demand: The task would demand much patience, hard work and sacrifice.
require: This isn't the kind of crisis that requires us to drop everything else.
in|volved ◆◆◇ / I nvɒ lvd/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are involved in a situation or activity, you are taking part in it or have a strong connection with it. □ [+ in/with ] If she were involved in business, she would make a strong chief executive.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are involved in something, you give a lot of time, effort, or attention to it. □ [+ in ] The family were deeply involved in Jewish culture.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] The things involved in something such as a job or system are the necessary parts or consequences of it. □ [+ in ] We believe the time and hard work involved in completing such an assignment are worthwhile.
4 ADJ If a situation or activity is involved , it has a lot of different parts or aspects, often making it difficult to understand, explain, or do. □ The operations can be quite involved, requiring many procedures.
5 ADJ If one person is involved with another, especially someone they are not married to, they are having a sexual or romantic relationship. □ [+ with ] He became romantically involved with a married woman.
in|volve|ment ◆◇◇ / I nvɒ lvmənt/ (involvements )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Your involvement in something is the fact that you are taking part in it. □ [+ with ] She disliked his involvement with the group and disliked his friends.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Involvement is the enthusiasm that you feel when you care deeply about something. □ [+ with ] Ben has always felt a deep involvement with animals.
3 N‑VAR An involvement is a close relationship between two people, especially if they are not married to each other. □ They were very good friends but there was no romantic involvement.
in|vul|ner|able / I nvʌ lnərəb ə l/ ADJ If someone or something is invulnerable , they cannot be harmed or damaged. □ Many daughters assume that their mothers are invulnerable. [Also + to ] ● in|vul|ner|abil|ity / I nvʌ lnərəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ to ] They have a sense of invulnerability to disease.
in|ward / I nwə r d/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Your inward thoughts or feelings are the ones that you do not express or show to other people. □ I sighed with inward relief. ● in|ward|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Sara, while remaining outwardly amiable toward all concerned, was inwardly furious.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] An inward movement is one towards the inside or centre of something. □ …a sharp, inward breath like a gasp.
3 → see also inwards
i n|ward in|ve st|ment N‑UNCOUNT Inward investment is the investment of money in a country by companies from outside that country. [BUSINESS ]
i nward-looking ADJ If you describe a people or society as inward-looking , you mean that they are more interested in themselves than in other people or societies. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …an insular and inward-looking community.
in|wards / I nwə r dz/ also inward ADV [ADV after v] If something moves or faces inwards , it moves or faces towards the inside or centre of something. □ She pressed back against the door until it swung inwards.
i n-your-fa ce also in-yer-face ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has an in-your-face attitude seems determined to behave in a way that is unusual or shocking, and does not care what people think of them. [INFORMAL ] □ It's in-your-face feminism, and it's meant to shock.
iodine /a I ə diːn, [AM ] -da I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Iodine is a dark-coloured substance used in medicine and photography.
ion /a I ən/ (ions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ions are electrically charged atoms. [TECHNICAL ]
-ion → see -ation
ion|iz|er /a I əna I zə r / (ionizers ) in BRIT, also use ioniser N‑COUNT An ionizer is a device which is meant to make the air in a room more healthy by removing positive ions.
iota /a I oʊ tə/
1 QUANT If you say that there is not an iota or not one iota of something, you are emphasizing that there is not even a very small amount of it. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] He's never shown an iota of interest in any kind of work.
2 PHRASE You can use an iota or one iota to emphasize a negative statement. Not an iota or not one iota means not even to a small extent or degree. [EMPHASIS ] □ Our credit standards haven't changed one iota.
IOU /a I oʊ juː / (IOUs ) N‑COUNT An IOU is a written promise that you will pay back some money that you have borrowed. IOU is an abbreviation for 'I owe you'.
IP ad|dress /a I piː ədres, [AM ] ædres/ (IP addresses ) N‑COUNT An IP address is a series of numbers that identifies which particular computer or network is connected to the internet. IP is an abbreviation for 'Internet Protocol'. [COMPUTING ] □ Every connection that you make to the network is stamped with your IP address.
iPod /a I pɒd/ (iPods ) N‑COUNT An iPod is a portable MP3 player that can play music downloaded from the internet. [COMPUTING , TRADEMARK ]
ipso fac|to / I psoʊ fæ ktoʊ/ ADV If something is ipso facto true, it must be true, because of a fact that has been mentioned. □ If a crime occurs then there is, ipso facto, a guilty party.
IQ /a I kjuː / (IQs ) N‑VAR Your IQ is your level of intelligence, as indicated by a special test that you do. IQ is an abbreviation for 'intelligence quotient'. Compare EQ . □ His IQ is above average.
PREFIX ir-
can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if something is irreplaceable it cannot be replaced.
Ira|nian / I re I niən/ (Iranians )
1 ADJ Iranian means belonging or relating to Iran, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT An Iranian is an Iranian citizen, or a person of Iranian origin.
Ira|qi / I rɑː kiː, I ræ ki/ (Iraqis )
1 ADJ Iraqi means belonging or relating to Iraq, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT An Iraqi is an Iraqi citizen, or a person of Iraqi origin.
iras|cible / I ræ s I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as irascible , you mean that they become angry very easily. [WRITTEN ] □ He had an irascible temper.
irate /a I re I t/ ADJ If someone is irate , they are very angry about something. □ The owner was so irate he almost threw me out of the place.
IRC /a I ɑː r siː / N‑UNCOUNT IRC is a way of having conversations with people who are using the Internet, especially people you do not know. IRC is an abbreviation for 'Internet Relay Chat'.
ire /a I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Ire is anger. [FORMAL ] □ Their ire was directed mainly at the government.
iri|des|cent / I r I de s ə nt/ ADJ Something that is iridescent has many bright colours that seem to keep changing. [LITERARY ] □ …iridescent bubbles.
iris /a I ə r I s/ (irises )
1 N‑COUNT The iris is the round coloured part of a person's eye.
2 N‑COUNT An iris is a tall plant with long leaves and large purple, yellow, or white flowers.
Irish /a I ə r I ʃ/ (Irish )
1 ADJ Irish means belonging or relating to Ireland, or to its people, language, or culture. Irish sometimes refers to the whole of Ireland, and sometimes only to the Republic of Ireland.
2 N‑PLURAL The Irish are the people of Ireland, or of the Republic of Ireland.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Irish is a Celtic language spoken in Ireland, especially in the Republic of Ireland.
Irish|man /a I ə r I ʃmən/ (Irishmen ) N‑COUNT An Irishman is a man who is an Irish citizen or is of Irish origin.
Irish|woman /a I ə r I ʃwʊmən/ (Irishwomen ) N‑COUNT An Irishwoman is a woman who is an Irish citizen or is of Irish origin.
irk /ɜː r k/ (irks , irking , irked ) VERB If something irks you, it irritates or annoys you. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The rehearsal process also irked him increasingly. □ [V n to-inf] I must admit it irks me to see this guy get all this free publicity. □ [V n that] It irks them that some people have more of a chance than others for their voices to be heard. ● irked ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ Claire had seemed a little irked when he left.
irk|some /ɜː r ksəm/ ADJ If something is irksome , it irritates or annoys you. [FORMAL ] □ …the irksome regulations.
iron ◆◇◇ /a I ə r n/ (irons , ironing , ironed )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Iron is an element which usually takes the form of a hard, dark-grey metal. It is used to make steel, and also forms part of many tools, buildings, and vehicles. Very small amounts of iron occur in your blood and in food. □ The huge, iron gate was locked. □ …the highest-grade iron ore deposits in the world.
2 → see also cast iron
3 N‑COUNT An iron is an electrical device with a flat metal base. You heat it until the base is hot, then rub it over clothes to remove creases.
4 VERB If you iron clothes, you remove the creases from them using an iron. □ [V n] She used to iron his shirts. □ [V -ed] …a freshly ironed shirt. ● iron|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ I managed to get all the ironing done this morning.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use iron to describe the character or behaviour of someone who is very firm in their decisions and actions, or who can control their feelings well. □ …a man of icy nerve and iron will.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] Iron is used in expressions such as an iron hand and iron discipline to describe strong, harsh, or unfair methods of control which do not allow people much freedom. □ He died in 1985 after ruling Albania with an iron fist for 40 years.
7 PHRASE If someone has a lot of irons in the fire , they are involved in several different activities or have several different plans.
▸ iron out PHRASAL VERB If you iron out difficulties, you resolve them and bring them to an end. □ [V P n] It was in the beginning, when we were still ironing out problems. [Also V n P ]
I ron Age N‑PROPER The Iron Age was a period of time which began when people started making things from iron about three thousand years ago. □ …the remains of an Iron Age fort.
iron|clad /a I ə r nklæd/ also iron-clad ADJ If you describe a guarantee or plan as ironclad , you are emphasizing that it has been carefully put together, and that you think it is absolutely certain to work or be successful. [EMPHASIS ] □ …ironclad guarantees of safe passage.
I ron Cu r|tain N‑PROPER People referred to the border that separated the Soviet Union and the communist countries of Eastern Europe from the Western European countries as the Iron Curtain .
iron|ic /a I rɒ n I k/ or ironical /a I rɒ n I k ə l/
1 ADJ When you make an ironic remark, you say something that you do not mean, as a joke. □ People used to call me Mr Popularity at high school, but they were being ironic.
2 ADJ If you say that it is ironic that something should happen, you mean that it is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast. □ I find it ironic that after all the motorbike accidents he has had, he should, in the end, die in his bed.
ironi|cal|ly /a I rɒ n I kli/
1 ADV You use ironically to draw attention to a situation which is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast. □ Ironically, for a man who hated war, he would have made a superb war cameraman.
2 ADV [ADV with v] If you say something ironically , you do not mean it and are saying it as a joke. □ Classmates at West Point had ironically dubbed him Beauty.
i ron|ing board (ironing boards ) N‑COUNT An ironing board is a long narrow board covered with cloth on which you iron clothes.
iron|monger /a I ə r nmʌŋgə r / (ironmongers )
1 N‑COUNT An ironmonger is a shopkeeper who sells articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use hardware dealer 2 N‑COUNT An ironmonger or an ironmonger's is a shop where articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans are sold. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use hardware store
iron|mongery /a I ə r nmʌŋgəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Ironmongery is articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans which are sold in an ironmonger's shop. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use hardware
iron|work /a I ə r nwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Iron objects or structures are referred to as ironwork . □ …the ironwork on the doors.
iro|ny /a I rəni/ (ironies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Irony is a subtle form of humour which involves saying things that you do not mean. □ Sinclair examined the closed, clever face for any hint of irony, but found none.
2 N‑VAR If you talk about the irony of a situation, you mean that it is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast. □ The irony is that many officials in Washington agree in private that their policy is inconsistent. [Also + of/in ]
ir|ra|di|ate / I re I die I t/ (irradiates , irradiating , irradiated ) VERB If someone or something is irradiated , they are exposed to a large amount of radioactivity. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] When tumours are treated, a significant amount of healthy tissue is inevitably irradiated. ● ir|ra|dia|tion / I re I die I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …the harmful effects of irradiation and pollution.
ir|ra|tion|al / I ræ ʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's feelings and behaviour as irrational , you mean they are not based on logical reasons or clear thinking. □ …an irrational fear of science. ● ir|ra|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Some days I feel irrationally anxious. ● ir|ra|tion|al|ity / I ræ ʃ ə næ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the irrationality of his behaviour.
ir|rec|on|cil|able / I re kənsa I ləb ə l/
1 ADJ If two things such as opinions or proposals are irreconcilable , they are so different from each other that it is not possible to believe or have both of them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] These old concepts are irreconcilable with modern life.
2 ADJ An irreconcilable disagreement or conflict is so serious that it cannot be settled. [FORMAL ] □ …an irreconcilable clash of personalities.
ir|re|deem|able / I r I diː məb ə l/ ADJ If someone or something has an irredeemable fault, it cannot be corrected. [FORMAL ] □ He is still, in the eyes of some, an irredeemable misogynist. ● ir|re|deem|ably / I r I diː məbli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ The applicant was irredeemably incompetent.
ir|re|duc|ible / I r I djuː s I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Irreducible things cannot be made simpler or smaller. [FORMAL ] □ …the irreducible complexity of human life.
ir|refu|table / I r I fjuː təb ə l/ ADJ Irrefutable evidence, statements, or arguments cannot be shown to be incorrect or unsatisfactory. [FORMAL ] □ The pictures provide irrefutable evidence of the incident.
ir|regu|lar / I re gjʊlə r /
1 ADJ If events or actions occur at irregular intervals, the periods of time between them are of different lengths. □ Cars passed at irregular intervals. □ He worked irregular hours. ● ir|regu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He was eating irregularly, steadily losing weight. ● ir|regu|lar|ity / I re gjʊlæ r I ti/ (irregularities ) N‑VAR □ [+ in ] …a dangerous irregularity in her heartbeat.
2 ADJ Something that is irregular is not smooth or straight, or does not form a regular pattern. □ He had bad teeth, irregular and discolored. ● ir|regu|lar|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □ Located off-center in the irregularly shaped lake was a fountain. ● ir|regu|lar|ity N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …treatment of abnormalities or irregularities of the teeth.
3 ADJ Irregular behaviour is dishonest or not in accordance with the normal rules. □ …the minister accused of irregular business practices. ● ir|regu|lar|ity N‑VAR □ …charges arising from alleged financial irregularities.
4 ADJ An irregular verb, noun, or adjective has different forms from most other verbs, nouns, or adjectives in the language. For example, 'break' is an irregular verb because its past form is 'broke', not 'breaked'.
ir|rel|evance / I re l I v ə ns/ (irrelevances )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the irrelevance of something, you mean that it is irrelevant. □ [+ of ] …the utter irrelevance of the debate.
2 N‑COUNT If you describe something as an irrelevance , you have a low opinion of it because it is not important in a situation. □ The Patriotic Front has been a political irrelevance.
ir|rel|evan|cy / I re l I v ə nsi/ (irrelevancies ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as an irrelevancy , you have a low opinion of it because it is not important in a situation. □ Why was he wasting her time with these irrelevancies?
ir|rel|evant / I re l I v ə nt/
1 ADJ If you describe something such as a fact or remark as irrelevant , you mean that it is not connected with what you are discussing or dealing with. □ [+ to ] The government decided that their testimony would be irrelevant to the case. ● ir|rel|evant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She would have hated the suit, I thought irrelevantly.
2 ADJ If you say that something is irrelevant , you mean that it is not important in a situation. □ The choice of subject matter is irrelevant.
ir|re|li|gious / I r I l I dʒəs/ ADJ An irreligious person does not accept the beliefs of any religion or opposes all religions.
ir|re|medi|able / I r I miː diəb ə l/ ADJ If a bad situation or change is irremediable , the situation cannot be improved. [FORMAL ] □ His memory suffered irremediable damage.
ir|repa|rable / I re prəb ə l/ ADJ Irreparable damage or harm is so bad that it cannot be repaired or put right. [FORMAL ] □ The move would cause irreparable harm to the organization. ● ir|repa|rably / I re prəbli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV -ed] □ Her heart was irreparably damaged by a virus.
ir|re|place|able / I r I ple I səb ə l/ ADJ Irreplaceable things are so special that they cannot be replaced if they are lost or destroyed. □ …a rare and irreplaceable jewel.
ir|re|press|ible / I r I pre s I b ə l/ ADJ An irrepressible person is lively and energetic and never seems to be depressed. □ Jon's exuberance was irrepressible. ● ir|re|press|ibly / I r I pre s I bli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □ Gavin was irrepressibly rebellious.
ir|re|proach|able / I r I proʊ tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that someone's character or behaviour is irreproachable , you mean that they behave so well that they cannot be criticized.
ir|re|sist|ible / I r I z I st I b ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe something such as a desire or force as irresistible , you mean that it is so powerful that it makes you act in a certain way, and there is nothing you can do to prevent this. □ It proved an irresistible temptation to Hall to go back. ● ir|re|sist|ibly / I r I z I st I bli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ I found myself irresistibly drawn to Steve's world.
2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as irresistible , you mean that they are so good or attractive that you cannot stop yourself from liking them or wanting them. [INFORMAL ] □ The music is irresistible. ● ir|re|sist|ibly ADV [ADV adj] □ She had a gamine charm which men found irresistibly attractive.
ir|reso|lute / I re zəluːt/ ADJ Someone who is irresolute cannot decide what to do. [FORMAL ] □ The worst reason to launch an attack would be a fear of seeming irresolute.
ir|re|spec|tive / I r I spe kt I v/ PHRASE If you say that something happens or should happen irrespective of a particular thing, you mean that it is not affected or should not be affected by that thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] We believe in investing in our people, irrespective of age.
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