11 VERB You can use let when you are saying what you think someone should do, usually when they are behaving in a way that you think is unreasonable or wrong. □ [V n inf] Let him get his own cup of tea.


12 VERB You can use let when you are praying or hoping very much that something will happen. □ [V n inf] Please God, let him phone me.


13 VERB You can use let to introduce an assumption on which you are going to base a theory, calculation, or story. □ [V n inf] Let x equal 5 and y equal 3.


14 VERB If you let your house or land to someone, you allow them to use it in exchange for money that they pay you regularly. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n + to ] She is thinking of letting her house to an American serviceman. □ [V n] The reasons for letting a house, or part of one, are varied. ● PHRASAL VERB Let out means the same as let . □ [V n P ] I couldn't sell the London flat, so I let it out to pay the mortgage. □ [V P n] Home owners who have extra space available may want to let out a room. [in AM, use rent ]


15 PHRASE Let alone is used after a statement, usually a negative one, to indicate that the statement is even more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next. [EMPHASIS ] □ It is incredible that the 12-year-old managed to even reach the pedals, let alone drive the car.


16 PHRASE If you let go of someone or something, you stop holding them. □ [+ of ] She let go of Mona's hand and took a sip of her drink.


17 PHRASE If you let someone or something go , you allow them to leave or escape. □ They held him for three hours and they let him go.


18 PHRASE When someone leaves a job, either because they are told to or because they want to, the employer sometimes says that they are letting that person go . [BUSINESS ] □ I've assured him I have no plans to let him go. □ Peterson was let go after less than two years.


19 PHRASE If you say that you did not know what you were letting yourself in for when you decided to do something, you mean you did not realize how difficult, unpleasant, or expensive it was going to be. □ He got the impression that Miss Hawes had no idea of what she was letting herself in for.


20 PHRASE If you let someone know something, you tell them about it or make sure that they know about it. □ They want to let them know that they are safe. □ If you do want to go, please let me know. [Also + about ]


21 to let fly → see fly


22 to let your hair down → see hair


23 to let someone off the hook → see hook


24 to let it be known → see known


25 to let the side down → see side


26 to let off steam → see steam


▸ let down


1 PHRASAL VERB If you let someone down , you disappoint them, by not doing something that you have said you will do or that they expected you to do. □ [V n P ] Don't worry, Xiao, I won't let you down. □ [V P n] When such advisers fail in their duty, they let down the whole system. ● let down ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ The company now has a large number of workers who feel badly let down.


2 PHRASAL VERB If something lets you down , it is the reason you are not as successful as you could have been. □ [V n P ] Many believe it was his shyness and insecurity which let him down. □ [be V -ed P ] Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot. [Also V P n]


3 PHRASAL VERB If you let down something such as a tyre, you allow air to escape from it. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P ] I let the tyres down on his car. □ [V P n] Remove wheelnuts, let down tyre, put on spare.


▸ let in PHRASAL VERB If an object lets in something such as air, light, or water, it allows air, light, or water to get into it, for example because the object has a hole in it. □ [V P n] …balconies shaded with lattice-work which lets in air but not light. [Also V n P ]


▸ let in on PHRASAL VERB If you let someone in on something that is a secret from most people, you allow them to know about it. □ [V n P P n] I'm going to let you in on a little secret.


▸ let into PHRASAL VERB If you let someone into a secret, you allow them to know it. □ [V n P n] I'll let you into a little showbiz secret.


▸ let off


1 PHRASAL VERB If someone in authority lets you off a task or duty, they give you permission not to do it. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P n/v-ing] In those days they didn't let you off work to go home very often.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you let someone off , you give them a lighter punishment than they expect or no punishment at all. □ [V n P ] Because he was a Christian, the judge let him off. □ [V n P prep/adv] When police realised who he was, they asked for an autograph and let him off with a warning.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you let off an explosive or a gun, you explode or fire it. □ [V P n] A resident of his neighbourhood had let off fireworks to celebrate the Revolution. [Also V n P ]


▸ let on PHRASAL VERB If you do not let on that something is true, you do not tell anyone that it is true, and you keep it a secret. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P that/wh] She never let on that anything was wrong. □ [V P + to ] I didn't let on to the staff what my conversation was. □ [V P ] He knows the culprit but is not letting on.


▸ let out


1 PHRASAL VERB If something or someone lets water, air, or breath out , they allow it to flow out or escape. □ [V n P ] It lets sunlight in but doesn't let heat out. □ [V P n] Meer let out his breath in a long sigh.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you let out a particular sound, you make that sound. [WRITTEN ] □ [V P n] When she saw him, she let out a cry of horror. [Also V n P ]


3 → see also let 14


▸ let up


1 PHRASAL VERB If an unpleasant, continuous process lets up , it stops or becomes less intense. □ [V P ] The rain had let up.


2 → see also let-up SYNONYMS let VERB 2


allow: Smoking will not be allowed.


grant: Permission was granted a few weeks ago.


permit: He can let the court's decision stand and permit the execution.


authorize: We are willing to authorize the president to use force if necessary.

le t-down (let-downs ) also letdown N‑VAR A let-down is a disappointment that you suffer, usually because something has not happened in the way in which you expected it to happen. □ The flat was nice, but compared with what we'd been used to, it was a terrible let-down. □ At the end of the book, there's a sense of let-down for the reader.

le|thal /liː θ ə l/


1 ADJ A substance that is lethal can kill people or animals. □ …a lethal dose of sleeping pills.


2 ADJ If you describe something as lethal , you mean that it is capable of causing a lot of damage. □ Frost and wet are the lethal combination for plants.

le|thar|gic /l I θɑː r dʒ I k/ ADJ If you are lethargic , you do not have much energy or enthusiasm. □ He felt too miserable and lethargic to get dressed.

leth|ar|gy /le θə r dʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Lethargy is the condition or state of being lethargic. □ Symptoms include tiredness, paleness, and lethargy.

let's ◆◆◇ /le ts/ Let's is the usual spoken form of 'let us'.

let|ter ◆◆◆ /le tə r / (letters , lettering , lettered )


1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] If you write a letter to someone, you write a message on paper and send it to them, usually by post. □ [+ from ] I had received a letter from a very close friend. □ [+ of ] …a letter of resignation. □ Our long courtship had been conducted mostly by letter.


2 N‑COUNT Letters are written symbols which represent one of the sounds in a language. □ [+ of ] …the letters of the alphabet. □ …the letter E.


3 N‑COUNT If a student earns a letter in sports or athletics by being part of the university or college team, they are entitled to wear on their jacket the initial letter of the name of their university or college. [AM ] □ [+ in ] Valerie earned letters in three sports: volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.


4 VERB If a student letters in sports or athletics by being part of the university or college team, they are entitled to wear on their jacket the initial letter of the name of their university or college. [AM ] □ [V prep] Burkoth lettered in soccer.


5 → see also capital letter , covering letter , dead letter , love letter , newsletter , poison-pen letter


6 PHRASE If you say that someone carries out instructions to the letter , you mean that they do exactly what they are told to do, paying great attention to every detail. □ She obeyed his instructions to the letter. COLLOCATIONS letter NOUN 1


noun + letter : reference, rejection, resignation, warning; love, thank-you


adjective + letter : anonymous, handwritten, open

le t|ter bomb (letter bombs ) N‑COUNT A letter bomb is a small bomb which is disguised as a letter or parcel and sent to someone through the post. It is designed to explode when it is opened.

let|ter|box /le tə r bɒks/ (letterboxes ) also letter box


1 N‑COUNT A letterbox is a rectangular hole in a door or a small box at the entrance to a building into which letters and small parcels are delivered. Compare postbox . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use mailbox 2 ADJ If something is displayed on a television or computer screen in letterbox format, it is displayed across the middle of the screen with dark bands at the top and bottom of the screen.

let|tered /le tə r d/ ADJ Something that is lettered is covered or decorated with letters or words. □ …a crudely lettered cardboard sign.

letter|head /le tə r hed/ (letterheads ) N‑COUNT A letterhead is the name and address of a person, company, or organization which is printed at the top of their writing paper. □ [+ with ] Colleagues at work enjoy having a letterhead with their name at the top.

let|ter|ing /le tər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Lettering is writing, especially when you are describing the type of letters used. □ …a small blue sign with white lettering.

le t|ter of cre d|it (letters of credit )


1 N‑COUNT A letter of credit is a letter written by a bank authorizing another bank to pay someone a sum of money. Letters of credit are often used by importers and exporters. [BUSINESS ]


2 N‑COUNT A letter of credit is a written promise from a bank stating that they will repay bonds to lenders if the borrowers are unable to pay them. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ from ] The project is being backed by a letter of credit from Lasalle Bank.

let|tuce /le t I s/ (lettuces ) N‑VAR A lettuce is a plant with large green leaves that is the basic ingredient of many salads.

le t-up N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If there is no let-up in something, usually something unpleasant, there is no reduction in the intensity of it. □ [+ in ] There was no let-up in the battle on the money markets yesterday.

leu|kae|mia /lukiː miə/ in AM, use leukemia N‑UNCOUNT Leukaemia is a disease of the blood in which the body produces too many white blood cells.

lev|el ◆◆◆ /le v ə l/ (levels , levelling , levelled ) in AM, use leveling , leveled 1 N‑COUNT A level is a point on a scale, for example a scale of amount, quality, or difficulty. □ If you don't know your cholesterol level, it's a good idea to have it checked. □ [+ of ] We do have the lowest level of inflation for some years. □ [+ of ] The exercises are marked according to their level of difficulty.


2 N‑SING The level of a river, lake, or ocean or the level of liquid in a container is the height of its surface. □ [+ of ] The water level of the Mississippi River is already 6.5 feet below normal. □ The gauge relies upon a sensor in the tank to relay the fuel level.


3 → see also sea level


4 ADJ [ADJ n] In cookery, a level spoonful of a substance such as flour or sugar is an amount that fills the spoon exactly, without going above the top edge. □ Stir in 1 level teaspoon of yeast.


5 N‑SING If something is at a particular level , it is at that height. □ Liz sank down until the water came up to her chin and the bubbles were at eye level.


6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one thing is level with another thing, it is at the same height as it. □ [+ with ] He leaned over the counter so his face was almost level with the boy's. □ Amy knelt down so that their eyes were level.


7 ADJ When something is level , it is completely flat with no part higher than any other. □ The floor was level, but the ceiling sloped toward his head. □ …a plateau of fairly level ground.


8 ADV [ADV after v] If you draw level with someone or something, you get closer to them until you are by their side. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ with ] I drew level with the platform and was about to walk past. ● ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Level is also an adjective. □ [+ with ] He waited until they were level with the door before he turned around sharply and punched Graham.


9 VERB If someone or something such as a violent storm levels a building or area of land, they destroy it completely or make it completely flat. □ [V n] The storm was the most powerful to hit Hawaii this century. It leveled sugar plantations and destroyed homes.


10 VERB If an accusation or criticism is levelled at someone, they are accused of doing wrong or they are criticized for something they have done. □ [be V -ed + at/against ] Allegations of corruption were levelled at him and his family. □ [V n + at/against ] He leveled bitter criticism against the U.S. [Also V n]


11 VERB If you level an object at someone or something, you lift it and point it in their direction. □ [V n + at ] He said thousands of Koreans still levelled guns at one another along the demilitarised zone between them. [Also V n]


12 VERB If you level with someone, you tell them the truth and do not keep anything secret. [INFORMAL ] □ [V + with ] I'll level with you. I'm no great detective. I've no training or anything.


13 → see also A level


14 PHRASE If you say that you will do your level best to do something, you are emphasizing that you will try as hard as you can to do it, even if the situation makes it very difficult. [EMPHASIS ] □ The President told American troops that he would do his level best to bring them home soon.


15 a level playing field → see playing field


▸ level off or level out


1 PHRASAL VERB If a changing number or amount levels off or levels out , it stops increasing or decreasing at such a fast speed. □ [V P ] The figures show evidence that murders in the nation's capital are beginning to level off. □ [V P prep] Inflation is finally levelling out at around 11% a month.


2 PHRASAL VERB If an aircraft levels off or levels out , it travels horizontally after having been travelling in an upwards or downwards direction. □ [V P ] The aircraft levelled out at about 30,000 feet.


▸ level out → see level off

le v|el cro ss|ing (level crossings ) N‑COUNT A level crossing is a place where a railway line crosses a road. [BRIT ] in AM, use grade crossing , railroad crossing

le vel-hea ded ADJ If you describe a person as level-headed , you mean that they are calm and sensible even in difficult situations. □ Simon is level-headed and practical. □ His level-headed approach suggests he will do what is necessary.

lev|el|ler /le vələ r / (levellers ) in AM, use leveler N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft adj N ] If you describe something as a leveller , you mean that it makes all people seem the same, in spite of their differences in, for example, age or social status. □ The computer is a leveller, making information available to everyone.

le v|el pe g|ging also level-pegging ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If two opponents in a competition or contest are level pegging , they are equal with each other. [BRIT ] □ [+ with ] An opinion poll published in May showed Mrs Yardley was level-pegging with Mr Simpson.

lev|er /liː və r , [AM ALSO ] le v-/ (levers , levering , levered )


1 N‑COUNT A lever is a handle or bar that is attached to a piece of machinery and which you push or pull in order to operate the machinery. □ [+ on ] Push the tiny lever on the lock. □ The taps have a lever to control the mix of hot and cold water.


2 → see also gear lever


3 N‑COUNT A lever is a long bar, one end of which is placed under a heavy object so that when you press down on the other end you can move the object.


4 VERB If you lever something in a particular direction, you move it there, especially by using a lot of effort. □ [V n with adj] Neighbours eventually levered open the door with a crowbar. □ [V n adv/prep] Insert the fork about 6in. from the root and simultaneously lever it backwards. [Also V , V n]


5 N‑COUNT A lever is an idea or action that you can use to make people do what you want them to do, rather than what they want to do. □ He may use money as a lever to control and manipulate her.

lev|er|age /liː vər I dʒ, [AM ] le v-/ (leverages , leveraging , leveraged )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Leverage is the ability to influence situations or people so that you can control what happens. □ His function as a Mayor affords him the leverage to get things done through attending committee meetings.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Leverage is the force that is applied to an object when something such as a lever is used. □ The spade and fork have longer shafts, providing better leverage.


3 VERB To leverage a company or investment means to use borrowed money in order to buy it or pay for it. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] Leveraging the company at a time of tremendous growth opportunities would be a mistake. ● lev|er|aged ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ The committee voted to limit tax refunds for corporations involved in leveraged buyouts.

le|via|than /l I va I əθən/ (leviathans ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A leviathan is something which is extremely large and difficult to control, and which you find rather frightening. [LITERARY ] □ Democracy survived the Civil War and the developing industrial leviathan and struggled on into the twentieth century.

Levi's /liː va I z/ also Levis N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Levi's are jeans. [TRADEMARK ]

levi|tate /le v I te I t/ (levitates , levitating , levitated ) VERB If someone or something levitates , they appear to rise and float in the air without any support from other people or objects. □ [V ] He has claimed he can levitate. □ [V n] Nina can, apparently, levitate a small ball between her hands. ● levi|ta|tion /le v I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …such magical powers as levitation, prophecy, and healing.

lev|ity /le v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Levity is behaviour that shows a tendency to treat serious matters in a non-serious way. [LITERARY ] □ At the time, Arnold had disapproved of such levity.

levy /le vi/ (levies , levying , levied )


1 N‑COUNT A levy is a sum of money that you have to pay, for example as a tax to the government. □ [+ on ] …an annual motorway levy on all drivers.


2 VERB If a government or organization levies a tax or other sum of money, it demands it from people or organizations. □ [V n + on ] They levied religious taxes on Christian commercial transactions. □ [V n] Taxes should not be levied without the authority of Parliament.

lewd /ljuː d, [AM ] luː d/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as lewd , you are critical of it because it is sexual in a rude and unpleasant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Drew spends all day eyeing up the women and making lewd comments. ● lewd|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The critics condemned the play for lewdness.

lexi|cal /le ks I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Lexical means relating to the words of a language. □ We chose a few of the commonest lexical items in the languages.

lexi|cog|ra|phy /le ks I kɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Lexicography is the activity or profession of writing dictionaries. ● lexi|cog|ra|pher (lexicographers ) N‑COUNT □ A lexicographer's job is to describe the language.

lexi|con /le ks I kən/ (lexicons )


1 N‑SING The lexicon of a particular subject is all the terms associated with it. The lexicon of a person or group is all the words they commonly use. □ [+ of ] …the lexicon of management. □ Chocolate equals sin in most people's lexicon.


2 N‑COUNT A lexicon is an alphabetical list of the words in a language or the words associated with a particular subject.

lex|is /le ks I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, the words of a language can be referred to as the lexis of that language. [TECHNICAL ]

LGBT /el dʒiːbiːtiː / LGBT is an abbreviation for 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender'.

LGBTI /el dʒiːbiːtiːa I / LGBTI is an abbreviation for 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex'.

lia|bil|ity /la I əb I l I ti/ (liabilities )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone or something is a liability , you mean that they cause a lot of problems or embarrassment. □ Team-mates and coach began to see him as a liability. □ What was once a vote-catching policy is now a political liability.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A company's or organization's liabilities are the sums of money which it owes. [BUSINESS or LEGAL ] □ The company had assets of $138 million and liabilities of $120.5 million.


3 → see also liable

lia|ble /la I əb ə l/


1 PHRASE When something is liable to happen, it is very likely to happen. □ Only a small minority of the mentally ill are liable to harm themselves or others.


2 ADJ If people or things are liable to something unpleasant, they are likely to experience it or do it. □ [+ to n] She will grow into a woman particularly liable to depression. □ [+ to v] This volcanic rock is less liable to shatter than limestone.


3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are liable for something such as a debt, you are legally responsible for it. □ [+ for ] The airline's insurer is liable for damages to the victims' families. □ As the killings took place outside British jurisdiction, the Ministry of Defence could not be held liable. ● lia|bil|ity /la I əb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ He is claiming damages from London Underground, which has admitted liability but disputes the amount of his claim.

li|aise /lie I z/ (liaises , liaising , liaised ) VERB When organizations or people liaise , or when one organization liaises with another, they work together and keep each other informed about what is happening. □ [V + with ] Detectives are liaising with Derbyshire police following the bomb explosion early today. □ [V with pron-recip] The three groups will all liaise with each other to help the child. □ [V ] Social services and health workers liaise closely. [Also V + between ]

liai|son /lie I zɒn, [AM ] liː e I z-/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Liaison is co-operation and the exchange of information between different organizations or between different sections of an organization. □ [+ between ] Liaison between police forces and the art world is vital to combat art crime. □ [+ with ] The courses are designed by universities in liaison with employers.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If someone acts as liaison with a particular group, or between two or more groups, their job is to encourage co-operation and the exchange of information. □ [+ with ] I have a professor on my staff here as liaison with our higher education institutions. □ [+ between ] She acts as a liaison between patients and staff.


3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a sexual or romantic relationship between two people as a liaison . □ [+ with ] She embarked on a series of sexual liaisons with society figures.

liar /la I ə r / (liars ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a liar , you mean that they tell lies. □ He was a liar and a cheat. □ 'She seems at times an accomplished liar,' he said.

lib /l I b/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Lib is used in the names of some movements that are concerned with achieving social and legal freedom for particular groups in society. Lib is an abbreviation for 'liberation'. □ …Women's Lib.


2 → see also ad-lib

li|ba|tion /la I be I ʃ ə n/ (libations ) N‑COUNT In ancient Greece and Rome, a libation was an alcoholic drink that was offered to the gods. [LITERARY ]

Lib Dem /l I b de m/ (Lib Dems ) N‑PROPER [N n] In Britain, you can refer to the Liberal Democrat Party or its members as the Lib Dems . □ They came just behind the Lib Dems in the seat in May last year. □ …Lib-Dem councillors.

li|bel /la I b ə l/ (libels , libelling , libelled ) in AM, use libeling , libeled 1 N‑VAR Libel is a written statement which wrongly accuses someone of something, and which is therefore against the law. Compare slander . [LEGAL ] □ Warren sued him for libel over the remarks. □ …a libel action against the paper.


2 VERB To libel someone means to write or print something in a book, newspaper, or magazine which wrongly damages that person's reputation and is therefore against the law. [LEGAL ] □ [V n] The newspaper which libelled him had already offered compensation.

li|bel|lous /la I bələs/ in AM, use libelous ADJ If a statement in a book, newspaper, or magazine is libellous , it wrongly accuses someone of something, and is therefore against the law. □ He claimed the articles were libellous and damaging to the interests of the team.

lib|er|al ◆◆◇ /l I bərəl/ (liberals )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has liberal views believes people should have a lot of freedom in deciding how to behave and think. □ She is known to have liberal views on divorce and contraception. ● N‑COUNT Liberal is also a noun. □ …a nation of free-thinking liberals.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A liberal system allows people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom. □ …a liberal democracy with a multiparty political system. □ They favour liberal free-market policies. ● N‑COUNT Liberal is also a noun. □ Price controls go against all the financial principles of free market liberals.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A Liberal politician or voter is a member of a Liberal Party or votes for a Liberal Party. □ The Liberal leader has announced his party's withdrawal from the election. ● N‑COUNT Liberal is also a noun. □ The Liberals hold twenty-three seats on the local council.


4 ADJ Liberal means giving, using, or taking a lot of something, or existing in large quantities. □ [+ with ] As always he is liberal with his jokes. □ She made liberal use of her elder sister's make-up and clothes. ● lib|er|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Chemical products were used liberally over agricultural land.

li b|er|al a rts N‑PLURAL At a university or college, liberal arts refers to subjects such as history or literature rather than science, law, medicine, or business.

Li b|er|al De mo|crat (Liberal Democrats ) N‑PROPER In Britain, a Liberal Democrat is a member of the Liberal Democrat Party.

Li b|er|al De mo|crat Par|ty N‑PROPER [N n] The Liberal Democrat Party is the third largest political party in Britain and the main centre party. It believes in improving the constitution and the voting system and in providing good welfare services.

lib|er|al|ism /l I bərəl I zəm/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Liberalism is a belief in gradual social progress by changing laws, rather than by revolution. □ …a democrat who has decided that economic liberalism is the best way to secure change. □ …the tradition of nineteenth-century liberalism.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Liberalism is the belief that people should have a lot of political and individual freedom. □ He was concerned over growing liberalism in the Church.

lib|er|al|ize /l I brəla I z/ (liberalizes , liberalizing , liberalized ) in BRIT, also use liberalise VERB When a country or government liberalizes , or liberalizes its laws or its attitudes, it becomes less strict and allows people more freedom in their actions. □ [V ] …authoritarian states that have only now begun to liberalise. □ [V n] …the decision to liberalize travel restrictions. ● lib|er|ali|za|tion /l I brəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the liberalization of divorce laws in the late 1960s.

Li b|er|al Par|ty N‑PROPER [N n] In Britain, the Liberal Party was a political party which believed in limited controls on industry, the providing of welfare services, and more local government and individual freedom. Liberal Party is also used to refer to similar parties in some other countries.

lib|er|ate ◆◇◇ /l I bəre I t/ (liberates , liberating , liberated )


1 VERB To liberate a place or the people in it means to free them from the political or military control of another country, area, or group of people. □ [V n] They planned to march on and liberate the city. ● lib|era|tion /l I bəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a mass liberation movement.


2 VERB To liberate someone from something means to help them escape from it or overcome it, and lead a better way of life. □ [V n + from ] He asked how committed the leadership was to liberating its people from poverty. [Also V n] ● lib|er|at|ing ADJ □ Telling your problems to a therapist can be a very liberating experience. ● lib|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ …the women's liberation movement.


3 VERB To liberate a prisoner means to set them free. □ [V n] The government is devising a plan to liberate prisoners held in detention camps. SYNONYMS liberate VERB 2


free: They are set to free more prisoners.


set free: Most of the prisoners were set free.


rescue: He had rescued her from a horrible life.


let out: I'd better go and let the dog out.


release: He was released from custody the next day.

lib|er|at|ed /l I bəre I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as liberated , you mean that they do not accept their society's traditional values or restrictions on behaviour. [APPROVAL ] □ She was determined that she would become a liberated businesswoman.

li b|era|tion the|o l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Liberation theology is the belief that the Christian Church should be actively involved in politics in order to bring about social change.

lib|era|tor /l I bəre I tə r / (liberators ) N‑COUNT A liberator is someone who sets people free from a system, situation, or set of ideas that restricts them in some way. [FORMAL ] □ [+ from ] We were the people's liberators from the Bolsheviks.

Li|berian /la I b I ə riən/ (Liberians )


1 ADJ Liberian means belonging or relating to Liberia, its people, or its culture.


2 N‑COUNT A Liberian is a person who comes from Liberia, or a person of Liberian origin.

lib|er|tar|ian /l I bə r teə riən/ (libertarians ) ADJ If someone is libertarian or has libertarian attitudes, they believe in or support the idea that people should be free to think and behave in the way that they want. [FORMAL ] □ …the libertarian argument that people should be allowed to choose. ● N‑COUNT A libertarian is someone who with libertarian views. □ Libertarians argue that nothing should be censored.

lib|er|tine /l I bə r tiːn/ (libertines ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a libertine , you mean that they are sexually immoral and do not care about the effect their behaviour has on other people. [LITERARY , DISAPPROVAL ]

lib|er|ty ◆◇◇ /l I bə r ti/ (liberties )


1 N‑VAR Liberty is the freedom to live your life in the way that you want, without interference from other people or the authorities. □ Wit Wolzek claimed the legislation could impinge on privacy, self determination and respect for religious liberty. □ Such a system would be a fundamental blow to the rights and liberties of the English people.


2 → see also civil liberties


3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft at N ] Liberty is the freedom to go wherever you want, which you lose when you are a prisoner. □ Drug addicts need help, not loss of liberty.


4 PHRASE If someone is at liberty to do something, they have been given permission to do it. □ The island's in the Pacific Ocean; I'm not at liberty to say exactly where, because we're still negotiating for its purchase.


5 PHRASE If you say that you have taken the liberty of doing something, you are saying that you have done it without asking permission. People say this when they do not think that anyone will mind what they have done. [POLITENESS ] □ I took the liberty of going into Assunta's wardrobe, as it was open; I was looking for a towel.


6 PHRASE If you take liberties or take a liberty with someone or something, you act in a way that is too free and does not show enough respect. □ [+ with ] Try to make your writing exciting, without taking liberties with the truth. □ She knew she was taking a big liberty in developing Mick's photos without his knowledge. SYNONYMS liberty NOUN 1


freedom: They want greater political freedom.


emancipation: They fought for the emancipation of women.


independence: In 1816, Argentina declared its independence from Spain.

li|bidi|nous /l I b I d I nəs/ ADJ People who are libidinous have strong sexual feelings and express them in their behaviour. [LITERARY ] □ Powell let his libidinous imagination run away with him.

li|bi|do /l I biː doʊ/ (libidos ) N‑VAR A person's libido is the part of their personality that is considered to cause their emotional, especially sexual, desires. □ Lack of sleep is a major factor in loss of libido.

Li|bra /liː brə/ (Libras )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Libra is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a pair of scales. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of September and the 22nd of October come under this sign.


2 N‑COUNT A Libra is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Libra.

li|brar|ian /la I breə riən/ (librarians ) N‑COUNT A librarian is a person who is in charge of a library or who has been specially trained to work in a library.

li|brary ◆◇◇ /la I brəri, [AM ] -breri/ (libraries )


1 N‑COUNT A public library is a building where things such as books, newspapers, videos, and music are kept for people to read, use, or borrow. □ …the local library. □ She issued them library cards.


2 N‑COUNT A private library is a collection of things such as books or music, that is normally only used with the permission of the owner. □ My thanks go to the British School of Osteopathy, for the use of their library.

li|bret|tist /l I bre t I st/ (librettists ) N‑COUNT A librettist is a person who writes the words that are used in an opera or musical play.

li|bret|to /l I bre toʊ/ (librettos or libretti /libre ti/) N‑COUNT The libretto of an opera is the words that are sung in it. □ …the author of one or two opera librettos.

Liby|an /l I biən/ (Libyans )


1 ADJ Libyan means belonging or relating to Libya, or to its people or culture.


2 N‑COUNT A Libyan is a Libyan citizen, or a person of Libyan origin.

lice /la I s/ Lice is the plural of louse .

li|cence ◆◇◇ /la I s ə ns/ (licences ) in AM, use license 1 N‑COUNT A licence is an official document which gives you permission to do, use, or own something. □ Payne lost his driving licence a year ago for drink-driving. □ The painting was returned to Spain on a temporary import licence. □ [+ to-inf] It gained a licence to operate as a bank from the Bank of England in 1981.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N , N to-inf] If you say that something gives someone licence or a licence to act in a particular way, you mean that it gives them an excuse to behave in an irresponsible or excessive way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ 'Dropping the charges has given racists a licence to kill,' said Jim's aunt.


3 → see also poetic licence


4 PHRASE If someone does something under licence , they do it by special permission from a government or other authority. □ …a company which made the Mig-21 jet fighter under licence from Russia. COLLOCATIONS licence NOUN 1


noun + licence : banking, driving, fishing; marriage, TV; exploration, export, firearms


adjective + licence : provisional; invalid, valid


verb + licence : award, grant, issue, renew; revoke, suspend; obtain, require SYNONYMS licence NOUN 1


permit: The majority of foreign nationals working here have work permits.


certificate: You will need to bring your birth certificate.


document: The police officer wanted to see all our documents.

li|cense /la I s ə ns/ (licenses , licensing , licensed ) VERB To license a person or activity means to give official permission for the person to do something or for the activity to take place. □ [V n] …a proposal that would require the state to license guns. □ [V n to-inf] Under the agreement, the council can license a U.S. company to produce the drug. [Also V n + to ]

li|censed /la I s ə nst/


1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you are licensed to do something, you have official permission from the government or from the authorities to do it. □ There were about 250 people on board, about 100 more than the ferry was licensed to carry. □ …a licensed doctor.


2 ADJ If something that you own or use is licensed , you have official permission to own it or use it. □ While searching the house they discovered an unlicensed shotgun and a licensed rifle.


3 ADJ If a place such as a restaurant or hotel is licensed , it has been given a licence to sell alcoholic drinks. [BRIT ] □ …licensed premises.

li|cen|see /la I s ə nsiː / (licensees )


1 N‑COUNT A licensee is a person or organization that has been given a licence. [FORMAL ]


2 N‑COUNT A licensee is someone who has been given a licence to sell alcoholic drinks, for example in a pub. [BRIT ]

li |cense num|ber (license numbers ) N‑COUNT The license number of a car or other road vehicle is the series of letters and numbers that are shown at the front and back of it. [AM ] in BRIT, use registration number

li |cense plate (license plates ) N‑COUNT A license plate is a sign on the front and back of a vehicle that shows its license number. [AM ] in BRIT, use number plate

li |cens|ing laws N‑PLURAL In Britain, the licensing laws are the laws which control the selling of alcoholic drinks.

li|cen|tious /la I se ntʃəs/ ADJ If you describe a person as licentious , you mean that they are very immoral, especially in their sexual behaviour. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …alarming stories of licentious behaviour. ● li|cen|tious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …moral licentiousness.

li|chen /la I kən/ (lichens ) N‑VAR Lichen is a group of tiny plants that looks like moss and grows on the surface of things such as rocks, trees, and walls.

lick /l I k/ (licks , licking , licked )


1 VERB When people or animals lick something, they move their tongue across its surface. □ [V n] The dog rose awkwardly to his feet and licked the man's hand excitedly. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Lick is also a noun. □ [+ of ] Kevin wanted a lick of Sarah's lollipop.


2 to lick your lips → see lip


3 to lick into shape → see shape

lick|ing /l I k I ŋ/ (lickings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A licking is a severe defeat by someone in a fight, battle, or competition. □ They gave us a hell of a licking.

lico|rice /l I kər I ʃ, - I s/ in BRIT, also use liquorice N‑UNCOUNT Licorice is a firm black substance with a strong taste. It is used for making sweets.

lid /l I d/ (lids )


1 N‑COUNT A lid is the top of a box or other container which can be removed or raised when you want to open the container.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your lids are the pieces of skin which cover your eyes when you close them. □ A dull pain began to throb behind his lids.


3 N‑SING If you say that someone is keeping the lid on an activity or a piece of information, you mean that they are restricting the activity or are keeping the information secret. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ on ] The soldiers' presence seemed to keep a lid on the violence. □ [+ on ] Their finance ministry is still trying to put a lid on the long-simmering securities scandal.

lid|ded /l I d I d/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Lidded is used to describe a container that has a lid. □ …a lidded saucepan.


2 ADJ When someone has lidded eyes, their eyelids are partly or fully closed. [LITERARY ] □ Julie squinted at her through lidded eyes.

lido /liː doʊ/ (lidos ) N‑COUNT A lido is an outdoor swimming pool or a part of a beach which is used by the public for swimming or water sports. [mainly BRIT ]


lie


➊ POSITION OR SITUATION


➋ THINGS THAT ARE NOT TRUE


➊ lie ◆◆◇ /la I / (lies , lying , lay , lain )


→ Please look at categories 11 to 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 VERB If you are lying somewhere, you are in a horizontal position and are not standing or sitting. □ [V prep/adv] There was a child lying on the ground. □ [V adj] He lay awake watching her for a long time.


2 VERB If an object lies in a particular place, it is in a flat position in that place. □ [V prep/adv] …a newspaper lying on a nearby couch. □ [V adj] Broken glass lay scattered on the carpet.


3 VERB If you say that a place lies in a particular position or direction, you mean that it is situated there. □ [V prep/adv] The islands lie at the southern end of the Kurile chain.


4 V‑LINK You can use lie to say that something is or remains in a particular state or condition. For example, if something lies forgotten , it has been and remains forgotten. □ [V adj] The picture lay hidden in the archives for over 40 years. □ [V prep] His country's economy lies in ruins.


5 VERB You can use lie to say what position a competitor or team is in during a competition. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V ord] I was going well and was lying fourth. □ [V + in ] She is lying in second place.


6 VERB You can talk about where something such as a problem, solution, or fault lies to say what you think it consists of, involves, or is caused by. □ [V prep/adv] The problem lay in the large amounts spent on defence.


7 VERB You use lie in expressions such as lie ahead , lie in store , and lie in wait when you are talking about what someone is going to experience in the future, especially when it is something unpleasant or difficult. □ [V prep/adv] She'd need all her strength and bravery to cope with what lay in store. □ [V prep/adv] The President's most serious challenges lie ahead.


8 to lie in state → see state


9 to take something lying down → see take ➋


▸ lie around in BRIT, also use lie about PHRASAL VERB If things are left lying around or lying about , they are not tidied away but left casually somewhere where they can be seen. □ [V P ] People should be careful about their possessions and not leave them lying around.


▸ lie behind PHRASAL VERB If you refer to what lies behind a situation or event, you are referring to the reason the situation exists or the event happened. □ [V P n] It seems that what lay behind the clashes was disagreement over the list of candidates.


▸ lie down PHRASAL VERB When you lie down , you move into a horizontal position, usually in order to rest or sleep. □ [V P ] Why don't you go upstairs and lie down for a bit?

➋ lie ◆◇◇ /la I / (lies , lying , lied )


1 N‑COUNT A lie is something that someone says or writes which they know is untrue. □ 'Who else do you work for?'—'No one.'—'That's a lie.' □ I've had enough of your lies. □ All the boys told lies about their adventures.


2 → see also white lie


3 VERB If someone is lying , they are saying something which they know is not true. □ [V ] I know he's lying. □ [V + about ] If asked, he lies about his age. □ [V + to ] We are surprisingly poor at judging when people are lying to us. □ [V -ing] He reportedly called her 'a lying little twit'. ● ly|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Lying is something that I will not tolerate.


4 VERB If you say that something lies , you mean that it does not express or represent something accurately. □ [V ] The camera can sometimes lie.


5 → see also lying SYNONYMS lie NOUN ➋1


falsehood: He accused them of knowingly spreading falsehoods about him.


fabrication: This story is total fabrication.


deception: You've been the victim of a rather cruel deception.


untruth: The Advertising Standards Authority accused estate agents of using blatant untruths. COLLOCATIONS lie VERB ➊6


noun + lie : blame, fault, problem, responsibility; answer, solution; interest, strength


lie + adverb : elsewhere NOUN ➋1


adjective + lie : blatant, downright, outright


verb + lie : peddle, spread, tell; expose

lie de|tec|tor (lie detectors ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A lie detector is an electronic machine used mainly by the police to find out whether a suspect is telling the truth. □ …the results of a lie detector test.

lie -down N‑SING If you have a lie-down , you have a short rest, usually in bed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ She had departed upstairs for a lie-down.

lie -in (lie-ins ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you have a lie-in , you rest by staying in bed later than usual in the morning. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I have a lie-in on Sundays.

lieu /ljuː , [AM ] luː /


1 PHRASE If you do, get, or give one thing in lieu of another, you do, get, or give it instead of the other thing, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance. [FORMAL ] □ He left what little furniture he owned to his landlord in lieu of rent.


2 PHRASE If you do, get, or give something in lieu , you do, get, or give it instead of something else, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □ …an increased salary or time off in lieu.

Lieut. Lieut. is a written abbreviation for lieutenant when it is a person's title. □ …Lieut. J. J. Doughty.

lieu|ten|ant /lefte nənt, [AM ] luː-/ (lieutenants )


1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A lieutenant is an officer of low rank in the army, navy, marines, or air force, or in the American police force. □ Lieutenant Campbell ordered the man at the wheel to steer for the gunboat. ● N‑TITLE Lieutenant is also a combining form. □ …Lieutenant Colonel Gale Carter.


2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you refer to someone as a person's lieutenant , you mean they are that person's assistant, especially their main assistant, in an organization or activity. □ He was my right-hand man, my lieutenant on the field, a cool, calculated footballer.

lieu|te n|ant go v|er|nor (lieutenant governors )


1 N‑COUNT A lieutenant governor is an elected official who acts as the deputy of a state governor in the United States. [AM ]


2 N‑COUNT A lieutenant governor is an official elected by the Canadian government to act as a representative of the British king or queen in a province of Canada.

life ◆◆◆ /la I f/ (lives /la I vz/)


1 N‑UNCOUNT Life is the quality which people, animals, and plants have when they are not dead, and which objects and substances do not have. □ …a baby's first minutes of life. □ Amnesty International opposes the death penalty as a violation of the right to life. □ …the earth's supply of life-giving oxygen.


2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use life to refer to things or groups of things which are alive. □ Is there life on Mars? □ The book includes some useful facts about animal and plant life.


3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you refer to someone's life , you mean their state of being alive, especially when there is a risk or danger of them dying. □ Your life is in danger. □ A nurse began to try to save his life. □ The intense fighting is reported to have claimed many lives.


4 N‑COUNT Someone's life is the period of time during which they are alive. □ [+ in ] He spent the last fourteen years of his life in retirement. □ For the first time in his life he regretted that he had no faith.


5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can use life to refer to a period of someone's life when they are in a particular situation or job. □ Interior designers spend their working lives keeping up to date with the latest trends. □ [+ in ] That was the beginning of my life in the television business.


6 N‑COUNT You can use life to refer to particular activities which people regularly do during their lives. □ My personal life has had to take second place to my career. □ Most diabetics have a normal sex life.


7 N‑UNCOUNT You can use life to refer to the events and experiences that happen to people while they are alive. □ Life won't be dull! □ It's the people with insecurities who make life difficult.


8 N‑UNCOUNT If you know a lot about life , you have gained many varied experiences, for example by travelling a lot and meeting different kinds of people. □ I was 19 and too young to know much about life. □ I needed some time off from education to experience life.


9 N‑UNCOUNT You can use life to refer to the things that people do and experience that are characteristic of a particular place, group, or activity. □ How did you adjust to college life? □ [+ of ] …the culture and life of north Africa.


10 N‑UNCOUNT A person, place, book, or film that is full of life gives an impression of excitement, energy, or cheerfulness. [APPROVAL ] □ The town itself was full of life and character.


11 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is sentenced to life , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life or for a very long time. [INFORMAL ] □ He could get life in prison, if convicted.


12 N‑COUNT [with poss] The life of something such as a machine, organization, or project is the period of time that it lasts for. □ [+ of ] The repairs did not increase the value or the life of the equipment.


13 PHRASE If you bring something to life or if it comes to life , it becomes interesting or exciting. □ The cold, hard cruelty of two young men is vividly brought to life in this true story. □ Poems which had seemed dull and boring suddenly came to life.


14 PHRASE If something or someone comes to life , they become active. □ The volcano came to life a week ago.


15 PHRASE If you say that someone is fighting for their life , you mean that they are in a very serious condition and may die as a result of an accident or illness. [JOURNALISM ] □ He was in a critical condition, fighting for his life in hospital.


16 PHRASE For life means for the rest of a person's life. □ He was jailed for life in 1966 for the murder of three policemen. □ She may have been scarred for life.


17 PHRASE If you say that someone does something for dear life or for their life , you mean that they do it using all their strength and effort because they are in a dangerous or urgent situation. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I made for the life raft and hung on for dear life.


18 PHRASE If you tell someone to get a life , you are expressing frustration with them because their life seems boring or they seem to care too much about unimportant things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]


19 PHRASE You can use in all my life or in my life to emphasize that you have never previously experienced something to such a degree. [EMPHASIS ] □ I have never been so scared in all my life.


20 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is larger than life , you mean that they appear or behave in a way that seems more exaggerated or important than usual. □ …not that we should expect all good publishers to be larger than life. □ Throughout his career he's always been a larger than life character.


21 PHRASE If someone lays down their life for another person, they die so that the other person can live. [LITERARY ] □ Man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.


22 PHRASE If someone risks life and limb , they do something very dangerous that may cause them to die or be seriously injured. □ Viewers will remember the dashing hero, Dirk, risking life and limb to rescue Daphne from the dragons.


23 PHRASE If you refer to someone as the life and soul of the party , you mean that they are very lively and entertaining on social occasions, and are good at mixing with people. In American English, you usually say that they are the life of the party . [APPROVAL ]


24 PHRASE If something starts life or begins life as a particular thing, it is that thing when it first starts to exist. □ [+ as ] Herr's book started life as a dramatic screenplay.


25 PHRASE If someone takes another person's life , they kill them. If someone takes their own life , they kill themselves. [FORMAL ] □ Before execution, he admitted to taking the lives of at least 35 more women. □ He helped his first wife take her life when she was dying of cancer.


26 PHRASE You can use expressions such as to come to life , to spring to life , and to roar into life to indicate that a machine or vehicle suddenly starts working or moving. [LITERARY ] □ To his great relief the engine came to life. □ In the garden of the Savoy Hotel the sprinklers suddenly burst into life.


27 → see also fact of life , kiss of life


28 a matter of life and death → see death


29 a new lease of life → see lease


30 to have the time of your life → see time


31 true to life → see true

li fe-affirming ADJ [usu ADJ n] A life-affirming activity or attitude emphasizes the positive aspects of life. [APPROVAL ] □ The exhibition is an enjoyable and, ultimately, life-affirming experience.

li fe-and-dea th → see death

li fe as|sur|ance N‑UNCOUNT Life assurance is the same as life insurance . [BRIT ] □ …a life assurance policy.

life|belt /la I fbelt/ (lifebelts ) N‑COUNT A lifebelt is a large ring, usually made of a light substance such as cork, which someone who has fallen into deep water can use to float.

life|blood /la I fblʌd/ also life-blood N‑SING [usu with poss] The lifeblood of an organization, area, or person is the most important thing that they need in order to exist, develop, or be successful. □ [+ of ] Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. □ Coal and steel were the region's lifeblood.

life|boat /la I fboʊt/ (lifeboats )


1 N‑COUNT A lifeboat is a medium-sized boat that is sent out from a port or harbour in order to rescue people who are in danger at sea.


2 N‑COUNT A lifeboat is a small boat that is carried on a ship, which people on the ship use to escape when the ship is in danger of sinking.

li fe coach (life coaches ) N‑COUNT A life coach is someone whose job involves helping people to improve their lives by doing challenging or worthwhile things. ● life coach|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …life-coaching workshops.

li fe cy|cle (life cycles )


1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The life cycle of an animal or plant is the series of changes and developments that it passes through from the beginning of its life until its death. □ [+ of ] The dormant period is another stage in the life cycle of the plant.


2 N‑COUNT The life cycle of something such as an idea, product, or organization is the series of developments that take place in it from its beginning until the end of its usefulness. □ Each new product would have a relatively long life cycle.

li fe-enhancing ADJ If you describe something as life-enhancing , you mean that it makes you feel happier and more content. □ …a life-enhancing and exciting trip. □ His letters, like his poetry, are life-enhancing and a delight.

li fe ex|pe c|tan|cy (life expectancies ) N‑UNCOUNT The life expectancy of a person, animal, or plant is the length of time that they are normally likely to live. □ The average life expectancy was 40. □ They had longer life expectancies than their parents.

li fe force also life-force N‑UNCOUNT Life force is energy that some people believe exists in all living things and keeps them alive.

li fe form (life forms ) N‑COUNT A life form is any living thing such as an animal or plant.

life|guard /la I fgɑː r d/ (lifeguards ) N‑COUNT A lifeguard is a person who works at a beach or swimming pool and rescues people when they are in danger of drowning.

li fe hi s|to|ry (life histories ) N‑COUNT The life history of a person is all the things that happen to them during their life. □ Some people give you their life history without much prompting.

li fe im|pri s|on|ment N‑UNCOUNT If someone is sentenced to life imprisonment , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period of time.

li fe in|sur|ance N‑UNCOUNT Life insurance is a form of insurance in which a person makes regular payments to an insurance company, in return for a sum of money to be paid to them after a period of time, or to their family if they die. □ [+ on ] I have also taken out a life insurance policy on him just in case.

li fe jack|et (life jackets ) also lifejacket N‑COUNT A life jacket is a sleeveless jacket which helps you to float when you have fallen into deep water.

life|less /la I fləs/


1 ADJ If a person or animal is lifeless , they are dead, or are so still that they appear to be dead. □ Their cold-blooded killers had then dragged their lifeless bodies upstairs to the bathroom.


2 ADJ If you describe an object or a machine as lifeless , you mean that they are not living things, even though they may resemble living things. □ It was made of plaster, hard and white and lifeless, bearing no resemblance to human flesh.


3 ADJ A lifeless place or area does not have anything living or growing there at all. □ Dry stone walls may appear lifeless, but they provide a valuable habitat for plants and animals.


4 ADJ If you describe a person, or something such as an artistic performance or a town as lifeless , you mean they lack any lively or exciting qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a lifeless portrait of an elderly woman.

life|like /la I fla I k/ ADJ Something that is lifelike has the appearance of being alive. □ …a lifelike doll.

life|line /la I fla I n/ (lifelines ) N‑COUNT A lifeline is something that enables an organization or group to survive or to continue with an activity. □ [+ for/to ] Information about the job market can be a lifeline for those who are out of work.

life|long /la I flɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Lifelong means existing or happening for the whole of a person's life. □ …her lifelong friendship with Naomi.

li fe me m|ber (life members ) N‑COUNT If you are a life member of a club or organization, you have paid or been chosen to be a member for the rest of your life.

li fe pee r (life peers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a life peer is a person who is given a title such as 'Lord' or 'Lady' which they can use for the rest of their life but which they cannot pass on when they die. □ He was made a life peer in 1991. [Also + of ]

li fe pre|serv|er (life preservers ) N‑COUNT A life preserver is something such as a life jacket, which helps you to float when you have fallen into deep water. [AM ]

lif|er /la I fə r / (lifers ) N‑COUNT A lifer is a criminal who has been given a life sentence. [INFORMAL ]

li fe raft (life rafts ) also life-raft N‑COUNT A life raft is a small rubber boat carried on an aircraft or large boat which can be filled with air and used in an emergency.

life|sav|er /la I fse I və r / (lifesavers ) N‑COUNT If you say that something is a lifesaver , you mean that it helps people in a very important way, often in a way that is important to their health. □ The cervical smear test is a lifesaver.

li fe-saving


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A life-saving drug, operation, or action is one that saves someone's life or is likely to save their life. □ …life-saving drugs such as antibiotics. □ She decided her child should go to America for life-saving treatment.


2 N‑UNCOUNT You use life-saving to refer to the skills and activities connected with rescuing people, especially people who are drowning.

li fe sci |ence (life sciences ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The life sciences are sciences such as zoology, botany, and anthropology which are concerned with human beings, animals, and plants.

li fe se n|tence (life sentences ) N‑COUNT If someone receives a life sentence , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period of time. □ [+ for ] Some were serving life sentences for murder.

li fe-si ze ADJ A life-size representation of someone or something, for example a painting or sculpture, is the same size as the person or thing that they represent. □ …a life-size statue of an Indian boy.

li fe-si zed ADJ Life-sized means the same as life-size .

life|span /la I fspæn/ (lifespans ) also life span


1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] The lifespan of a person, animal, or plant is the period of time for which they live or are normally expected to live. □ A 15-year lifespan is not uncommon for a dog.


2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The lifespan of a product, organization, or idea is the period of time for which it is expected to work properly or to last. □ [+ of ] Most boilers have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

life|style ◆◇◇ /la I fsta I l/ (lifestyles ) also life style , life-style


1 N‑VAR The lifestyle of a particular person or group of people is the living conditions, behaviour, and habits that are typical of them or are chosen by them. □ They enjoyed an income and lifestyle that many people would envy.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Lifestyle magazines, television programmes, and products are aimed at people who wish to be associated with glamorous and successful lifestyles. □ Her dream is to present a lifestyle show on television.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Lifestyle drugs are drugs that are intended to improve people's quality of life rather than to treat particular medical disorders. □ 'I see anti-depressants as a lifestyle drug,' says Dr Charlton.

li fe-suppo rt ma|chine (life-support machines ) N‑COUNT A life-support machine is the equipment that is used to keep a person alive when they are very ill and cannot breathe without help. [mainly BRIT ] □ He is in a coma and on a life-support machine. in AM, use respirator

li fe-suppo rt sys|tem (life-support systems ) N‑COUNT A life-support system is the same as a life-support machine .

li fe's wo rk N‑SING [usu poss N ] Someone's life's work or life work is the main activity that they have been involved in during their life, or their most important achievement. □ An exhibition of his life's work is being shown in the garden of his home. □ My father's life work was devoted to the conservation of the Longleat estate.

li fe-threatening ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] If someone has a life-threatening illness or is in a life-threatening situation, there is a strong possibility that the illness or the situation will kill them. □ Caitlin was born with a life-threatening heart abnormality.

life|time /la I fta I m/ (lifetimes )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft poss N ] A lifetime is the length of time that someone is alive. □ During my lifetime I haven't got around to much travelling. □ [+ of ] …an extraordinary lifetime of achievement.


2 N‑SING [with poss] The lifetime of a particular thing is the period of time that it lasts. □ [+ of ] …the lifetime of a parliament. □ …a satellite's lifetime.


3 PHRASE If you describe something as the chance or experience of a lifetime , you are emphasizing that it is the best or most important chance or experience that you are ever likely to have. [EMPHASIS ] □ This could be not just the trip of a lifetime but the experience of a lifetime.

lift ◆◆◇ /l I ft/ (lifts , lifting , lifted )


1 VERB If you lift something, you move it to another position, especially upwards. □ [V n] The Colonel lifted the phone and dialed his superior. □ [V n prep/adv] She lifted the last of her drink to her lips. ● PHRASAL VERB Lift up means the same as lift . □ [V n P ] She put her arms around him and lifted him up. □ [V P n] Curious shoppers lifted up their children to take a closer look at the parade.


2 VERB If you lift a part of your body, you move it to a higher position. □ [V n] Amy lifted her arm to wave. 'Goodbye,' she called. □ [V n] She lifted her foot and squashed the wasp into the ground. ● PHRASAL VERB Lift up means the same as lift . □ [V n P ] Tom took his seat again and lifted his feet up on to the railing. □ [V P n] The boys lifted up their legs, indicating they wanted to climb in.


3 VERB If you lift your eyes or your head, you look up, for example when you have been reading and someone comes into the room. □ [V n] When he finished he lifted his eyes and looked out the window.


4 VERB If people in authority lift a law or rule that prevents people from doing something, they end it. □ [V n] The European Commission has urged France to lift its ban on imports of British beef.


5 VERB If something lifts your spirits or your mood, or if they lift , you start feeling more cheerful. □ [V n] He used his incredible sense of humour to lift my spirits. □ [V ] As soon as she heard the phone ring her spirits lifted.


6 N‑SING If something gives you a lift , it gives you a feeling of greater confidence, energy, or enthusiasm. [INFORMAL ] □ My selection for the team has given me a tremendous lift.


7 N‑COUNT A lift is a device that carries people or goods up and down inside tall buildings. [BRIT ] □ They took the lift to the fourth floor. in AM, use elevator 8 N‑COUNT If you give someone a lift somewhere, you take them there in your car as a favour to them. □ He had a car and often gave me a lift home.


9 VERB If a government or organization lifts people or goods in or out of an area, it transports them there by aircraft, especially when there is a war. □ [V n prep/adv] The army lifted people off rooftops where they had climbed to escape the flooding.


10 VERB To lift something means to increase its amount or to increase the level or the rate at which it happens. □ [V n + to/from/by ] The bank lifted its basic home loans rate to 10.99% from 10.75%. □ [V n] A barrage would halt the flow upstream and lift the water level.


11 VERB If fog, cloud, or mist lifts , it reduces, for example by moving upwards or by becoming less thick. □ [V ] The fog had lifted and revealed a warm, sunny day.


12 to lift a finger → see finger


▸ lift off PHRASAL VERB When an aircraft or rocket lifts off , it leaves the ground and rises into the air. □ [V P ] The plane lifted off and climbed steeply into the sky.


▸ lift up → see lift 1 , lift 2 COLLOCATIONS lift NOUN 8


verb + lift : cadge, hitch, thumb VERB


4


lift + noun : ban, embargo, restrictions, sanctions


5


lift + noun : mood, spirits

li ft-off (lift-offs ) N‑VAR Lift-off is the beginning of a rocket's flight into space, when it leaves the ground. □ The lift-off was delayed about seven minutes. □ The rocket tumbled out of control shortly after lift-off.

liga|ment /l I gəmənt/ (ligaments ) N‑COUNT A ligament is a band of strong tissue in a person's body which connects bones. □ [+ in ] He suffered torn ligaments in his knee.


light


➊ BRIGHTNESS OR ILLUMINATION


➋ NOT GREAT IN WEIGHT, AMOUNT, OR INTENSITY


➌ UNIMPORTANT OR NOT SERIOUS


➊ light ◆◆◇ /la I t/ (lights , lighting , lit or lighted , lighter , lightest ) The form lit is the usual past tense and past participle, but the form lighted is also used. → Please look at category 26 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire. □ Cracks of light filtered through the shutters. □ It was difficult to see in the dim light. □ …ultraviolet light.


2 N‑COUNT A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light. □ The janitor comes round to turn the lights out. □ …street lights.


3 N‑PLURAL You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights. □ …the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings.


4 VERB If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it. □ [V n] It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly. □ [be V -ed] The room was lit by only the one light. □ [V n + with ] The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.


5 ADJ If it is light , the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day. □ It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek. □ …light summer evenings.


6 ADJ If a room or building is light , it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows. □ It is a light room with tall windows. ● light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main bedroom.


7 VERB If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights , it starts burning. □ [V n] Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette. □ [V ] If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper. □ [V -ed] …a lighted candle.


8 N‑SING If someone asks you for a light , they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking. [INFORMAL ] □ Have you got a light anybody?


9 N‑COUNT If something is presented in a particular light , it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears to be of a particular nature. □ He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light.


10 → see also bright lights , lighter , lighting , night light , pilot light , red light


11 PHRASE If something comes to light or is brought to light , it becomes obvious or is made known to a lot of people. □ The truth is unlikely to be brought to light by the promised enquiry.


12 PHRASE If light dawns on you, you begin to understand something after a period of not being able to understand it. □ At last the light dawned. He was going to marry Phylis!


13 PHRASE If someone in authority gives you a green light , they give you permission to do something. □ The food industry was given a green light to extend the use of these chemicals.


14 PHRASE If something is possible in the light of particular information, it is only possible because you have this information. □ In the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues.


15 PHRASE If someone sees the light , they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one. □ I saw the light and ditched him.


16 PHRASE If you set light to something, you make it start burning. [mainly BRIT ] □ They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it. in AM, use set fire to


17 PHRASE To shed light on , throw light on , or cast light on something means to make it easier to understand, because more information is known about it. □ A new approach offers an answer, and may shed light on an even bigger question.


18 PHRASE When you talk about the light at the end of the tunnel , you are referring to the end of the difficult or unpleasant situation that you are in at the moment. □ All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.


19 all sweetness and light → see sweetness


▸ light up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you light something up or if it lights up , it becomes bright, usually when you shine light on it. □ [V P ] …a keypad that lights up when you pick up the handset. □ [V P n] On September 5, at the end of the festival, a massive display of fireworks will light up the sky around Broadlands. [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If your face or your eyes light up you suddenly look very surprised or happy. □ [V P + with ] Sue's face lit up with surprise. □ [V P ] You should see his eyes light up when he talks about home.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you light up , you make a cigarette, cigar, or pipe start burning and you start smoking it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] He held a match while she lit up. □ [V P n] He took his time lighting up a cigarette. [Also V n P ]

➋ light ◆◇◇ /la I t/ (lighter , lightest )


1 ADJ Something that is light does not weigh very much, or weighs less than you would expect it to. □ Modern tennis rackets are now apparently 20 per cent lighter. □ …weight training with light weights. □ Try to wear light, loose clothes. ● light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.


2 ADJ Something that is light is not very great in amount, degree, or intensity. □ It's a Sunday like any other with the usual light traffic in the city. □ …a light breeze. ● light|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed, oft ADV after v] □ Put the onions in the pan and cook until lightly browned.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Light equipment and machines are small and easily moved, especially because they are not heavy. □ …a convoy of light armoured vehicles. □ They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens.


4 ADJ Something that is light is very pale in colour. □ [+ in ] The walls are light in colour and covered in paper. □ He is light haired with gray eyes. ● ADJ Light is also a combining form. □ We know he has a light green van. □ …a light blue box.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] A light sleep is one that is easily disturbed and in which you are often aware of the things around you. If you are a light sleeper, you are easily woken when you are asleep. □ She had drifted into a light sleep. □ She was usually a light sleeper. ● light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ He was dozing lightly in his chair.


6 ADJ A light sound, for example someone's voice, is pleasantly quiet. □ The voice was sweet and light.


7 ADJ A light meal consists of a small amount of food, or of food that is easy to digest. □ …a light, healthy lunch. ● light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ She found it impossible to eat lightly.


8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Light work does not involve much physical effort. □ He was on the training field for some light work yesterday.


9 ADJ If you describe the result of an action or a punishment as light , you mean that it is less serious or severe than you expected. □ She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail. ● light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ One of the accused got off lightly in exchange for pleading guilty to withholding information from Congress.


10 ADJ Movements and actions that are light are graceful or gentle and are done with very little force or effort. □ Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up. □ There was a light knock at the door. ● light|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He kissed her lightly on the mouth. □ Knead the dough very lightly. ● light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ She danced with a grace and lightness that were breathtaking.


11 → see also lighter

➌ light ◆◇◇ /la I t/ (lighter , lightest )


→ Please look at category 6 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe things such as books, music, and films as light , you mean that they entertain you without making you think very deeply. □ …light classical music. □ …a light entertainment programme.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say something in a light way, you sound as if you think that something is not important or serious. □ Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship. □ Let's finish on a lighter note. ● light|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ 'Once a detective, always a detective,' he said lightly. ● light|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ 'I'm not an authority on them,' Jessica said with forced lightness.


3 ADJ If you say that something is not a light matter, you mean that it should be treated or considered as being important and serious. □ It can be no light matter for the Home Office that so many young prisoners should have wanted to kill or injure themselves. ● light|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ His allegations cannot be lightly dismissed.


4 PHRASE If you make light of something, you treat it as though it is not serious or important, when in fact it is. □ Roberts attempted to make light of his discomfort.


5 → see also lighter


6 to make light work of → see work

li ght ai r|craft (light aircraft ) N‑COUNT A light aircraft is a small aeroplane that is designed to carry a small number of passengers or a small amount of goods.

li ght bulb (light bulbs ) N‑COUNT A light bulb or bulb is the round glass part of an electric light or lamp which light shines from.

li ght crea m N‑UNCOUNT Light cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it. [AM ] in BRIT, use single cream

light|en /la I t ə n/ (lightens , lightening , lightened )


1 VERB When something lightens or when you lighten it, it becomes less dark in colour. □ [V ] The sky began to lighten. □ [V n] Leslie lightens her hair and has now had it cut into a short, feathered style.


2 VERB If someone lightens a situation, they make it less serious or less boring. □ [V n] Anthony felt the need to lighten the atmosphere.


3 VERB If your attitude or mood lightens , or if someone or something lightens it, they make you feel more cheerful, happy, and relaxed. □ [V ] As they approached the outskirts of the city, Ella's mood visibly lightened. □ [V n] The sun was streaming in through the window, yet it did nothing to lighten his mood.


4 VERB If you lighten something, you make it less heavy. □ [V n] It is a good idea to blend it in a food processor as this lightens the mixture. □ [V -ed] He pulled the lightened sled with all his strength.

light|er /la I tə r / (lighters ) N‑COUNT A lighter is a small device that produces a flame which you can use to light cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.

li ght-fi ngered ADJ If you say that someone is light-fingered , you mean that they steal things. [INFORMAL ]

li ght-hea ded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel light-headed , you feel rather unsteady and strange, for example because you are ill or because you have drunk too much alcohol.

li ght-hea rted


1 ADJ Someone who is light-hearted is cheerful and happy. □ They were light-hearted and prepared to enjoy life.


2 ADJ Something that is light-hearted is intended to be entertaining or amusing, and not at all serious. □ There have been many attempts, both light-hearted and serious, to locate the Loch Ness Monster.

li ght hea vy|weight (light heavyweights ) N‑COUNT A light heavyweight is a professional boxer who weighs between 160 and 175 pounds, or an amateur boxer who weighs between 165 and 179 pounds.

light|house /la I thaʊs/ (lighthouses ) N‑COUNT A lighthouse is a tower containing a powerful flashing lamp that is built on the coast or on a small island. Lighthouses are used to guide ships or to warn them of danger.

li ght i^n|dus|try (light industries ) N‑VAR Light industry is industry in which only small items are made, for example household goods and clothes.

light|ing /la I t I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT The lighting in a place is the way that it is lit, for example by electric lights, by candles, or by windows, or the quality of the light in it. □ [+ of ] …the bright fluorescent lighting of the laboratory. □ The whole room is bathed in soft lighting. □ …street lighting.


2 N‑UNCOUNT The lighting in a film or play is the use of different electric lights to give a particular effect. □ Peter Mumford's lighting and David Freeman's direction make a crucial contribution to the success of the staging.

light|ning /la I tn I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Lightning is the very bright flashes of light in the sky that happen during thunderstorms. □ One man died when he was struck by lightning. □ Another flash of lightning lit up the cave. □ …thunder and lightning.


2 → see also forked lightning


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Lightning describes things that happen very quickly or last for only a short time. □ Driving today demands lightning reflexes.

li ght|ning bug (lightning bugs ) N‑COUNT A lightning bug is a type of beetle that produces light from its body. [AM ]

li ght|ning con|duc|tor (lightning conductors ) N‑COUNT A lightning conductor is a long thin piece of metal on top of a building that attracts lightning and allows it to reach the ground safely. [BRIT ] in AM, use lightning rod

li ght|ning rod (lightning rods )


1 N‑COUNT A lightning rod is the same as a lightning conductor . [AM ]


2 PHRASE If you say that someone is a lightning rod for something, you mean that they attract that thing to themselves. [AM ] □ He is a lightning rod for controversy.

li ght|ning strike (lightning strikes ) N‑COUNT A lightning strike is a strike in which workers stop work suddenly and without any warning, in order to protest about something. [BRIT ] □ Bank staff are to stage a series of lightning strikes in a dispute over staffing.

light|ship /la I tʃ I p/ (lightships ) N‑COUNT A lightship is a small ship that stays in one place and has a powerful flashing lamp. Lightships are used to guide ships or to warn them of danger.

light|weight /la I twe I t/ (lightweights ) also light-weight


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is lightweight weighs less than most other things of the same type. □ …lightweight denim. □ The company manufactures a range of innovative light-weight cycles.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Lightweight is a category in some sports, such as boxing, judo, or rowing, based on the weight of the athlete. □ By the age of sixteen he was the junior lightweight champion of Poland. ● N‑COUNT A lightweight is a person who is in the lightweight category in a particular sport.


3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a lightweight , you are critical of them because you think that they are not very important or skilful in a particular area of activity. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Hill considered Sam a lightweight, a real amateur. ● ADJ Lightweight is also an adjective. □ Some of the discussion in the book is lightweight and unconvincing.

li ght year (light years )


1 N‑COUNT A light year is the distance that light travels in a year. □ …a star system millions of light years away.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can say that two things are light years apart to emphasize a very great difference or a very long distance or period of time between them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ She says the French education system is light years ahead of the English one.

lik|able /la I kəb ə l/ → see likeable


like


➊ PREPOSITION AND CONJUNCTION USES


➋ VERB USES


➌ NOUN USES AND PHRASES


➊ like ◆◆◆ /la I k, la I k/ (likes )


1 PREP If you say that one person or thing is like another, you mean that they share some of the same qualities or features. □ He looks like Father Christmas. □ Kathy is a great mate, we are like sisters. □ It's nothing like what happened in the mid-Seventies. □ This is just like old times. □ …a mountain shaped like a reclining woman.


2 PREP If you talk about what something or someone is like , you are talking about their qualities or features. □ What was Bulgaria like? □ What did she look like? □ What was it like growing up in Costa Rica?


3 PREP You can use like to introduce an example of the set of things or people that you have just mentioned. □ The neglect that large cities like New York have received over the past 12 years is tremendous. □ He could say things like, 'Let's go to the car' or 'Let us go for a walk' in French.


4 PREP You can use like to say that someone or something is in the same situation as another person or thing. □ It also moved those who, like me, are too young to have lived through the war.


5 PREP If you say that someone is behaving like something or someone else, you mean that they are behaving in a way that is typical of that kind of thing or person. Like is used in this way in many fixed expressions, for example to cry like a baby and to watch someone like a hawk . □ I was shaking all over, trembling like a leaf. □ Greenfield was behaving like an irresponsible idiot.


6 PREP You can use like in expressions such as that's just like her and it wasn't like him to indicate that the person's behaviour is or is not typical of their character. □ You should have told us. But it's just like you not to share.


7 CONJ Like is sometimes used as a conjunction in order to say that something appears to be the case when it is not. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □ On the train up to Waterloo, I felt like I was going on an adventure.


8 CONJ Like is sometimes used as a conjunction in order to indicate that something happens or is done in the same way as something else. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □ People are strolling, buying ice cream for their children, just like they do every Sunday. □ He spoke exactly like I did. □ We really were afraid, not like in the cinema.


9 PREP [with neg] You can use like in negative expressions such as nothing like it and no place like it to emphasize that there is nothing as good as the situation, thing, or person mentioned. [EMPHASIS ] □ There's nothing like candlelight for creating a romantic mood. □ There was no feeling like it in the world.


10 PREP [with neg] You can use like in expressions such as nothing like to make an emphatic negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □ Three hundred million dollars will be nothing like enough. □ It's really not anything like as bad as it looks.

➋ like ◆◆◆ /la I k/ (likes , liking , liked )


1 VERB [no cont] If you like something or someone, you think they are interesting, enjoyable, or attractive. □ [V n] He likes baseball. □ [V n] I can't think why Grace doesn't like me. □ [V n] What music do you like best? □ [V v-ing] I just didn't like being in crowds. □ [V to-inf] Do you like to go swimming? □ [V n adj/prep] She likes her steak medium rare. □ [V n + about ] That's one of the things I like about you. You're strong.


2 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you ask someone how they like something, you are asking them for their opinion of it and whether they enjoy it or find it pleasant. □ [V n/v-ing] How do you like America? □ [V n/v-ing] How did you like the trip?


3 VERB [no cont] If you like something such as a particular course of action or way of behaving, you approve of it. □ [V n] I've been looking at the cookery book. I like the way it is set out. □ [V to-inf] The U.S. administration would like to see a negotiated settlement to the war. □ [V n v-ing] She does not like her sister talking to strangers about the past. □ [V v-ing] I don't like relying on the judges' decisions. [Also V n + about n/v-ing]


4 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that you like to do something or that you like something to be done, you mean that you prefer to do it or prefer it to be done as part of your normal life or routine. □ [V to-inf] I like to get to airports in good time. □ [V n to-inf] I like him to look smart.


5 VERB If you like something on social media, you click on a symbol to show that you like it. □ [V n] Do you feel hurt if nobody likes your Instagram post?


6 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say that you would like something or would like to do something, you are indicating a wish or desire that you have. □ [V n] I'd like a bath. □ [V to-inf] If you don't mind, I think I'd like to go home.


7 VERB [no cont, no passive] You can say that you would like to say something to indicate that you are about to say it. □ [V to-inf] I'd like to apologize. □ [V to-inf] I would like to take this opportunity of telling you about a new service which we are offering.


8 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you ask someone if they would like something or would like to do something, you are making a polite offer or invitation. [POLITENESS ] □ [V n] Here's your change. Would you like a bag? □ [V n] Perhaps while you wait you would like a drink at the bar. □ [V to-inf] Would you like to come back for coffee?


9 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you say to someone that you would like something or you would like them to do something, or ask them if they would like to do it, you are politely telling them what you want or what you want them to do. [POLITENESS ] □ [V n] I'd like an explanation. □ [V n to-inf] We'd like you to look around and tell us if anything is missing. □ [V to-inf] Would you like to tell me what happened?

➌ like ◆◆◆ /la I k/ (likes )


1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use like in expressions such as like attracts like , when you are referring to two or more people or things that have the same or similar characteristics. □ You have to make sure you're comparing like with like. □ Homeopathic treatment is based on the 'like cures like' principle.


2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Someone's likes are the things that they enjoy or find pleasant. □ I thought that I knew everything about Jemma: her likes and dislikes, her political viewpoints.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] On social media, likes are symbols that people have clicked on to show that they like something. □ They might try to dress in a way that generates Facebook likes.


4 → see also liking


5 PHRASE You say if you like when you are making or agreeing to an offer or suggestion in a casual way. □ You can stay here if you like. □ 'Shall we stop talking about her?'—'If you like.'


6 PHRASE You say if you like when you are expressing something in a different way, or in a way that you think some people might disagree with or find strange. □ This is more like a downpayment, or a deposit, if you like.


7 PHRASE You can use the expressions like anything , like crazy , or like mad to emphasize that someone is doing something or something is happening in a very energetic or noticeable way. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ He's working like mad at the moment.


8 PHRASE You say like this , like that , or like so when you are showing someone how something is done. □ It opens and closes, like this.


9 PHRASE You use like this or like that when you are drawing attention to something that you are doing or that someone else is doing. □ I'm sorry to intrude on you like this. □ Stop pacing like that.


10 PHRASE You use the expression something like with an amount, number, or description to indicate that it is approximately accurate. □ They can get something like £3,000 a year. □ 'When roughly would this be? Monday?'—'Something like that.'


11 PHRASE If you refer to something the like of which or the likes of which has never been seen before, you are emphasizing how important, great, or noticeable the thing is. [EMPHASIS ] □ …technological advances the like of which the world had previously only dreamed of. □ We are dealing with an epidemic the likes of which we have never seen in this century. USAGE like


1 Don’t say ‘ Do you like some coffee ?’ You say ‘Would you like …’ followed by a to -infinitive when you are inviting someone to do something. □ Would you like to meet him?


2 Use like it in front of a clause beginning with when or if . Don’t say ‘ I like when I can go home early ’. □ I like it when I can go home early.


3 You must put very much after the person or thing that you like. Don’t say, for example, ‘ I like very much driving ’. Say ‘I like driving very much ’.

-like /-la I k/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -like combines with nouns to form adjectives which describe something as being similar to the thing referred to by the noun. □ …beautiful purple-red petunia-like flowers. □ …a tiny worm-like creature.

like|able /la I kəb ə l/ also likable ADJ Someone or something that is likeable is pleasant and easy to like. □ He was an immensely likeable chap.

like|li|hood /la I klihʊd/


1 N‑UNCOUNT The likelihood of something happening is how likely it is to happen. □ [+ of ] The likelihood of infection is minimal.


2 N‑SING [N that] If something is a likelihood , it is likely to happen. □ The likelihood is that your child will not develop diabetes.


3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in all likelihood , you mean that it will probably happen. □ In all likelihood, the committee will have to interview every woman who's worked with Thomas.

like|ly ◆◆◆ /la I kli/ (likelier , likeliest )


1 ADJ You use likely to indicate that something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation. □ Experts say a 'yes' vote is still the likely outcome. □ If this is your first baby, it's far more likely that you'll get to the hospital too early. □ Francis thought it likely John still loved her. ● ADV Likely is also an adverb. □ Profit will most likely have risen by about £25 million. □ Very likely he'd told them he had American business interests.


2 ADJ If someone or something is likely to do a particular thing, they will very probably do it. □ In the meantime the war of nerves seems likely to continue. □ Adolescents who watched more than two hours of TV a day were much more likely to be overweight.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A likely person, place, or thing is one that will probably be suitable for a particular purpose. □ At one point he had seemed a likely candidate to become Prime Minister. □ We aimed the microscope at a likely looking target.


4 CONVENTION You can say not likely as an emphatic way of saying 'no', especially when someone asks you whether you are going to do something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ 'How about having a phone out here?'—'Not likely!' SYNONYMS likely ADJ 1


probable: It is probable that the medication will suppress the symptoms.


expected: Their expected time of arrival is 6 o'clock.


anticipated: The long-anticipated study drew criticism from the tobacco industry.

li ke-minded ADJ [usu ADJ n] Like-minded people have similar opinions, ideas, attitudes, or interests. □ …the opportunity to mix with hundreds of like-minded people.

lik|en /la I kən/ (likens , likening , likened ) VERB If you liken one thing or person to another thing or person, you say that they are similar. □ [be V -ed + to ] The pain is often likened to being drilled through the side of the head.

like|ness /la I knəs/ (likenesses )


1 N‑SING If two things or people have a likeness to each other, they are similar to each other. □ [+ to ] These myths have a startling likeness to one another. □ [+ between ] There might be a likeness between their features, but their eyes were totally dissimilar.


2 N‑COUNT [with poss] A likeness of someone is a picture or sculpture of them. □ [+ of ] The museum displays wax likenesses of every U.S. president.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu adj N ] If you say that a picture of someone is a good likeness , you mean that it looks just like them. □ [+ of ] She says the artist's impression is an excellent likeness of her abductor.

like|wise /la I kwa I z/


1 ADV [ADV with v] You use likewise when you are comparing two methods, states, or situations and saying that they are similar. □ All attempts by the Socialists to woo him back were spurned. Similar overtures from the right have likewise been rejected.


2 ADV [ADV after v] If you do something and someone else does likewise , they do the same or a similar thing. □ He lent money, made donations and encouraged others to do likewise.

lik|ing /la I k I ŋ/


1 N‑SING If you have a liking for something or someone, you like them. □ [+ for ] She had a liking for good clothes. □ [+ to ] Mrs Jermyn took a great liking to him.


2 PHRASE [with too/not enough ] If something is, for example, too fast for your liking , you would prefer it to be slower. If it is not fast enough for your liking , you would prefer it to be faster. □ She's asking far too many personal questions for my liking.


3 PHRASE If something is to your liking , it suits your interests, tastes, or wishes. □ London was more to his liking than Rome.

li|lac /la I lək/ (lilacs or lilac )


1 N‑VAR A lilac or a lilac tree is a small tree which has sweet-smelling purple, pink, or white flowers in large, cone-shaped groups. □ Lilacs grew against the side wall. □ …a twig of lilac. ● N‑VAR Lilacs are the flowers which grow on this tree. □ …a vase of tulips, lilies, lilacs and primroses. □ Her hair smelt of lilac.


2 COLOUR Something that is lilac is pale pinkish-purple in colour. □ All shades of mauve, lilac, lavender and purple were fashionable.

lilt /l I lt/ N‑SING If someone's voice has a lilt in it, the pitch of their voice rises and falls in a pleasant way, as if they were singing. □ Her voice is child-like, with a West Country lilt.

lilt|ing /l I lt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A lilting voice or song rises and falls in pitch in a pleasant way. □ He had a pleasant, lilting northern accent.

lily /l I li/ (lilies ) N‑VAR A lily is a plant with large flowers. Lily flowers are often white.

li ly of the va l|ley (lilies of the valley or lily of the valley ) N‑VAR Lily of the valley are small plants with large leaves and small, white, bell-shaped flowers.

lima bean /liː mə biːn/ (lima beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Lima beans are flat round beans that are light green in colour and are eaten as a vegetable. They are the seeds of a plant that grows in tropical parts of America.

limb /l I m/ (limbs )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your limbs are your arms and legs. □ She would be able to stretch out her cramped limbs and rest for a few hours.


2 N‑COUNT The limbs of a tree are its branches. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] This entire rickety structure was hanging from the limb of an enormous leafy tree.


3 PHRASE If someone goes out on a limb , they do something they strongly believe in even though it is risky or extreme, and is likely to fail or be criticized by other people. □ They can see themselves going out on a limb, voting for a very controversial energy bill.


4 to risk life and limb → see life

-limbed /-l I md/ COMB -limbed combines with adjectives to form other adjectives which indicate that a person or animal has limbs of a particular type or appearance. □ He was long-limbed and dark-eyed.

lim|ber /l I mbə r / (limbers , limbering , limbered )


▸ limber up PHRASAL VERB If you limber up , you prepare for an energetic physical activity such as a sport by moving and stretching your body. □ [V P ] Next door, 200 girls are limbering up for their ballet exams. □ [V P n] A short walk will limber up the legs.

lim|bo /l I mboʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in/into N ] If you say that someone or something is in limbo , you mean that they are in a situation where they seem to be caught between two stages and it is unclear what will happen next. □ The negotiations have been in limbo since mid-December.

lime /la I m/ (limes )


1 N‑VAR A lime is a green fruit that tastes like a lemon. Limes grow on trees in tropical countries. □ …peeled slices of lime. □ Add a few drops of lime juice.


2 N‑VAR A lime or a lime tree is a large tree with pale green leaves. It is often planted in parks in towns and cities. □ …dilapidated avenues of limes.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Lime is a substance containing calcium. It is found in soil and water. □ If your soil is very acid, add lime. ● COMB Lime is also a combining form. □ …lime-rich sand. □ …old lime-stained baths.

li me gree n also lime-green COLOUR Something that is lime green is light yellowish-green in colour.

lime|light /la I mla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is in the limelight , a lot of attention is being paid to them, because they are famous or because they have done something very unusual or exciting. □ Tony has now been thrust into the limelight, with a high-profile job.

lim|er|ick /l I mər I k/ (limericks ) N‑COUNT A limerick is a humorous poem which has five lines.

lime|stone /la I mstoʊn/ (limestones ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Limestone is a whitish-coloured rock which is used for building and for making cement. □ …high limestone cliffs. □ The local limestone is very porous.

lim|ey /la I mi/ (limeys ) N‑COUNT Some Americans refer to British people as limeys . Some people consider this use offensive. [INFORMAL ]

lim|it ◆◆◇ /l I m I t/ (limits , limiting , limited )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A limit is the greatest amount, extent, or degree of something that is possible. □ Her love for him was being tested to its limits. □ [+ to ] There is no limit to how much fresh fruit you can eat in a day.


2 N‑COUNT A limit of a particular kind is the largest or smallest amount of something such as time or money that is allowed because of a rule, law, or decision. □ The three month time limit will be up in mid-June. □ [+ on ] The economic affairs minister announced limits on petrol sales.


3 N‑COUNT The limit of an area is its boundary or edge. □ [+ of ] …the city limits of Baghdad.


4 N‑PLURAL The limits of a situation are the facts involved in it which make only some actions or results possible. □ [+ of ] She has to work within the limits of a fairly tight budget. □ [+ of ] He outlined the limits of British power.


5 VERB If you limit something, you prevent it from becoming greater than a particular amount or degree. □ [V n] He limited payments on the country's foreign debt. □ [V n + to ] Place numbers are limited to 25 on both tours, so please book early.


6 VERB If you limit yourself to something, or if someone or something limits you, the number of things that you have or do is reduced. □ [V pron-refl + to ] It is now accepted that men should limit themselves to 20 units of alcohol a week. □ [V n + to ] Voters cut councillors' pay and limited them to one staff member each. [Also V pron-refl] ● lim|it|ing ADJ □ The conditions laid down to me were not too limiting.


7 VERB [usu passive] If something is limited to a particular place or group of people, it exists only in that place, or is had or done only by that group. □ [be V -ed + to ] The protests were not limited to New York. □ [be V -ed + to ] Entry to this prize draw is limited to U.K. residents.


8 → see also age limit , limited


9 PHRASE If an area or a place is off limits , you are not allowed to go there. □ A one-mile area around the wreck is still off limits. □ These establishments are off limits to ordinary citizens.


10 PHRASE If someone is over the limit , they have drunk more alcohol than they are legally allowed to when driving a vehicle. [BRIT ] □ If police breathalyse me and find I am over the limit I face a long ban.


11 PHRASE If you say the sky is the limit , you mean that there is nothing to prevent someone or something from being very successful. □ They have found that, in terms of both salary and career success, the sky is the limit.


12 PHRASE If you add within limits to a statement, you mean that it is true or applies only when talking about reasonable or normal situations. □ In the circumstances we'll tell you what we can, within limits, of course, and in confidence. COLLOCATIONS limit NOUN 2


noun + limit : age, height, size; speed, time; alcohol, drink-drive


adjective + limit : legal, statutory; lower, upper; acceptable, reasonable, recommended, strict


verb + limit : impose, set; break, exceed SYNONYMS limit NOUN


3


boundary: The Bow Brook forms the western boundary of the wood.


edge: We were on a hill, right on the edge of town.


confines: The movie is set entirely within the confines of the abandoned factory.


4


restriction: The relaxation of travel restrictions means they are free to travel and work.


constraint: Water shortages in the area will be the main constraint on development.


limitation: There is to be no limitation on the number of opposition parties. VERB 5


restrict: There is talk of raising the admission requirements to restrict the number of students on campus.


control: The federal government tried to control rising health-care costs.


check: A free press will help to check corruption.


curb: Inflation needs to be curbed.

limi|ta|tion /l I m I te I ʃ ə n/ (limitations )


1 N‑UNCOUNT The limitation of something is the act or process of controlling or reducing it. □ [+ of ] All the talk had been about the limitation of nuclear weapons. □ …damage limitation.


2 N‑VAR A limitation on something is a rule or decision which prevents that thing from growing or extending beyond certain limits. □ [+ on ] …a limitation on the tax deductions for people who make more than $100,000 a year. □ [+ on ] There is to be no limitation on the number of opposition parties.


3 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If you talk about the limitations of someone or something, you mean that they can only do some things and not others, or cannot do something very well. □ [+ of ] Parents are too likely to blame schools for the educational limitations of their children.


4 N‑VAR A limitation is a fact or situation that allows only some actions and makes others impossible. □ This drug has one important limitation. Its effects only last six hours.

lim|it|ed ◆◇◇ /l I m I t I d/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is limited is not very great in amount, range, or degree. □ They may only have a limited amount of time to get their points across.


2 ADJ [ADJ n, n ADJ ] A limited company is one whose owners are legally responsible for only a part of any money that it may owe if it goes bankrupt. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □ They had plans to turn the club into a limited company. □ He is the founder of International Sports Management Limited. in AM, use incorporated

li m|it|ed edi |tion (limited editions ) N‑COUNT A limited edition is a work of art, such as a book which is only produced in very small numbers, so that each one will be valuable in the future.

lim|it|less /l I m I tləs/ ADJ If you describe something as limitless , you mean that there is or appears to be so much of it that it will never be exhausted. □ …a cheap and potentially limitless supply of energy. □ The opportunities are limitless.

limo /l I moʊ/ (limos ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A limo is a limousine . [INFORMAL ]

lim|ou|sine /l I məziː n/ (limousines ) N‑COUNT A limousine is a large and very comfortable car. Limousines are usually driven by a chauffeur and are used by very rich or important people.

limp /l I mp/ (limps , limping , limped , limper , limpest )


1 VERB If a person or animal limps , they walk with difficulty or in an uneven way because one of their legs or feet is hurt. □ [V ] I wasn't badly hurt, but I injured my thigh and had to limp. □ [V adv/prep] He had to limp off with a leg injury. ● N‑COUNT Limp is also a noun. □ A stiff knee following surgery forced her to walk with a limp.


2 VERB If you say that something such as an organization, process, or vehicle limps along , you mean that it continues slowly or with difficulty, for example because it has been weakened or damaged. □ [V adv/prep] In recent years the newspaper had been limping along on limited resources. □ [V adv/prep] A British battleship, which had been damaged severely in the battle of Crete, came limping into Pearl Harbor.


3 ADJ If you describe something as limp , you mean that it is soft or weak when it should be firm or strong. □ A residue can build up on the hair shaft, leaving the hair limp and dull looking. ● limp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Flags and bunting hung limply in the still, warm air.


4 ADJ If someone is limp , their body has no strength and is not moving, for example because they are asleep or unconscious. □ He carried her limp body into the room and laid her on the bed.

lim|pet /l I mp I t/ (limpets ) N‑COUNT A limpet is a small sea animal with a cone-shaped shell which attaches itself tightly to rocks.

lim|pid /l I mp I d/


1 ADJ If you say that something is limpid , you mean that it is very clear and transparent. [LITERARY ] □ …limpid blue eyes. □ …limpid rock-pools.


2 ADJ If you describe speech, writing, or music as limpid , you like it because it is clear, simple and flowing. [LITERARY , APPROVAL ] □ He thought the speech a model of its kind, limpid and unaffected.

linch|pin /l I ntʃp I n/ (linchpins ) also lynchpin N‑COUNT If you refer to a person or thing as the linchpin of something, you mean that they are the most important person or thing involved in it. □ [+ of ] He's the lynchpin of our team and crucial to my long-term plans.

lin|den /l I nd ə n/ (lindens ) N‑VAR A linden or a linden tree is a large tree with pale green leaves which is often planted in parks in towns and cities.

line ◆◆◆ /la I n/ (lines , lining , lined )


1 N‑COUNT A line is a long thin mark which is drawn or painted on a surface. □ Draw a line down that page's center. □ …a dotted line. □ The ball had clearly crossed the line.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The lines on someone's skin, especially on their face, are long thin marks that appear there as they grow older. □ He has a large, generous face with deep lines.


3 N‑COUNT A line of people or things is a number of them arranged one behind the other or side by side. □ [+ of ] The sparse line of spectators noticed nothing unusual.


4 N‑COUNT A line of people or vehicles is a number of them that are waiting one behind another, for example in order to buy something or to go in a particular direction. □ Children clutching empty bowls form a line.


5 N‑COUNT A line of a piece of writing is one of the rows of words, numbers, or other symbols in it. □ The next line should read: Five days, 23.5 hours. □ Tina wouldn't have read more than three lines.


6 N‑COUNT A line of a poem, song, or play is a group of words that are spoken or sung together. If an actor learns his or her lines for a play or film, they learn what they have to say. □ [+ from ] …a line from Shakespeare's Othello: 'one that loved not wisely but too well'. □ Learning lines is very easy. Acting is very difficult.


7 N‑VAR You can refer to a long piece of wire, string, or cable as a line when it is used for a particular purpose. □ She put her washing on the line. □ …a piece of fishing-line. □ The winds downed power lines.


8 N‑COUNT [oft on the N ] A line is a connection which makes it possible for two people to speak to each other on the phone. □ The phone lines went dead. □ It's not a very good line. Shall we call you back Susan? □ She's on the line from her home in Boston.


9 N‑COUNT [oft in names] You can use line to refer to a phone number which you can ring in order to get information or advice. □ …the 24-hours information line.


10 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A line is a route, especially a dangerous or secret one, along which people move or send messages or supplies. □ Negotiators say they're keeping communication lines open. □ …the guerrillas' main supply lines.


11 N‑COUNT The line in which something or someone moves is the particular route that they take, especially when they keep moving straight ahead. □ Walk in a straight line. □ [+ of ] The wings were at right angles to the line of flight.


12 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A line is a particular route, involving the same stations, roads, or stops along which a train or bus service regularly operates. □ They've got to ride all the way to the end of the line. □ I would be able to stay on the Piccadilly Line and get off the tube at South Kensington.


13 N‑COUNT A railway line consists of the pieces of metal and wood which form the track that the trains travel along.


14 N‑COUNT A shipping, air, or bus line is a company which provides services for transporting people or goods by sea, air, or bus. [BUSINESS ] □ The Foreign Office offered to pay the shipping line all the costs of diverting the ship to Bermuda.


15 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A state or county line is a boundary between two states or counties. [AM ] □ …the California state line.


16 N‑COUNT You can use lines to refer to the set of physical defences or the soldiers that have been established along the boundary of an area occupied by an army. □ Their unit was shelling the German lines only seven miles away.


17 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The particular line that a person has towards a problem is the attitude that they have towards it. For example, if someone takes a hard line on something, they have a firm strict policy which they refuse to change. □ Forty members of the governing Conservative party rebelled, voting against the government line.


18 N‑COUNT You can use line to refer to the way in which someone's thoughts or activities develop, particularly if it is logical. □ [+ of ] What are some of the practical benefits likely to be of this line of research?


19 N‑PLURAL If you say that something happens along particular lines , or on particular lines , you are giving a general summary or approximate account of what happens, which may not be correct in every detail. □ He'd said something along those lines already. □ Our forecast was on the right lines.


20 N‑PLURAL If something is organized on particular lines , or along particular lines , it is organized according to that method or principle. □ …so-called autonomous republics based on ethnic lines. □ …reorganising old factories to work along Japanese lines.


21 N‑COUNT Your line of business or work is the kind of work that you do. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ of ] So what was your father's line of business? □ [+ of ] In my line of work I often get home too late for dinner.


22 N‑COUNT A line is a particular type of product that a company makes or sells. □ His best selling line is the cheapest lager at £1.99.


23 N‑COUNT In a factory, a line is an arrangement of workers or machines where a product passes from one worker to another until it is finished. □ …a production line capable of producing three different products.


24 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use line when you are referring to a number of people who are ranked according to status. □ [+ of ] Nicholas Paul Patrick was seventh in the line of succession to the throne. □ [+ for ] …the man who stands next in line for the presidency.


25 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A particular line of people or things is a series of them that has existed over a period of time, when they have all been similar in some way, or done similar things. □ [+ of ] We were part of a long line of artists. □ [+ of ] It's the latest in a long line of tragedies.


26 VERB If people or things line a road, room, or other place, they are present in large numbers along its edges or sides. □ [V n] Thousands of local people lined the streets and clapped as the procession went by. □ [V -ed] …a square lined with pubs and clubs. ● -lined COMB □ …a long tree-lined drive.


27 VERB If you line a wall, container, or other object, you put a layer of something such as leaves or paper on the inside surface of it in order to make it stronger, warmer, or cleaner. □ [V n] Scoop the blanket weed out and use it to line hanging baskets. □ [V n + with ] Female bears tend to line their dens with leaves or grass. ● -lined COMB □ …a dark, suede-lined case.


28 VERB If something lines a container or area, especially an area inside a person, animal, or plant, it forms a layer on the inside surface. □ [V n] …the muscles that line the intestines.


29 → see also bottom line , branch line , dividing line , front line , lined , lining , party line , picket line , yellow line


30 PHRASE If you draw the line at a particular activity, you refuse to do it, because you disapprove of it or because it is more extreme than what you normally do. □ [+ at ] I will eat pretty much anything, but I draw the line at insects.


31 PHRASE If you draw a line between two things, you make a distinction between them. □ It is, however, not possible to draw a distinct line between the two categories.


32 PHRASE If you do something or if it happens to you in the line of duty , you do it or it happens as part of your regular work or as a result of it. □ More than 3,000 police officers were wounded in the line of duty last year.


33 PHRASE If you refer to a method as the first line of , for example, defence or treatment, you mean that it is the first or most important method to be used in dealing with a problem. □ Passport checks will remain the first line of defence against terrorists.


34 PHRASE If you are in line for something, it is likely to happen to you or you are likely to obtain it. If something is in line to happen, it is likely to happen. □ [+ for ] He must be in line for a place in the Guinness Book of Records. □ Public sector pay is also in line to be hit hard.


35 PHRASE If one object is in line with others, or moves into line with others, they are arranged in a line. You can also say that a number of objects are in line or move into line . □ [+ with ] The device itself was right under the vehicle, almost in line with the gear lever. □ Venus, the Sun and Earth all moved into line.


36 PHRASE If one thing is in line with another, or is brought into line with it, the first thing is, or becomes, similar to the second, especially in a way that has been planned or expected. □ [+ with ] The structure of our schools is now broadly in line with the major countries of the world. □ [+ with ] This brings the law into line with most medical opinion.


37 PHRASE When people stand in line or wait in line , they stand one behind the other in a line, waiting their turn for something. [AM ] □ I had been standing in line for three hours. in BRIT, use queue


38 PHRASE If you keep someone in line or bring them into line , you make them obey you, or you make them behave in the way you want them to. □ All this was just designed to frighten me and keep me in line. □ …if the Prime Minister fails to bring rebellious Tories into line.


39 PHRASE If a machine or piece of equipment comes on line , it starts operating. If it is off line , it is not operating. □ The new machine will go on line in June. □ Every second her equipment was off line cost the company money.


40 PHRASE If you do something on line , you do it using a computer or a computer network. □ They can order their requirements on line. □ …on-line transaction processing.


41 PHRASE If something such as your job, career, or reputation is on the line , you may lose or harm it as a result of what you are doing or of the situation you are in. [INFORMAL ] □ He wouldn't put his career on the line to help a friend.


42 PHRASE If one thing is out of line with another, the first thing is different from the second in a way that was not agreed, planned, or expected. □ [+ with ] …if one set of figures is sharply out of line with a trend.


43 PHRASE If someone steps out of line , they disobey someone or behave in an unacceptable way. □ Any one of my players who steps out of line will be in trouble with me as well. □ You're way out of line, lady.


44 PHRASE If you read between the lines , you understand what someone really means, or what is really happening in a situation, even though it is not said openly. □ Reading between the lines, it seems neither Cole nor Ledley King will be going to Japan.


45 to sign on the dotted line → see dotted


46 to line your pockets → see pocket


47 the line of least resistance → see resistance


48 toe the line → see toe


▸ line up


1 PHRASAL VERB If people line up or if you line them up , they move so that they are standing in a line. □ [V P ] The senior leaders lined up behind him in orderly rows. □ [V n P ] The gym teachers lined us up against the cement walls. □ [V P n] When he came back the sergeant had lined up the suspects.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you line things up , you move them into a straight row. □ [V P n] I would line up my toys on this windowsill and play. □ [V n P ] He finished polishing the cocktail glasses and lined them up behind the bar.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you line one thing up with another, or one thing lines up with another, the first thing is moved into its correct position in relation to the second. You can also say that two things line up , or are lined up . □ [V n P + with ] You have to line the car up with the ones beside you. □ [V P + with ] Gas cookers are adjustable in height to line up with your kitchen work top. □ [V P n] Mahoney had lined up two of the crates. □ [V P ] When the images line up exactly, the projectors should be fixed in place. □ [V -ed P ] All we have to do is to get the two pieces lined up properly.


4 PHRASAL VERB If you line up an event or activity, you arrange for it to happen. If you line someone up for an event or activity, you arrange for them to be available for that event or activity. □ [V P n to-inf] She lined up executives, politicians and educators to serve on the board of directors. □ [V P n] The band is lining up a two-week U.K. tour for the New Year. [Also V n P , V n P to-inf]


5 → see also line-up

lin|eage /l I ni I dʒ/ (lineages ) N‑VAR Someone's lineage is the series of families from which they are directly descended. [FORMAL ] □ They can trace their lineage directly back to the 18th century.

lin|eal /l I niəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] A lineal descendant of a particular person or family is someone in a later generation who is directly related to them. [FORMAL ]

lin|ear /l I niə r /


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A linear process or development is one in which something changes or progresses straight from one stage to another, and has a starting point and an ending point. □ …the linear view of time.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A linear shape or form consists of straight lines. □ …the sharp, linear designs of the Seventies and Eighties.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Linear movement or force occurs in a straight line rather than in a curve.

line|back|er /la I nbækə r / (linebackers ) N‑COUNT In American football, a linebacker is a player who tries to stop members of the other team from scoring by tackling them.

lined /la I nd/


1 ADJ If someone's face or skin is lined , it has lines on it as a result of old age, tiredness, worry, or illness. □ His lined face was that of an old man.


2 ADJ Lined paper has lines printed across it to help you write neatly.


3 → see also line

li ne danc|ing N‑UNCOUNT Line dancing is a style of dancing in which people move across the floor in a line, accompanied by country and western music.

li ne draw|ing (line drawings ) N‑COUNT A line drawing is a drawing which consists only of lines.

li ne man|ag|er (line managers ) N‑COUNT Your line manager is the person at work who is in charge of your department, group, or project. [BRIT , BUSINESS ]

lin|en /l I n I n/ (linens )


1 N‑VAR Linen is a kind of cloth that is made from a plant called flax. It is used for making clothes and things such as tablecloths and sheets. □ …a white linen suit. □ …cottons, woolens, silks and linens.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Linen is tablecloths, sheets, pillowcases, and similar things made of cloth that are used in the home. □ …embroidered bed linen.


3 to wash your dirty linen in public → see dirty

li ne of si ght (lines of sight ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft with poss] Your line of sight is an imaginary line that stretches between your eye and the object that you are looking at. □ He was trying to keep out of the bird's line of sight.

li ne of vi |sion N‑SING [usu with poss] Your line of vision is the same as your line of sight . □ Any crack in a car windscreen always seems to be right in the driver's line of vision.

lin|er /la I nə r / (liners )


1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A liner is a large ship in which people travel long distances, especially on holiday. □ …luxury ocean liners.


2 → see also bin liner

li n|er note (liner notes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The liner notes on record jackets are short pieces of writing that tell you something about the record or the musicians playing on the record. [AM ] in BRIT, use sleeve notes

lines|man /la I nzmən/ (linesmen ) N‑COUNT A linesman is an official who assists the referee or umpire in games such as football and tennis by indicating when the ball goes over the lines around the edge of the field or court.

li ne-up (line-ups )


1 N‑COUNT A line-up is a group of people or a series of things that have been gathered together to be part of a particular event. □ [+ of ] The programme is back for a new series with a great line-up of musicians and comedy acts.


2 N‑COUNT At a line-up , a witness to a crime tries to identify the criminal from among a line of people. □ He failed to identify Graham from photographs, but later picked him out of a police line-up.

lin|ger /l I ŋgə r / (lingers , lingering , lingered )


1 VERB When something such as an idea, feeling, or illness lingers , it continues to exist for a long time, often much longer than expected. □ [V adv/prep] The scent of her perfume lingered on in the room. □ [V ] He was ashamed. That feeling lingered, and he was never comfortable in church after that. □ [V -ing] He would rather be killed in a race than die a lingering death in hospital.


2 VERB If you linger somewhere, you stay there for a longer time than is necessary, for example because you are enjoying yourself. □ [V adv/prep] Customers are welcome to linger over coffee until around midnight. □ [V ] It is a dreary little town where few would choose to linger.

lin|gerie /læ nʒəri, [AM ] -re I / N‑UNCOUNT Lingerie is women's underwear and nightclothes.

lin|go /l I ŋgoʊ/ (lingos )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] People sometimes refer to a foreign language, especially one that they do not speak or understand, as a lingo . [INFORMAL ] □ I don't speak the lingo.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] A lingo is a range of words or a style of language which is used in a particular situation or by a particular group of people. [INFORMAL ] □ In record-business lingo, that means he wanted to buy the rights to the song and market it. □ …an author who writes in a lurid lingo, freely punctuated with crude expletives.

lin|gua fran|ca /l I ŋgwə fræ ŋkə/ N‑SING A lingua franca is a language or way of communicating which is used between people who do not speak one another's native language. [FORMAL ] □ English is rapidly becoming the lingua franca of Asia.

lin|guist /l I ŋgw I st/ (linguists )


1 N‑COUNT A linguist is someone who is good at speaking or learning foreign languages. □ Her brother was an accomplished linguist.


2 N‑COUNT A linguist is someone who studies or teaches linguistics.

lin|guis|tic /l I ŋgw I st I ks/ (linguistics )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Linguistic abilities or ideas relate to language or linguistics. □ …linguistic skills. □ …linguistic theory. ● lin|guis|ti|cal|ly /l I ŋgw I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □ Somalia is an ethnically and linguistically homogeneous nation.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Linguistics is the study of the way in which language works. □ …applied linguistics.

lini|ment /l I n I mənt/ (liniments ) N‑VAR Liniment is a liquid that you rub into your skin in order to reduce pain or stiffness.

lin|ing /la I n I ŋ/ (linings )


1 N‑VAR The lining of something such as a piece of clothing or a curtain is a layer of cloth attached to the inside of it in order to make it thicker or warmer, or in order to make it hang better. □ …a padded satin jacket with quilted lining.


2 N‑VAR You can use lining to refer to a layer of paper, plastic, metal, or another substance that is attached to the inside of something, for example in order to protect it. □ …brake linings. □ [+ to ] Moss makes an attractive lining to wire baskets.


3 N‑COUNT The lining of your stomach or other organ is a layer of tissue on the inside of it. □ [+ of ] …a bacterium that attacks the lining of the stomach. □ …the uterine lining.


4 → see also line

link ◆◆◇ /l I ŋk/ (links , linking , linked )


1 N‑COUNT If there is a link between two things or situations, there is a relationship between them, for example because one thing causes or affects the other. □ [+ between ] …the link between smoking and lung cancer. [Also + with ]


2 VERB If someone or something links two things or situations, there is a relationship between them, for example because one thing causes or affects the other. □ [V n + to ] The U.N. Security Council has linked any lifting of sanctions to compliance with the ceasefire terms. □ [V n + to ] Liver cancer is linked to the hepatitis B virus. □ [V -ed] The detention raised two distinct but closely linked questions. [Also + V n with ]


3 → see also index-linked


4 N‑COUNT A link between two things or places is a physical connection between them. □ [+ between ] …the high-speed rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel. □ [+ with ] Stalin insisted that the radio link with the German Foreign Ministry should remain open.


5 VERB If two places or objects are linked or something links them, there is a physical connection between them. □ [V n + with/to ] …the Rama Road, which links the capital, Managua, with the Caribbean coast. □ [be V -ed + with/to ] The campus is linked by regular bus services to Coventry. □ [V n] …the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France.


6 N‑COUNT A link between two people, organizations, or places is a friendly or business connection between them. □ [+ with ] The university has close links with local employers. □ [+ between ] In 1984 the long link between AC Cars and the Hurlock family was severed. □ [+ to ] A cabinet minister came under investigation for links to the Mafia.


7 N‑COUNT A link to another person or organization is something that allows you to communicate with them or have contact with them. □ She was my only link with the past. □ These projects will provide vital links between companies and universities.


8 VERB If you link one person or thing to another, you claim that there is a relationship or connection between them. □ [V n + to/with ] Criminologist Dr Ann Jones has linked the crime to social circumstances. □ [V n + to/with ] The tabloids have linked him with various women. [Also V n]


9 N‑COUNT In computing, a link is a connection between different documents, or between different parts of the same document, using hypertext. ● VERB Link is also a verb. □ [V n] Certainly, Andreessen didn't think up using hypertext to link Internet documents.


10 N‑COUNT A link is one of the rings in a chain.


11 VERB If you link one thing with another, you join them by putting one thing through the other. □ [V n prep/adv] She linked her arm through his. □ [V n prep/adv] He linked the fingers of his hands together on his stomach. [Also V n] ● PHRASE If two or more people link arms , or if one person links arms with another, they stand next to each other, and each person puts their arm round the arm of the person next to them. □ She stayed with them, linking arms with the two girls, joking with the boys.


12 → see also link-up


▸ link up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you link up with someone, you join them for a particular purpose. □ [V P + with ] They linked up with a series of local anti-nuclear and anti-apartheid groups. □ [V P ] The Russian and American armies linked up for the first time on the banks of the river Elbe.


2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If one thing is linked up to another, the two things are connected to each other. □ [be V -ed P + to ] The motion detectors were linked up to my laptop. COLLOCATIONS link NOUN 1


adjective + link : close, direct, strong; tenuous, weak; causal


verb + link : build, create, establish, forge; break, cut, sever; maintain, retain VERB 2


link + adverb : closely, directly SYNONYMS link NOUN 1


connection: The police say he had no connection with the security forces.


relationship: There is a relationship between diet and cancer.


association: Black was considered inappropriate because of its associations with death. VERB 5


connect: You can connect the machine to your hi-fi.


join: The car parks are joined by a footpath.


unite: The vast majority of nations have agreed to unite their efforts to bring peace.


attach: The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface.

link|age /l I ŋk I dʒ/ (linkages )


1 N‑VAR A linkage between two things is a link or connection between them. The linkage of two things is the act of linking or connecting them. □ [+ between ] No one disputes the direct linkage between the unemployment rate and crime. □ [+ between ] We're trying to establish linkages between these groups and financial institutions. □ [+ of ] …the creation of new research materials by the linkage of previously existing sources. [Also + of ]


2 N‑UNCOUNT Linkage is an arrangement where one country agrees to do something only if another country agrees to do something in return. □ [+ between ] There is no formal linkage between the two agreements. □ [+ with ] He insisted that there could be no linkage with other Mideast problems.

li nk|ing verb (linking verbs ) in BRIT, also use link verb N‑COUNT A linking verb is a verb which links the subject of a clause and a complement. 'Be', 'seem', and 'become' are linking verbs.

li nk|ing word (linking words ) in BRIT, also use link word N‑COUNT A linking word is a word which shows a connection between clauses or sentences. 'However' and 'so' are linking words.

li nk-up (link-ups )


1 N‑COUNT A link-up is a connection between two machines or communication systems. □ [+ with ] …a live satellite link-up with Bonn. □ [+ with ] …computer link-ups with banks in Spain, Portugal, and France. [Also + between ]


2 N‑COUNT A link-up is a relationship or partnership between two organizations. □ [+ between ] …new link-ups between school and commerce. [Also + with ]

lino /la I noʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Lino is the same as linoleum . [BRIT ] □ …lino floors.

li|no|leum /l I noʊ liəm/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Linoleum is a floor covering which is made of cloth covered with a hard shiny substance. □ …a gray linoleum floor. □ …black-and-white squares of linoleum.

lin|seed oil /l I nsiːd ɔ I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Linseed oil is an oil made from seeds of the flax plant. It is used to make paints and inks, or to rub into wooden surfaces to protect them.

lint /l I nt/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Lint is cotton or linen fabric which you can put on your skin if you have a cut.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Lint is small unwanted threads or fibres that collect on clothes. [mainly AM ]

lin|tel /l I nt ə l/ (lintels ) N‑COUNT A lintel is a piece of stone or wood over a door or window which supports the bricks above the door or window.

lion /la I ən/ (lions ) N‑COUNT A lion is a large wild member of the cat family that is found in Africa. Lions have yellowish fur, and male lions have long hair on their head and neck.

li|on|ess /la I ən I s/ (lionesses ) N‑COUNT A lioness is a female lion.

li|on|ize /la I əna I z/ (lionizes , lionizing , lionized ) in BRIT, also use lionise VERB If someone is lionized , they are treated as if they are very important or special by a particular group of people, often when they do not really deserve to be. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] By the 1920's, he was lionised by literary London. □ [V n] The press began to lionize him enthusiastically. □ [be V -ed + as ] In 1936, Max Schmeling had been lionised as boxing's great hope.

li on's share N‑SING If a person, group, or project gets the lion's share of something, they get the largest part of it, leaving very little for other people. □ [+ of ] Military and nuclear research have received the lion's share of public funding.

lip ◆◇◇ /l I p/ (lips )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your lips are the two outer parts of the edge of your mouth. □ Wade stuck the cigarette between his lips.


2 N‑COUNT The lip of something such as a container or a high area of land is its edge. □ [+ of ] …the lip of the jug. □ [+ of ] …the lip of Mount Etna's smouldering crater.


3 PHRASE If you lick your lips , you move your tongue across your lips as you think about or taste something pleasant. □ They licked their lips in anticipation. □ We swallowed the chocolates in one gulp, licking our lips. COLLOCATIONS lip NOUN 1


adjective + lip : pouting, pouty; quivering, trembling; pursed


verb + lip : curl; bite

li p gloss (lip glosses ) N‑VAR Lip gloss is a clear or very slightly coloured substance that some women put on their lips to make them shiny.

lipo|suc|tion /l I poʊsʌkʃən/ N‑UNCOUNT Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery where fat is removed from a particular area of the body by dissolving it with special chemicals and then sucking it out with a tube. □ You can have a face-lift and liposuction, but your voice will still betray your age.

-lipped /-l I pt/


1 COMB -lipped combines with adjectives to form other adjectives which describe the sort of lips that someone has. □ A thin-lipped smile spread over the captain's face. □ …his full-lipped mouth.


2 → see also tight-lipped

lip|py /l I pi/ (lippies )


1 ADJ If someone is lippy , they speak to other people in a way that shows no respect. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Bruce Willis plays a lippy cop battling it out with a female partner.


2 N‑VAR Lippy is short for lipstick . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

lip-read (lip-reads , lip-reading ) The form lip-read is pronounced /l I priːd/ when it is the present tense, and /l I pred/ when it is the past tense and past participle. VERB If someone can lip-read , they are able to understand what someone else is saying by looking at the way the other person's lips move as they speak, without actually hearing any of the words. □ [V ] They are not given hearing aids or taught to lip-read. ● lip read|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The teacher should not move around too much as this makes lip reading more difficult.

li p ser|vice N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone pays lip service to an idea, you are critical of them because they say they are in favour of it, but they do not do anything to support it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] Unhappily, he had done no more than pay lip service to their views.

lip|stick /l I pst I k/ (lipsticks ) N‑VAR Lipstick is a coloured substance in the form of a stick which women put on their lips. □ She was wearing red lipstick. ● N‑COUNT A lipstick is a small tube containing this substance.

liq|ue|fy /l I kw I fa I / (liquefies , liquefying , liquefied ) VERB When a gas or solid substance liquefies or is liquefied , it changes its form and becomes liquid. □ [V ] Heat the jam until it liquefies. □ [V n] You can liquefy the carbon dioxide to separate it from the other constituents. □ [V -ed] …a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas.

li|queur /l I kjʊə r , [AM ] -kɜː r/ (liqueurs ) N‑VAR A liqueur is a strong alcoholic drink with a sweet taste. You drink it after a meal. □ …liqueurs such as Grand Marnier and Kirsch. □ …small glasses of liqueur. ● N‑COUNT A liqueur is a glass of liqueur. □ [+ with ] 'What about a liqueur with your coffee?' suggested the waitress.

liq|uid /l I kw I d/ (liquids )


1 N‑VAR A liquid is a substance which is not solid but which flows and can be poured, for example water. □ Drink plenty of liquid. □ Boil for 20 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. □ Solids turn to liquids at certain temperatures.


2 ADJ A liquid substance is in the form of a liquid rather than being solid or a gas. □ Wash in warm water with liquid detergent. □ …liquid nitrogen. □ Fats are solid at room temperature, and oil is liquid at room temperature.


3 ADJ Liquid assets are the things that a person or company owns which can be quickly turned into cash if necessary. [BUSINESS ] □ The bank had sufficient liquid assets to continue operations.

liq|ui|date /l I kw I de I t/ (liquidates , liquidating , liquidated )


1 VERB To liquidate a company is to close it down and sell all its assets, usually because it is in debt. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] A unanimous vote was taken to liquidate the company. ● liq|ui|da|tion /l I kw I de I ʃ ə n/ (liquidations ) N‑VAR □ The company went into liquidation. □ The number of company liquidations rose 11 per cent.


2 VERB If a company liquidates its assets, its property such as buildings or machinery is sold in order to get money. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] The company closed down operations and began liquidating its assets in January.


3 VERB If someone in a position of power liquidates people who are causing problems, they get rid of them, usually by killing them. □ [V n] They have not hesitated in the past to liquidate their rivals.

liq|ui|da|tor /l I kw I de I tə r / (liquidators ) N‑COUNT A liquidator is a person who is responsible for settling the affairs of a company that is being liquidated. [BUSINESS ]

li q|uid crys|tal (liquid crystals ) N‑COUNT A liquid crystal is a liquid that has some of the qualities of crystals, for example reflecting light from different directions in different ways.

li q|uid crys|tal dis|pla y (liquid crystal displays ) also liquid-crystal display N‑COUNT A liquid crystal display is a display of information on a screen, which uses liquid crystals that become visible when electricity is passed through them.

li|quid|ity /l I kw I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In finance, a company's liquidity is the amount of cash or liquid assets it has easily available. [BUSINESS ] □ The company maintains a high degree of liquidity.

liq|uid|ize /l I kw I da I z/ (liquidizes , liquidizing , liquidized ) in BRIT, also use liquidise VERB If you liquidize food, you process it using an electrical appliance in order to make it liquid.

liq|uid|iz|er /l I kw I da I zə r / (liquidizers ) in BRIT, also use liquidiser N‑COUNT A liquidizer is an electric machine that you use to liquidize food. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use blender

liq|uor /l I kə r / (liquors ) N‑VAR Strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky, vodka, and gin can be referred to as liquor . [AM ] □ The room was filled with cases of liquor. □ …intoxicating liquors. in BRIT, use spirits

liquo|rice /l I kər I ʃ, - I s/ → see licorice

li q|uor store (liquor stores ) N‑COUNT A liquor store is a store which sells beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. [AM ] in BRIT, use off-licence

lira /l I ə rə/ (lire /l I ə rə/) N‑COUNT The lira was the unit of money that was used in Italy. Turkey and Syria also have a unit of money called a lira . In 2002 it was replaced by the euro in Italy. □ It only cost me 400,000 lire. □ Coin-operated telephones took 100, 200 and 500 lire coins. ● N‑SING The lira was also used to refer to the Italian currency system, and it also sometimes refers to the currency system of other countries which use the lira. □ The franc had been under no pressure compared with the lira.

lisp /l I sp/ (lisps , lisping , lisped )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone has a lisp , they pronounce the sounds 's' and 'z' as if they were 'th'. For example, they say 'thing' instead of 'sing'. □ He has a slight lisp.


2 VERB If someone lisps , they say something with a lisp or speak with a lisp. □ [V ] The little man, upset, was lisping badly. □ [V n] Bochmann lisped his congratulations. □ [V -ing] …her low, lisping voice.

list ◆◆◆ /l I st/ (lists , listing , listed )


1 N‑COUNT A list of things such as names or addresses is a set of them which all belong to a particular category, written down one below the other. □ [+ of ] We are making a list of the top ten men we would not want to be married to. □ There were six names on the list. □ …fine wine from the hotel's exhaustive wine list.


2 → see also Civil List , hit list , honours list , laundry list , mailing list , shopping list , waiting list


3 N‑COUNT A list of things is a set of them that you think of as being in a particular order. □ [+ of ] High on the list of public demands is to end military control of broadcasting. □ I would have thought if they were looking for redundancies I would be last on the list. □ [+ of ] The company joined a long list of failed banks.


4 VERB To list several things such as reasons or names means to write or say them one after another, usually in a particular order. □ [V n] Manufacturers must list ingredients in order of the amount used.


5 VERB To list something in a particular way means to include it in that way in a list or report. □ [V n prep] A medical examiner has listed the deaths as homicides. □ [V -ed + under ] He was not listed under his real name on the residents panel.


6 VERB If a company is listed , or if it lists , on a stock exchange, it obtains an official quotation for its shares so that people can buy and sell them. [BUSINESS ] □ [V ] It will list on the London Stock Exchange next week with a value of 130 million pounds. [Also V n]


7 → see also listed , listing SYNONYMS list NOUN 1


record: Keep a record of all the payments.


inventory: Before starting, he made an inventory of everything that was to stay.


catalogue: This is the world's biggest seed catalogue.


register: She calls the register for her class of thirty 12 year olds. VERB 4


catalogue: The Royal Greenwich Observatory was founded to observe and catalogue the stars.


itemize: Itemize your gear and mark major items with your name and post code.


record: You can buy software packages which record the details of your photographs.

list|ed /l I st I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In Britain, a listed building is protected by law against being destroyed or altered because it is historically or architecturally important.

li st|ed co m|pa|ny (listed companies ) N‑COUNT A listed company is a company whose shares are quoted on a stock exchange. [BUSINESS ]

lis|ten ◆◆◇ /l I s ə n/ (listens , listening , listened )


1 VERB If you listen to someone who is talking or to a sound, you give your attention to them or it. □ [V + to ] He spent his time listening to the radio. □ [V ] Sonia was not listening. ● lis|ten|er (listeners ) N‑COUNT □ One or two listeners had fallen asleep while the President was speaking.


2 VERB If you listen for a sound, you keep alert and are ready to hear it if it occurs. □ [V + for ] We listen for footsteps approaching. □ [V ] They're both asleep upstairs, but you don't mind listening just in case of trouble, do you? ● PHRASAL VERB Listen out means the same as listen . [BRIT ] □ [V P + for ] I didn't really listen out for the lyrics. [Also V P ]


3 VERB If you listen to someone, you do what they advise you to do, or you believe them. □ [V + to ] Anne, you need to listen to me this time. □ [V ] When I asked him to stop, he would not listen.


4 CONVENTION You say listen when you want someone to pay attention to you because you are going to say something important. □ Listen, I finish at one.


▸ listen in PHRASAL VERB If you listen in to a private conversation, you secretly listen to it. □ [V P + to/on ] He assigned federal agents to listen in on Martin Luther King's phone calls. [Also V P ] COLLOCATIONS listen VERB 1


listen + adverb : attentively, carefully, hard, intently; patiently, politely

lis|ten|able /l I s ə nəb ə l/ ADJ If something is listenable , it is very pleasant to listen to. □ It's an eminently listenable album.

lis|ten|er /l I snə r / (listeners )


1 N‑COUNT A listener is a person who listens to the radio or to a particular radio programme. □ [+ to ] I'm a regular listener to her show.


2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe someone as a good listener , you mean that they listen carefully and sympathetically to you when you talk, for example about your problems. □ Dr Brian was a good listener. □ If you can be a sympathetic listener, it may put your own problems in perspective.


3 → see also listen

list|ing /l I st I ŋ/ (listings ) N‑COUNT A listing is a published list, or an item in a published list. □ [+ of ] A full listing of the companies will be published quarterly.

list|less /l I stləs/ ADJ Someone who is listless has no energy or enthusiasm. □ He was listless and pale and wouldn't eat much. ● list|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Usually, you would just sit listlessly, too hot to do anything else. ● list|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Amy was distressed by Helen's listlessness.

li st pri ce (list prices ) N‑COUNT The list price of an item is the price which the manufacturer suggests that a shopkeeper should charge for it.

lit /l I t/ Lit is a past tense and past participle of light .

lita|ny /l I təni/ (litanies )


1 N‑COUNT If you describe what someone says as a litany of things, you mean that you have heard it many times before, and you think it is boring or insincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] She remained in the doorway, listening to his litany of complaints against her client.


2 N‑COUNT A litany is part of a church service in which the priest says a set group of words and the people reply, also using a set group of words.

lite /la I t/ ADJ Lite is used to describe foods or drinks that contain few calories or low amounts of sugar, fat, or alcohol. □ …lite beer. □ …lite yogurt.

li|ter /liː tə r / → see litre

lit|era|cy /l I tərəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Literacy is the ability to read and write. □ Many adults have some problems with literacy and numeracy. □ The literacy rate there is the highest in Central America.

lit|er|al /l I tərəl/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The literal sense of a word or phrase is its most basic sense. □ In many cases, the people there are fighting, in a literal sense, for their homes.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A literal translation is one in which you translate each word of the original work rather than giving the meaning of each expression or sentence using words that sound natural. □ A literal translation of the name Tapies is 'walls.'


3 ADJ You use literal to describe someone who uses or understands words in a plain and simple way. □ Dennis is a very literal person.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as the literal truth or a literal fact, you are emphasizing that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □ He was saying no more than the literal truth.

lit|er|al|ly /l I tərəli/


1 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] You can use literally to emphasize a statement. Some careful speakers of English think that this use is incorrect. [EMPHASIS ] □ We've got to get the economy under control or it will literally eat us up. □ The views are literally breath-taking.


2 ADV [ADV before v] You use literally to emphasize that what you are saying is true, even though it seems exaggerated or surprising. [EMPHASIS ] □ Putting on an opera is a tremendous enterprise involving literally hundreds of people. □ I literally crawled to the car.


3 ADV [ADV with v] If a word or expression is translated literally , its most simple or basic meaning is translated. □ The word 'volk' translates literally as 'folk'. □ A stanza is, literally, a room.


4 PHRASE If you take something literally , you think that a word or expression is being used with its most simple or basic meaning. □ That was meant to be a joke, but he took it literally.

lit|er|ary ◆◇◇ /l I tərəri, [AM ] -reri/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Literary means concerned with or connected with the writing, study, or appreciation of literature. □ She's the literary editor of the 'Sunday Review'. □ …a literary masterpiece.


2 ADJ Literary words and expressions are often unusual in some way and are used to create a special effect in a piece of writing such as a poem, speech, or novel.

li t|er|ary cri ti|cism N‑UNCOUNT Literary criticism is the academic study of the techniques used in the creation of literature.

lit|er|ate /l I tərət/


1 ADJ Someone who is literate is able to read and write. □ Over one-quarter of the adult population are not fully literate.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as literate , you mean that they are intelligent and well-educated, especially about literature and the arts. [APPROVAL ] □ Scientists should be literate and articulate as well as able to handle figures.


3 ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If you describe someone as literate in a particular subject, especially one that many people do not know anything about, you mean that they have a good knowledge and understanding of that subject. □ Head teachers need to be financially literate.


4 → see also computer-literate

lit|era|ti /l I tərɑː ti/ N‑PLURAL Literati are well-educated people who are interested in literature. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the Australian storyteller who was loved by readers but disdained by the literati.

lit|era|ture ◆◇◇ /l I trətʃə r , [AM ] -tərətʃʊr/ (literatures )


1 N‑VAR Novels, plays, and poetry are referred to as literature , especially when they are considered to be good or important. □ …classic works of literature. □ …a Professor of English Literature. □ It may not be great literature but it certainly had me riveted! □ The book explores the connection between American ethnic and regional literatures.


2 N‑UNCOUNT The literature on a particular subject of study is all the books and articles that have been published about it. □ [+ on ] The literature on immigration policy is extremely critical of the state. □ This work is documented in the scientific literature.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Literature is written information produced by people who want to sell you something or give you advice. □ [+ from ] I am sending you literature from two other companies that provide a similar service.

lithe /la I ð/ ADJ A lithe person is able to move and bend their body easily and gracefully. □ …a lithe young gymnast. □ His walk was lithe and graceful.

litho|graph /l I θəgrɑːf, -græf/ (lithographs ) N‑COUNT A lithograph is a printed picture made by the method of lithography.

li|thog|ra|phy /l I θɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Lithography is a method of printing in which a piece of stone or metal is specially treated so that ink sticks to some parts of it and not to others. ● litho|graph|ic ADJ [ADJ n] □ The book's 85 colour lithographic plates look staggeringly fresh and bold.

Lithua|nian /l I θjue I niən/ (Lithuanians )


1 ADJ Lithuanian means belonging or relating to Lithuania, or to its people, language, or culture.


2 N‑COUNT A Lithuanian is a person who comes from Lithuania.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Lithuanian is the language spoken in Lithuania.

liti|gant /l I t I gənt/ (litigants ) N‑COUNT A litigant is a person who is involved in a civil legal case, either because they are making a formal complaint about someone, or because a complaint is being made about them. [LEGAL ]

liti|gate /l I t I ge I t/ (litigates , litigating , litigated ) VERB To litigate means to take legal action. [LEGAL ] □ [V n] …the cost of litigating personal injury claims in the county court. □ [V ] If we have to litigate, we will.

liti|ga|tion /l I t I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Litigation is the process of fighting or defending a case in a civil court of law. □ The settlement ends more than four years of litigation on behalf of the residents.

liti|ga|tor /l I t I ge I tə r / (litigators ) N‑COUNT A litigator is a lawyer who helps someone take legal action. [LEGAL ]

li|ti|gious /l I t I dʒəs/ ADJ Someone who is litigious often makes formal complaints about people to a civil court of law. [FORMAL ]

lit|mus test /l I tməs test/ (litmus tests ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that something is a litmus test of something, you mean that it is an effective and definite way of proving it or measuring it. □ [+ of ] Ending the fighting must be the absolute priority, the litmus test of the agreements' validity. □ [+ for ] The success of wind power represents a litmus test for renewable energy.

li|tre /liː tə r / (litres ) in AM, use liter N‑COUNT [num N ] A litre is a metric unit of volume that is a thousand cubic centimetres. It is equal to 1.76 British pints or 2.11 American pints. □ [+ of ] …15 litres of water. □ This tax would raise petrol prices by about 3.5p per litre. □ …a Ford Escort with a 1.9-litre engine.

lit|ter /l I tə r / (litters , littering , littered )

ТЕЛЕГРАМ

Канал с обзорами, анонсами новинок и книжными подборками

Книжный Вестник

Бот для удобного поиска книг (если не нашлось на сайте)

Поиск книг

Свежие любовные романы в удобных форматах

Любовные романы

Детективы и триллеры, все новинки

Детективы

Фантастика и фэнтези, все новинки

Фантастика

Отборные классические книги

Классика
ВКОНТАКТЕ

Цитаты, афоризмы, стихи, книжные подборки, обсуждения и многое другое

Книжный Вестник
БИБЛИОТЕКИ

Библиотека с любовными романами, которая наверняка придётся по вкусу женской части аудитории

Любовные романы

Библиотека с фантастикой и фэнтези, а также смежных жанров

Фантастика

Самые популярные книги в формате фб2

Топ фб2 книги