7 VERB When a record producer mixes a piece of music, he or she puts together the various sounds that have been recorded in order to make the finished record. □ [V n] They've been mixing tracks for a new album due out later this year. ● mix|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Final mixing should be completed by the end of this week.


8 → see also mixed , cake mix


9 to mix your metaphors → see metaphor


▸ mix up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you mix up two things or people, you confuse them, so that you think that one of them is the other one. □ [V n P + with ] People often mix me up with other actors. □ [V P n] Depressed people may mix up their words. □ [V n P ] Any time you told one of them something, they'd swear you'd mixed them up and told the other.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you mix up a number of things, you put things of different kinds together or place things so that they are not in order. □ [V P n] I like to mix up designer clothes. □ [V n P ] Put the sauce on top and let people mix everything up or keep separate, as they choose. □ [V n P + with ] I've taken those sounds from childhood and mixed them up with other things.


3 → see also mixed up , mix-up COLLOCATIONS mix NOUN 4


adjective + mix : diverse, eclectic; heady, intoxicating, potent; toxic; fascinating, interesting; curious, odd, strange; explosive; rich, vibrant; complex

mixed ◆◇◇ /m I kst/


1 ADJ Mixed feelings or reactions include some good things and some bad things. □ I came home from the meeting with mixed feelings. □ The reaction to these cars has been mixed.


2 ADJ A mixed group of people consists of people of many different types. □ I found a very mixed group of individuals, some with whom I had very little in common.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mixed is used to describe something that involves people from two or more different races. □ …a woman of mixed race. □ She had attended a racially mixed school.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mixed education or accommodation is intended for both males and females. □ Girls who have always been at a mixed school know how to stand up for themselves.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Mixed is used to describe something which includes or consists of different things of the same general kind. □ …a small mixed salad. □ …a teaspoon of mixed herbs.


6 a mixed blessing → see blessing

mi xed abi l|ity ADJ [usu ADJ n] A mixed ability class or teaching system is one in which pupils of different abilities are taught together in the same class. [BRIT ]

mi xed ba g N‑SING If you describe a situation or a group of things or people as a mixed bag , you mean that it contains some good items, features, or people and some bad ones. □ [+ of ] Research on athletes and ordinary human subjects has yielded a mixed bag of results. □ This autumn's collections are a very mixed bag.

mi xed dou |bles N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] In some sports, such as tennis and badminton, mixed doubles is a match in which a man and a woman play as partners against another man and woman.

mi xed eco no|my (mixed economies ) N‑COUNT A mixed economy is an economic system in which some companies are owned by the state and some are not. [BUSINESS ]

mi xed ma r|riage (mixed marriages ) N‑COUNT A mixed marriage is a marriage between two people who are not of the same race or religion.

mi xed mar|tial a rts N‑UNCOUNT Mixed martial arts is a sport in which two people fight by hitting, kicking, and holding each other, both in a standing position and on the ground. □ It's a film about the world of mixed martial arts.

mi xed u p


1 ADJ If you are mixed up , you are confused, often because of emotional or social problems. □ I think he's a rather mixed up kid.


2 ADJ To be mixed up in something bad, or with someone you disapprove of, means to be involved in it or with them. □ Why did I ever get mixed up with you?

mix|er /m I ksə r / (mixers )


1 N‑COUNT A mixer is a machine used for mixing things together. □ …an electric mixer.


2 → see also cement mixer , food mixer


3 N‑COUNT A mixer is a non-alcoholic drink such as fruit juice that you mix with strong alcohol such as gin.


4 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a good mixer , you mean that they are good at talking to people and making friends. □ Cooper was a good mixer, he was popular.


5 N‑COUNT A mixer is a piece of equipment that is used to make changes to recorded music or film. □ …a three channel audio mixer.

mi x|ing bowl (mixing bowls ) N‑COUNT A mixing bowl is a large bowl used for mixing ingredients.

mix|ture ◆◇◇ /m I kstʃə r / (mixtures )


1 N‑SING A mixture of things consists of several different things together. □ [+ of ] They looked at him with a mixture of horror, envy, and awe. □ [+ of ] …a mixture of spiced, grilled vegetables served cold.


2 N‑COUNT A mixture is a substance that consists of other substances which have been stirred or shaken together. □ Prepare the gravy mixture. □ [+ of ] …a mixture of water and sugar and salt.


3 → see also cough mixture

mi x-up (mix-ups ) N‑COUNT A mix-up is a mistake or a failure in the way that something has been planned. [INFORMAL ] □ …a mix-up over travel arrangements.

Mk Mk is a written abbreviation for mark . Mk is used to refer to a particular model or design of a car or machine. □ …a 1974 white MG Midget Mk 3.

ml ml is a written abbreviation for millilitre or millilitres . □ Boil the sugar and 100 ml of water.

MLA /e m el e I / (MLAs ) N‑COUNT In Australia and some other countries, an MLA is a person who has been elected as a member of parliament. MLA is an abbreviation for 'member of the legislative assembly'.

mm mm is an abbreviation for millimetre or millimetres . □ …a 135mm lens. □ …0.25mm of rain.

MMR /e m em ɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] MMR is a vaccine that is given to young children to protect them against certain diseases. MMR is an abbreviation for measles, mumps, and rubella . □ …the MMR vaccine.

mne|mon|ic /n I mɒ n I k/ (mnemonics ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A mnemonic is a word, short poem, or sentence that is intended to help you remember things such as scientific rules or spelling rules. For example, 'i before e, except after c' is a mnemonic to help people remember how to spell words like 'believe' and 'receive'. □ …mnemonic devices.

mo /moʊ / N‑SING A mo is a very short length of time. It is short for moment . [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □ Hang on a mo.

moan /moʊ n/ (moans , moaning , moaned )


1 VERB If you moan , you make a low sound, usually because you are unhappy or in pain. □ [V ] Tony moaned in his sleep and then turned over on his side. □ [V with quote] 'My head, my head,' he moaned. 'I can't see.' ● N‑COUNT Moan is also a noun. □ Suddenly she gave a low, choking moan and began to tremble violently.


2 VERB To moan means to complain or speak in a way which shows that you are very unhappy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] I used to moan if I didn't get at least six hours' sleep at night. □ [V prep/adv] …moaning about the weather. □ [V with quote] Meg moans, 'I hated it!' □ [V that] The gardener was moaning that he had another garden to do later that morning.


3 N‑COUNT A moan is a complaint. [INFORMAL ] □ They have been listening to people's gripes, moans and praise.


4 PHRASE If you have a moan , you complain about something. [INFORMAL ] □ You can go see him and have a good old moan.


5 N‑COUNT A moan is a low noise. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …the occasional moan of the wind round the corners of the house.

moan|er /moʊ nə r / (moaners ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a moaner , you are critical of them because they often complain about things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Film critics are dreadful moaners.

moat /moʊ t/ (moats ) N‑COUNT A moat is a deep, wide channel dug round a place such as a castle and filled with water, in order to protect the place from attack.

mob /mɒ b/ (mobs , mobbing , mobbed )


1 N‑COUNT A mob is a large, disorganized, and often violent crowd of people. □ The inspectors watched a growing mob of demonstrators gathering.


2 N‑SING People sometimes use the mob to refer in a disapproving way to the majority of people in a country or place, especially when these people are behaving in a violent or uncontrolled way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ If they continue like this, there is a danger of the mob taking over.


3 N‑SING You can refer to the people involved in organized crime as the Mob . [INFORMAL ] □ …casinos that the Mob had operated.


4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone is being mobbed by a crowd of people, you mean that the people are trying to talk to them or get near them in an enthusiastic or threatening way. □ [be V -ed] They found themselves being mobbed in the street for autographs.

mo|bile ◆◇◇ /moʊ ba I l, [AM ] -b ə l/ (mobiles )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use mobile to describe something large that can be moved easily from place to place. □ …the four hundred seat mobile theatre.


2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are mobile , you can move or travel easily from place to place, for example because you do not have a physical disability or because you have your own transport. □ I'm still very mobile. ● mo|bil|ity /moʊb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Two cars gave them the freedom and mobility to go their separate ways.


3 ADJ In a mobile society, people move easily from one job, home, or social class to another. □ Our mobile society forces many people to move away from family and friends. □ …young, mobile professionals. ● mo|bil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ Prior to the nineteenth century, there were almost no channels of social mobility.


4 N‑COUNT A mobile is a decoration which you hang from a ceiling. It usually consists of several small objects which move as the air around them moves.


5 N‑COUNT A mobile is the same as a mobile phone .


6 → see also upwardly mobile

mo |bile ho me (mobile homes ) N‑COUNT A mobile home is a large caravan that people live in and that usually remains in the same place, but which can be pulled to another place using a car or van.

mo |bile pho ne (mobile phones ) N‑COUNT A mobile phone is a phone that you can carry with you and use to make or receive calls wherever you are. [BRIT ] in AM, use cellular phone , cellphone

mo|bi|lize /moʊ b I la I z/ (mobilizes , mobilizing , mobilized ) in BRIT, also use mobilise 1 VERB If you mobilize support or mobilize people to do something, you succeed in encouraging people to take action, especially political action. If people mobilize , they prepare to take action. □ [V n] The best hope is that we will mobilize international support and get down to action. □ [V ] Faced with crisis, people mobilized. ● mo|bi|li|za|tion /moʊ b I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the rapid mobilization of international opinion in support of the revolution.


2 VERB If you mobilize resources, you start to use them or make them available for use. □ [V n] If you could mobilize the resources, you could get it done. ● mo|bi|li|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the mobilisation of resources for education.


3 VERB If a country mobilizes , or mobilizes its armed forces, or if its armed forces mobilize , they are given orders to prepare for a conflict. [JOURNALISM or MILITARY ] □ [V ] Sudan even threatened to mobilize in response to the ultimatums. □ [V n] India is now in a better position to mobilise its forces. ● mo|bi|li|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ …a demand for full-scale mobilisation to defend the republic.

mob|ster /mɒ bstə r / (mobsters ) N‑COUNT A mobster is someone who is a member of an organized group of violent criminals.

moc|ca|sin /mɒ kəs I n/ (moccasins ) N‑COUNT Moccasins are soft leather shoes which have a low heel and a raised join round the top of the front part.

mock /mɒ k/ (mocks , mocking , mocked )


1 VERB If someone mocks you, they show or pretend that they think you are foolish or inferior, for example by saying something funny about you, or by imitating your behaviour. □ [V n] I thought you were mocking me. □ [V with quote] 'I'm astonished, Benjamin,' she mocked.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use mock to describe something which is not real or genuine, but which is intended to be very similar to the real thing. □ 'It's tragic!' swoons Jeffrey in mock horror.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Mocks are practice exams that you take as part of your preparation for real exams. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ She went from a D in her mocks to a B in the real thing.

mock|ery /mɒ kəri/


1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone mocks you, you can refer to their behaviour or attitude as mockery . □ Was there a glint of mockery in his eyes?


2 N‑SING If something makes a mockery of something, it makes it appear worthless and foolish. □ [+ of ] This action makes a mockery of the Government's continuing protestations of concern.

mock|ing /mɒ k I ŋ/ ADJ A mocking expression or mocking behaviour indicates that you think someone or something is stupid or inferior. □ She gave a mocking smile. □ Behind the mocking laughter lurks a growing sense of unease.

mocking|bird /mɒ k I ŋbɜː r d/ (mockingbirds ) N‑COUNT A mockingbird is a grey bird with a long tail which is found in North America. Mockingbirds are able to copy the songs of other birds.

mo ck-up (mock-ups ) N‑COUNT A mock-up of something such as a machine or building is a model of it which is used in tests or to show people what it will look like. □ [+ of ] There's a mock-up of the high street where the Goodwins go shopping.

mod /mɒ d/ (mods ) N‑COUNT Mods are young people in Britain who wear a special kind of neat clothes, ride motor scooters, and like soul music. Many young people were mods in the early 1960s.

mod|al /moʊ d ə l/ (modals ) N‑COUNT In grammar, a modal or a modal auxiliary is a word such as 'can' or 'would' which is used with a main verb to express ideas such as possibility, intention, or necessity. [TECHNICAL ]

mo d co ns N‑PLURAL Mod cons are the modern facilities in a house that make it easy and pleasant to live in. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ The house is spacious with all mod cons, handy for the station and has a garden.

mode /moʊ d/ (modes )


1 N‑COUNT A mode of life or behaviour is a particular way of living or behaving. [FORMAL ] □ He switched automatically into interview mode.


2 N‑COUNT A mode is a particular style in art, literature, or dress. □ …a slightly more elegant and formal mode of dress.


3 N‑COUNT On some cameras or electronic devices, the different modes available are the different programs or settings that you can choose when you use them. □ …when the camera is in manual mode.

mod|el ◆◆◇ /mɒ d ə l/ (models , modelling , modelled ) in AM, use modeling , modeled 1 N‑COUNT A model of an object is a physical representation that shows what it looks like or how it works. The model is often smaller than the object it represents. □ [+ of ] …an architect's model of a wooden house. □ [+ of ] …a working scale model of the whole Bay Area. □ I made a model out of paper and glue. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Model is also an adjective. □ I had made a model aeroplane. □ …a model railway.


2 N‑COUNT A model is a system that is being used and that people might want to copy in order to achieve similar results. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] He wants companies to follow the European model of social responsibility.


3 N‑COUNT A model of a system or process is a theoretical description that can help you understand how the system or process works, or how it might work. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Darwin eventually put forward a model of biological evolution.


4 VERB If someone such as a scientist models a system or process, they make an accurate theoretical description of it in order to understand or explain how it works. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □ [V n] …the mathematics needed to model a nonlinear system like an atmosphere.


5 N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a model of a particular quality, you are showing approval of them because they have that quality to a large degree. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] A model of good manners, he has conquered any inward fury.


6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use model to express approval of someone when you think that they perform their role or duties extremely well. [APPROVAL ] □ As a girl she had been a model pupil.


7 VERB If one thing is modelled on another, the first thing is made so that it is like the second thing in some way. □ [be V -ed + on/after ] The quota system was modelled on those operated in America and continental Europe. □ [V n + on/after ] She asked the author if she had modelled her hero on anybody in particular.


8 VERB If you model yourself on someone, you copy the way that they do things, because you admire them and want to be like them. □ [V pron-refl + on/after ] There's absolutely nothing wrong in modelling yourself on an older woman. □ [V n + on/after ] They will tend to model their behaviour on the teacher's behaviour.


9 N‑COUNT A particular model of a machine is a particular version of it. □ To keep the cost down, opt for a basic model. □ The model number is 1870/285.


10 N‑COUNT An artist's model is a person who stays still in a particular position so that the artist can make a picture or sculpture of them.


11 VERB If someone models for an artist, they stay still in a particular position so that the artist can make a picture or sculpture of them. □ [V + for ] Tullio has been modelling for Sandra for eleven years. [Also V ]


12 N‑COUNT A fashion model is a person whose job is to display clothes by wearing them. □ …Paris's top photographic fashion model.


13 VERB If someone models clothes, they display them by wearing them. □ [V n] I wasn't here to model clothes. □ [V ] She began modelling in Paris aged 15. ● mod|el|ling N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ She was being offered a modelling contract.


14 VERB If you model shapes or figures, you make them out of a substance such as clay or wood. □ [V ] There she began to model in clay. □ [V n] Sometimes she carved wood and sometimes stone; sometimes she modelled clay.


15 → see also role model COLLOCATIONS model NOUN


2


noun + model : business


verb + model : adopt, develop


3


noun + model : computer


adjective + model : mathematical


12


noun + model : catwalk, fashion, glamour

mod|el|ler /mɒ dələ r / (modellers ) in AM, use modeler 1 N‑COUNT A modeller is someone who makes shapes or figures out of substances such as wood or clay.


2 N‑COUNT A modeller is someone who makes theoretical descriptions of systems or processes in order to understand them and be able to predict how they will develop. □ …climate modellers.

mo|dem /moʊ dem/ (modems ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A modem is a device which connects computers or computer systems to the internet. [COMPUTING ] □ It should be placed near a computer, a telephone line or a modem.

mod|er|ate ◆◇◇ (moderates , moderating , moderated ) The adjective and noun are pronounced /mɒ dərət/. The verb is pronounced /mɒ dəre I t/. 1 ADJ Moderate political opinions or policies are not extreme. □ He was an easygoing man of very moderate views. □ Both countries have called for a moderate approach to the use of force.


2 ADJ You use moderate to describe people or groups who have moderate political opinions or policies. □ …a moderate Democrat. □ …the moderate wing of the army. ● N‑COUNT A moderate is someone with moderate political opinions. □ If he presents himself as a radical, he risks scaring off the moderates.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use moderate to describe something that is neither large nor small in amount or degree. □ While a moderate amount of stress can be beneficial, too much stress can exhaust you. □ …moderate exercise. ● mod|er|ate|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □ Both are moderately large insects. □ I don't smoke and I drink only moderately.


4 ADJ A moderate change in something is a change that is not great. □ Most drugs offer either no real improvement or, at best, only moderate improvements. ● mod|er|ate|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Share prices on the Tokyo Exchange declined moderately.


5 VERB If you moderate something or if it moderates , it becomes less extreme or violent and easier to deal with or accept. □ [V n] They are hoping that once in office he can be persuaded to moderate his views. □ [V ] Amongst relief workers, the immediate sense of crisis has moderated somewhat. ● mod|era|tion /mɒ dəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of/in ] A moderation in food prices helped to offset the first increase in energy prices. SYNONYMS moderate ADJ


1


mild: Teddy turned to Mona with a look of mild confusion.


limited: They may only have a limited amount of time to get their points across.


restrained: Caroline's greeting seemed a little restrained.


3


reasonable: They will need a reasonable amount of desk area and good light.


average: …a woman of average height.


acceptable: We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

mod|era|tion /mɒ dəre I ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone's behaviour shows moderation , you approve of them because they act in a way that you think is reasonable and not extreme. [APPROVAL ] □ The United Nations Secretary General called on all parties to show moderation. ● PHRASE If you say that someone does something such as eat, drink, or smoke in moderation , you mean that they do not eat, smoke, or drink too much or more than is reasonable. □ Many adults are able to drink in moderation, but others become dependent on alcohol.


2 → see also moderate

mod|era|tor /mɒ dəre I tə r / (moderators )


1 N‑COUNT In some Protestant churches, a moderator is a senior member of the clergy who is in charge at large and important meetings. □ [+ of ] …a former moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.


2 N‑COUNT In debates and negotiations, the moderator is the person who is in charge of the discussion and makes sure that it is conducted in a fair and organized way. [FORMAL ]

mod|ern ◆◆◇ /mɒ də r n/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Modern means relating to the present time, for example the present decade or present century. □ …the problem of materialism in modern society. □ …the risks facing every modern marriage.


2 ADJ Something that is modern is new and involves the latest ideas or equipment. □ Modern technology has opened our eyes to many things. □ In many ways, it was a very modern school for its time. ● mo|der|nity /mɒdɜː r n I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …an office block that astonished the city with its modernity.


3 ADJ People are sometimes described as modern when they have opinions or ways of behaviour that have not yet been accepted by most people in a society. □ She is very modern in outlook.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Modern is used to describe styles of art, dance, music, and architecture that have developed in recent times, in contrast to classical styles. □ …a modern dance company. □ …the Museum of Modern Art.

mo dern-da y ADJ [ADJ n] Modern-day is used to refer to the new or modern aspects of a place, an activity, or a society. □ …modern-day America. □ …the by-products of modern-day living.

mod|ern|ise /mɒ də r na I z/ → see modernize

mod|ern|ism /mɒ də r n I zəm/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Modernism was a movement in the arts in the first half of the twentieth century that rejected traditional values and techniques, and emphasized the importance of individual experience.


2 → see also post-modernism

mod|ern|ist /mɒ də r n I st/ (modernists )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Modernist means relating to the ideas and methods of modern art. □ …modernist architecture. □ …modernist art.


2 → see also post-modernist

mod|ern|is|tic /mɒ də r n I st I k/ ADJ A modernistic building or piece of furniture looks very modern.

mod|ern|ize /mɒ də r na I z/ (modernizes , modernizing , modernized ) in BRIT, also use modernise VERB To modernize something such as a system or a factory means to change it by replacing old equipment or methods with new ones. □ [V n] …plans to modernize the refinery. ● mod|ern|iz|ing ADJ □ In effect, modernizing societies are portrayed as battlegrounds. ● mod|erni|za|tion /mɒ də r na I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a five-year modernization programme.

mod|ern|iz|er /mɒ də r na I zə r / (modernizers ) in BRIT, also use moderniser N‑COUNT A modernizer is someone who replaces old equipment or methods with new ones.

mo d|ern la n|guages N‑PLURAL Modern languages refers to the modern European languages, for example French, German, and Russian, which are studied at school or university. □ …head of modern languages at a London grammar school.

mod|est ◆◇◇ /mɒ d I st/


1 ADJ A modest house or other building is not large or expensive. □ …the modest home of a family who lived off the land. □ A one-night stay in a modest hotel costs around £35.


2 ADJ You use modest to describe something such as an amount, rate, or improvement which is fairly small. □ Swiss unemployment rose to the still modest rate of 0.7%. □ The democratic reforms have been modest. ● mod|est|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Britain's balance of payments improved modestly last month.


3 ADJ If you say that someone is modest , you approve of them because they do not talk much about their abilities or achievements. [APPROVAL ] □ He's modest, as well as being a great player. ● mod|est|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'You really must be very good at what you do.'—'I suppose I am,' Kate said modestly.


4 ADJ You can describe a woman as modest when she avoids doing or wearing anything that might cause men to have sexual feelings towards her. You can also describe her clothes or behaviour as modest . □ …cultures in which women are supposed to be modest. ● mod|est|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □ She sat down, knees modestly together. SYNONYMS modest ADJ 1


homely: Scottish baking is homely, comforting and truly good.


humble: Andy was a humble, courteous and gentle man.


unpretentious: The Tides Inn is both comfortable and unpretentious.

mod|es|ty /mɒ d I sti/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who shows modesty does not talk much about their abilities or achievements. [APPROVAL ] □ His modesty does him credit, for the food he produces speaks for itself.


2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the modesty of something such as a place or amount when it is fairly small. □ [+ of ] The modesty of the town itself comes as something of a surprise.


3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone, especially a woman, shows modesty , they are cautious about the way they dress and behave because they are aware that other people may view them in a sexual way. □ There were shrieks of embarrassment as the girls struggled to protect their modesty.

modi|cum /mɒ d I kəm/ QUANT A modicum of something, especially something that is good or desirable, is a reasonable but not large amount of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] I'd like to think I've had a modicum of success. □ [+ of ] …a modicum of privacy.

modi|fi|er /mɒ d I fa I ə r / (modifiers ) N‑COUNT A modifier is a word or group of words that modifies another word or group. In some descriptions of grammar, only words that are used before a noun are called modifiers .

modi|fy /mɒ d I fa I / (modifies , modifying , modified )


1 VERB If you modify something, you change it slightly, usually in order to improve it. □ [V n] The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy. □ [V -ed] The plane was a modified version of the C-130. ● modi|fi|ca|tion /mɒ d I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (modifications ) N‑VAR □ Relatively minor modifications were required.


2 VERB A word or group of words that modifies another word describes or classifies something, or restricts the meaning of the word. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] It is a rule of English that adjectives generally precede the noun they modify: we say 'a good cry', not 'a cry good'.

mod|ish /moʊ d I ʃ/ ADJ Something that is modish is fashionable. [LITERARY ] □ …a short checklist of much that is modish at the moment. □ …modish young women from London society.

modu|lar /mɒ dʒʊlə r /


1 ADJ In building, modular means relating to the construction of buildings in parts called modules. □ They ended up buying a prebuilt modular home on a two-acre lot.


2 ADJ Modular means relating to the teaching of courses at college or university in units called modules. [BRIT ] □ The course is modular in structure.

modu|late /mɒ dʒʊle I t/ (modulates , modulating , modulated )


1 VERB If you modulate your voice or a sound, you change or vary its loudness, pitch, or tone in order to create a particular effect. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] He carefully modulated his voice. [Also V ]


2 VERB To modulate an activity or process means to alter it so that it is more suitable for a particular situation. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] These chemicals modulate the effect of potassium. ● modu|la|tion /mɒ dʒʊle I ʃ ə n/ (modulations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The famine turned the normal modulation of climate into disaster.

mod|ule /mɒ dʒuːl/ (modules )


1 N‑COUNT A module is one of the separate parts of a course taught at a college or university. [BRIT ] □ These courses cover a twelve-week period and are organised into three four-week modules.


2 N‑COUNT A module is a part of a spacecraft which can operate by itself, often away from the rest of the spacecraft. □ A rescue plan could be achieved by sending an unmanned module to the space station.

mo|dus op|eran|di /moʊ dəs ɒpəræ ndiː, -da I / N‑SING A modus operandi is a particular way of doing something. [FORMAL ] □ An example of her modus operandi was provided during a terse exchange with the defendant.

mo|dus vi|ven|di /moʊ dəs v I ve ndiː, -da I / N‑SING A modus vivendi is an arrangement which allows people who have different attitudes to live or work together. [FORMAL ] □ After 1940, a modus vivendi between church and state was achieved.

mog|gy /mɒ gi/ (moggies ) also moggie N‑COUNT A moggy is a cat. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

mo|gul /moʊ g ə l/ (moguls )


1 N‑COUNT A Mogul was a Muslim ruler in India in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries.


2 N‑COUNT A mogul is an important, rich, and powerful businessman, especially one in the news, film, or television industry. □ …an international media mogul.

mo|hair /moʊ heə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Mohair is a type of very soft wool. □ …a brown mohair dress.

moist /mɔ I st/ (moister , moistest ) ADJ Something that is moist is slightly wet. □ Wipe off any excess make-up with a clean, moist cotton flannel.

mois|ten /mɔ I s ə n/ (moistens , moistening , moistened ) VERB To moisten something means to make it slightly wet. □ [V n] She took a sip of water to moisten her dry throat.

mois|ture /mɔ I stʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Moisture is tiny drops of water in the air, on a surface, or in the ground. □ When the soil is dry, more moisture is lost from the plant.

mois|tur|ize /mɔ I stʃəra I z/ (moisturizes , moisturizing , moisturized ) in BRIT, also use moisturise VERB If you moisturize your skin, you rub cream into it to make it softer. If a cream moisturizes your skin, it makes it softer. □ [V n] …products to moisturise, protect and firm your skin. □ [V ] The lotion moisturizes while it cleanses.

moist|ur|iz|er /mɔ I stʃəra I zə r / (moisturizers ) in BRIT, also use moisturiser N‑VAR A moisturizer is a cream that you put on your skin to make it feel softer and smoother.

mo|ji|to /məhiː təʊ/ (mojitos ) N‑COUNT A mojito is a drink consisting of rum, sugar, lime, mint, and soda water. □ Marina remained faithful to the local taste by ordering a mojito.

mo|jo /məʊ dʒəʊ/ (mojos or mojoes ) N‑COUNT Your mojo is your personal power or influence over other people, often your sexual power or attraction. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ She worked her musical mojo, while tossing roses to the crowd.

mo|lar /moʊ lə r / (molars ) N‑COUNT Your molars are the large, flat teeth towards the back of your mouth that you use for chewing food.

mo|las|ses /məlæ s I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Molasses is a thick, dark brown syrup which is produced when sugar is processed. It is used in cooking.

mold /moʊ ld/ → see mould

mold|ing /moʊ ld I ŋ/ → see moulding

moldy /moʊ ldi/ → see mouldy

mole /moʊ l/ (moles )


1 N‑COUNT A mole is a natural dark spot or small dark lump on someone's skin.


2 N‑COUNT A mole is a small animal with black fur that lives underground.


3 N‑COUNT A mole is a member of a government or other organization who gives secret information to the press or to a rival organization. □ MI5 has tried to recruit him as a mole.

mo|lecu|lar /məle kjʊlə r / ADJ [ADJ n] Molecular means relating to or involving molecules. □ …the molecular structure of fuel.

mo|le cu|lar bi|o l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Molecular biology is the study of the structure and function of the complex chemicals that are found in living things. ● mo|lecu|lar bi|olo|gist (molecular biologists ) N‑COUNT □ This substance has now been cloned by molecular biologists.

mol|ecule /mɒ l I kjuːl/ (molecules ) N‑COUNT A molecule is the smallest amount of a chemical substance which can exist by itself. □ …the hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

mole|hill /moʊ lh I l/ (molehills )


1 N‑COUNT A molehill is a small pile of earth made by a mole digging a tunnel.


2 PHRASE If you say that someone is making a mountain out of a molehill , you are critical of them for making an unimportant fact or difficulty seem like a serious one. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The British press, making a mountain out of a molehill, precipitated an unnecessary economic crisis.

mo|lest /məle st/ (molests , molesting , molested ) VERB A person who molests someone, especially a woman or a child, interferes with them in a sexual way against their will. □ [V n] He was accused of sexually molesting a female colleague. ● mo|les|ta|tion /mɒ leste I ʃ ə n, [AM ] moʊ l-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Any case of sexual molestation of a child should be reported to the police. ● mo|lest|er (molesters ) N‑COUNT □ He'd been publicly labelled a child molester.

mol|li|fy /mɒ l I fa I / (mollifies , mollifying , mollified ) VERB If you mollify someone, you do or say something to make them less upset or angry. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The investigation was undertaken primarily to mollify pressure groups.

mol|lusc /mɒ ləsk/ (molluscs ) in AM, use mollusk N‑COUNT A mollusc is an animal such as a snail, clam, or octopus which has a soft body. Many types of mollusc have hard shells to protect them.

molly|coddle /mɒ likɒd ə l/ (mollycoddles , mollycoddling , mollycoddled ) VERB If you accuse someone of mollycoddling someone else, you are critical of them for doing too many things for the other person and protecting them too much from unpleasant experiences. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] Christopher accused me of mollycoddling Andrew.

Molotov cock|tail /mɒ lətɒv kɒ kte I l/ (Molotov cocktails ) N‑COUNT A Molotov cocktail is a simple bomb made by putting petrol and cloth into a bottle. It is exploded by setting fire to the cloth.

molt /moʊ lt/ → see moult

mol|ten /moʊ lt ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Molten rock, metal, or glass has been heated to a very high temperature and has become a hot, thick liquid. □ The molten metal is poured into the mould.

mom /mɒ m/ (moms ) N‑COUNT Your mom is your mother. You can call your mom 'Mom'. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ We waited for Mom and Dad to get home. in BRIT, use mum

mo|ment ◆◆◆ /moʊ mənt/ (moments )


1 N‑COUNT You can refer to a very short period of time, for example a few seconds, as a moment or moments . □ In a moment he was gone. □ She stared at him a moment, then turned away. □ Stop for one moment and think about it! □ In moments, I was asleep once more.


2 N‑COUNT A particular moment is the point in time at which something happens. □ At this moment a car stopped at the house. □ I'll never forget the moment when I first saw it.


3 PHRASE If you say that something will or may happen at any moment or any moment now , you are emphasizing that it is likely to happen very soon. [EMPHASIS ] □ They ran the risk of being shot at any moment. □ He'll be here to see you any moment now.


4 PHRASE You use expressions such as at the moment , at this moment , and at the present moment to indicate that a particular situation exists at the time when you are speaking. □ At the moment, no one is talking to me. □ This is being planned at the present moment.


5 PHRASE If you say that you do not believe for a moment or for one moment that something is true, you are emphasizing that you do not believe that it could possibly be true. [EMPHASIS ] □ I don't for a moment think there'll be a divorce.


6 PHRASE You use for the moment to indicate that something is true now, even if it will not be true in the future. □ For the moment, however, the government is happy to live with it.


7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something has their moments , you are indicating that there are times when they are successful or interesting, but that this does not happen very often. □ The film has its moments.


8 PHRASE If something or someone is having a moment , they are successful or popular at the present time. [INFORMAL ] □ Long skirts are having a moment.


9 PHRASE If someone does something at the last moment , they do it at the latest time possible. □ They changed their minds at the last moment and refused to go.


10 PHRASE You use the expression the next moment , or expressions such as ' one moment he was there, the next he was gone', to emphasize that something happens suddenly, especially when it is very different from what was happening before. [EMPHASIS ] □ The next moment there was an almighty crash. □ He is unpredictable, weeping one moment, laughing the next.


11 PHRASE You use of the moment to describe someone or something that is or was especially popular at a particular time, especially when you want to suggest that their popularity is unlikely to last long or did not last long. □ He's the man of the moment, isn't he?


12 PHRASE If you say that something happens the moment something else happens, you are emphasizing that it happens immediately after the other thing. [EMPHASIS ] □ The moment I closed my eyes, I fell asleep.


13 spur of the moment → see spur COLLOCATIONS moment NOUN 2


adjective + moment : crucial, key; defining, memorable, pivotal, proud; anxious, rare


verb + moment : capture, seize

mo|men|tari|ly /moʊ mənteə r I li/


1 ADV [usu ADV with v] Momentarily means for a short time. [mainly BRIT , WRITTEN ] □ She paused momentarily when she saw them.


2 ADV [usu ADV after v] Momentarily means very soon. [AM ] □ The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote momentarily on his nomination to the Supreme Court.

mo|men|tary /moʊ məntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ Something that is momentary lasts for a very short period of time, for example for a few seconds or less. □ …a momentary lapse of concentration.

mo |ment of tru th (moments of truth ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a time or event as the moment of truth , you mean that it is an important time when you must make a decision quickly, and whatever you decide will have important consequences in the future. □ The moment of truth had arrived.

mo|men|tous /moʊme ntəs/ ADJ If you refer to a decision, event, or change as momentous , you mean that it is very important, often because of the effects that it will have in the future. □ …the momentous decision to send in the troops.

mo|men|tum /moʊme ntəm/


1 N‑UNCOUNT If a process or movement gains momentum , it keeps developing or happening more quickly and keeps becoming less likely to stop. □ This campaign is really gaining momentum.


2 N‑UNCOUNT In physics, momentum is the mass of a moving object multiplied by its speed in a particular direction. [TECHNICAL ]

mom|ma /mɒ mə/ (mommas ) N‑COUNT Momma means the same as mommy . [AM , INFORMAL ]

mom|my /mɒ mi/ (mommies ) N‑COUNT Some people, especially young children, call their mother mommy . [AM , INFORMAL ] □ Mommy and I went in an aeroplane. in BRIT, use mummy

Mon. Mon. is a written abbreviation for Monday . □ …Mon. Oct 19.

mon|arch /mɒ nə r k/ (monarchs ) N‑COUNT The monarch of a country is the king, queen, emperor, or empress.

mo|nar|chi|cal /mɒnɑː r k I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Monarchical means relating to a monarch or monarchs. □ …a monarchical system of government.

mon|ar|chist /mɒ nə r k I st/ (monarchists ) ADJ If someone has monarchist views, they believe that their country should have a monarch, such as a king or queen. □ …the tiny monarchist party. ● N‑COUNT A monarchist is someone with monarchist views.

mon|ar|chy /mɒ nə r ki/ (monarchies )


1 N‑VAR A monarchy is a system in which a country has a monarch. □ …a serious debate on the future of the monarchy.


2 N‑COUNT A monarchy is a country that has a monarch.


3 N‑COUNT The monarchy is used to refer to the monarch and his or her family. □ The monarchy has to create a balance between its public and private lives.

mon|as|tery /mɒ nəstri, [AM ] -teri/ (monasteries ) N‑COUNT A monastery is a building or collection of buildings in which monks live.

mo|nas|tic /mənæ st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Monastic means relating to monks or to a monastery. □ He was drawn to the monastic life.

Mon|day /mʌ nde I , -di/ (Mondays ) N‑VAR Monday is the day after Sunday and before Tuesday. □ I went back to work on Monday. □ The attack took place last Monday. □ I'm usually here on Mondays and Fridays. □ The deaths on Monday afternoon were being treated as accidental.

mon|etar|ism /mʌ n I tər I zəm, [AM ] mɑː n-/ N‑UNCOUNT Monetarism is an economic policy that involves controlling the amount of money that is available and in use in a country at any one time. [BUSINESS ]

mon|etar|ist /mʌ n I tər I st, [AM ] mɑː n-/ (monetarists ) ADJ Monetarist policies or views are based on the theory that the amount of money that is available and in use in a country at any one time should be controlled. [BUSINESS ] □ …tough monetarist policies. ● N‑COUNT A monetarist is someone with monetarist views.

mon|etary ◆◇◇ /mʌ n I tri, [AM ] mɑː n I teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Monetary means relating to money, especially the total amount of money in a country. [BUSINESS ] □ Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.

mon|ey ◆◆◆ /mʌ ni/ (monies or moneys )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Money is the coins or bank notes that you use to buy things, or the sum that you have in a bank account. □ A lot of the money that you pay at the cinema goes back to the film distributors. □ Players should be allowed to earn money from advertising. □ …discounts and money saving offers.


2 N‑PLURAL Monies is used to refer to several separate sums of money that form part of a larger amount that is received or spent. [FORMAL ] □ We drew up a schedule of payments for the rest of the monies owed.


3 → see also blood money , pocket money


4 PHRASE If you say that someone has money to burn , you mean that they have more money than they need or that they spend their money on things that you think are unnecessary. □ He was a high-earning broker with money to burn.


5 PHRASE If you are in the money , you have a lot of money to spend. [INFORMAL ] □ If you are one of the lucky callers chosen to play, you could be in the money.


6 PHRASE If you make money , you obtain money by earning it or by making a profit. □ …the only bit of the firm that consistently made money.


7 PHRASE If you say that you want someone to put their money where their mouth is , you want them to spend money to improve a bad situation, instead of just talking about improving it. □ The government might be obliged to put its money where its mouth is to prove its commitment.


8 PHRASE If you say that the smart money is on a particular person or thing, you mean that people who know a lot about it think that this person will be successful, or this thing will happen. [JOURNALISM ] □ With England not playing, the smart money was on the Germans.


9 PHRASE If you say that money talks , you mean that if someone has a lot of money, they also have a lot of power. □ The formula in Hollywood is simple–money talks.


10 PHRASE If you say that someone is throwing money at a problem, you are critical of them for trying to improve it by spending money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful and practical things to improve it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Australian government's answer to the problem has been to throw money at it.


11 PHRASE If you say that someone is throwing good money after bad , you are critical of them for trying to improve a bad situation by spending more money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful or practical things to improve it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Further heavy intervention would be throwing good money after bad.


12 PHRASE If you get your money's worth , you get something which is worth the money that it costs or the effort you have put in. □ The fans get their money's worth.


13 to be rolling in money → see rolling


14 money for old rope → see rope


15 to give someone a run for their money → see run

mo n|ey box (money boxes ) N‑COUNT A money box is a small box with an opening at the top, into which a child puts coins as a way of saving money. [mainly BRIT ]

mon|eyed /mʌ nid/ also monied ADJ A moneyed person has a lot of money. [FORMAL ] □ Fear of crime among Japan's new monied classes is rising rapidly.

mo n|ey laun|der|ing N‑UNCOUNT Money laundering is the crime of processing stolen money through a legitimate business or sending it abroad to a foreign bank, to hide the fact that the money was illegally obtained. □ …the largest money-laundering scandal in history.

money|lender /mʌ nilendə r / (moneylenders ) also money-lender N‑COUNT A moneylender is a person who lends money which has to be paid back at a high rate of interest. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mo ney-maker (money-makers ) also moneymaker N‑COUNT If you say that a business, product, or investment is a money-maker , you mean that it makes a big profit. [BUSINESS ]

mo n|ey mar|ket (money markets ) N‑COUNT A country's money market consists of all the banks and other organizations that deal with short-term loans, capital, and foreign exchange. [BUSINESS ] □ On the money markets the dollar was weaker against European currencies.

mo n|ey or|der (money orders ) N‑COUNT A money order is a piece of paper representing a sum of money which you can buy at a post office and send to someone as a way of sending them money by post. [AM ] in BRIT, use postal order

mo ney-spinner (money-spinners ) also moneyspinner N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you say that something is a money-spinner , you mean that it earns a lot of money for someone. [INFORMAL ] □ The films have been fantastic money-spinners.

mo n|ey sup|ply N‑UNCOUNT The money supply is the total amount of money in a country's economy at any one time. [BUSINESS ] □ They believed that controlling the money supply would reduce inflation.

Mon|gol /mɒ ŋg ə l/ (Mongols )


1 N‑COUNT The Mongols were an Asian people who, led by Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, took control of large areas of China and Central Asia in the 12th and 13th centuries A.D.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mongol means belonging or relating to the Mongols. □ …the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

Mon|go|lian /mɒŋgoʊ liən/ (Mongolians )


1 ADJ Mongolian means belonging or relating to Mongolia, or to its people, language, or culture.


2 N‑COUNT A Mongolian is a person who comes from Mongolia.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Mongolian is the language that is spoken in Mongolia.

mon|grel /mʌ ŋgrəl/ (mongrels ) N‑COUNT A mongrel is a dog which is a mixture of different breeds.

mon|ied /mʌ nid/ → see moneyed

moni|ker /mɒ n I kə r / (monikers ) N‑COUNT The moniker of a person or thing is their name, especially when they have changed it. [INFORMAL ] □ She's the author of three detective novels under the moniker of Janet Neel.

moni|tor ◆◇◇ /mɒ n I tə r / (monitors , monitoring , monitored )


1 VERB If you monitor something, you regularly check its development or progress, and sometimes comment on it. □ [V n] Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting. □ [V n] You need feedback to monitor progress. ● moni|tor|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …analysis and monitoring of the global environment.


2 VERB If someone monitors radio broadcasts from other countries, they record them or listen carefully to them in order to obtain information. □ [V n] Peter Murray is in London and has been monitoring reports out of Monrovia.


3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A monitor is a machine that is used to check or record things, for example processes or substances inside a person's body. □ The heart monitor shows low levels of consciousness.


4 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A monitor is a screen which is used to display certain kinds of information, for example in airports or television studios. □ He was watching a game of tennis on a television monitor.


5 N‑COUNT A monitor is the screen on a computer. □ Last night you went home without switching off your computer monitor.


6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person who checks that something is done correctly, or that it is fair, as a monitor . □ Government monitors will continue to accompany reporters. SYNONYMS monitor ADJ 1


measure: I continued to measure his progress against the charts in the doctor's office.


follow: She was following Laura's progress closely.


keep track of: They had become so numerous I hadn't been able to keep track of them.


supervise: He supervised and trained more than 400 volunteers.

monk /mʌ ŋk/ (monks ) N‑COUNT A monk is a member of a male religious community that is usually separated from the outside world. □ …saffron-robed Buddhist monks.

mon|key /mʌ ŋki/ (monkeys )


1 N‑COUNT A monkey is an animal with a long tail which lives in hot countries and climbs trees.


2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to a child as a monkey , you are saying in an affectionate way that he or she is very lively and naughty. [FEELINGS ] □ She's such a little monkey.

mo n|key bars N‑PLURAL Monkey bars are metal or wooden bars that are joined together to form a structure for children to climb and play on. [AM ] in BRIT, use climbing frame

mo n|key wrench (monkey wrenches ) → see wrench

mono /mɒ noʊ/


1 ADJ Mono is used to describe a system of playing music in which all the sound is directed through one speaker only. Compare stereo . □ This model has a mono soundtrack.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Mono is the same as mononucleosis . [AM , INFORMAL ]

PREFIX mono-


forms nouns and adjectives that have 'one' or 'single' as part of their meaning. For example, a monochromatic picture uses only one colour.

mono|chrome /mɒ nəkroʊm/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A monochrome film, photograph, or television shows black, white, and shades of grey, but no other colours. □ …color and monochrome monitors.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A monochrome picture uses only one colour in various shades. □ …an old monochrome etching of a brewery.

mono|cle /mɒ nək ə l/ (monocles ) N‑COUNT A monocle is a glass lens which people wore in former times in front of one of their eyes to improve their ability to see with that eye.

mo|noga|mous /mənɒ gəməs/


1 ADJ Someone who is monogamous or who has a monogamous relationship has a sexual relationship with only one partner. □ Do you believe that men are not naturally monogamous?


2 ADJ Monogamous animals have only one sexual partner during their lives or during each mating season.

mo|noga|my /mənɒ gəmi/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Monogamy is used to refer to the state or custom of having a sexual relationship with only one partner. □ People still opt for monogamy and marriage.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Monogamy is the state or custom of being married to only one person at a particular time. □ In many non-Western societies, however, monogamy has never dominated.

mono|gram /mɒ nəgræm/ (monograms ) N‑COUNT A monogram is a design based on the first letters of a person's names, which is put on things they own, such as their clothes.

mono|grammed /mɒ nəgræmd/ ADJ Monogrammed means marked with a design based on the first letters of a person's names. □ …a monogrammed handkerchief.

mono|graph /mɒ nəgrɑːf, -græf/ (monographs ) N‑COUNT A monograph is a book which is a detailed study of only one subject. [FORMAL ] □ [+ on ] …a monograph on her favourite author, John Masefield.

mono|lin|gual /mɒ noʊl I ŋgwəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Monolingual means involving, using, or speaking one language. □ …a largely monolingual country such as Great Britain.

mono|lith /mɒ nəl I θ/ (monoliths )


1 N‑COUNT A monolith is a very large, upright piece of stone, especially one that was put in place in ancient times.


2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an organization or system as a monolith , you are critical of it because it is very large and very slow to change, and it does not seem to have different parts with different characters. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ A deal between the two powerful institutions would have created a banking monolith.

mono|lith|ic /mɒ nəl I θ I k/


1 ADJ If you refer to an organization or system as monolithic , you are critical of it because it is very large and very slow to change, and does not seem to have different parts with different characters. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …an authoritarian and monolithic system.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a building as monolithic , you do not like it because it is very large and plain with no character. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a huge monolithic concrete building.

mono|logue /mɒ nəlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (monologues )


1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a long speech by one person during a conversation as a monologue , you mean it prevents other people from talking or expressing their opinions. □ Morris ignored the question and continued his monologue.


2 N‑VAR A monologue is a long speech which is spoken by one person as an entertainment, or as part of an entertainment such as a play. □ …a monologue based on the writing of Quentin Crisp.

mono|nu|cleo|sis /mɒ noʊnjuːklioʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Mononucleosis is a disease which causes swollen glands, fever, and a sore throat. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use glandular fever

mo|nopo|lis|tic /mənɒ pəl I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to a business or its practices as monopolistic , you mean that it tries to control as much of an industry as it can and does not allow fair competition.

mo|nopo|lize /mənɒ pəla I z/ (monopolizes , monopolizing , monopolized ) in BRIT, also use monopolise 1 VERB If you say that someone monopolizes something, you mean that they have a very large share of it and prevent other people from having a share. □ [V n] They are controlling so much cocoa that they are virtually monopolizing the market. □ [V n] Johnson, as usual, monopolized the conversation. ● mo|nopo|li|za|tion /mənɒ pəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the monopolization of a market by a single supplier.


2 VERB If something or someone monopolizes you, they demand a lot of your time and attention, so that there is very little time left for anything or anyone else. □ [V n] He would monopolize her totally, to the exclusion of her brothers and sisters.

mo|nopo|ly /mənɒ pəli/ (monopolies )


1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] If a company, person, or state has a monopoly on something such as an industry, they have complete control over it, so that it is impossible for others to become involved in it. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ on ] …Russian moves to end a state monopoly on land ownership. □ [+ over ] …the governing party's monopoly over the media.


2 N‑COUNT A monopoly is a company which is the only one providing a particular product or service. [BUSINESS ] □ …a state-owned monopoly.


3 N‑SING If you say that someone does not have a monopoly on something, you mean that they are not the only person who has that thing. □ [+ on ] Women do not have a monopoly on feelings of betrayal.

mono|rail /mɒ noʊre I l/ (monorails ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A monorail is a system of transport in which small trains travel along a single rail which is usually high above the ground.

mono|so|dium glu|ta|mate /mɒ nəsoʊdiəm gluː təme I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Monosodium glutamate is a substance which is sometimes added to savoury food to make it taste better. The abbreviation MSG is also used.

mono|syl|lab|ic /mɒ noʊs I læ b I k/ ADJ If you refer to someone or the way they speak as monosyllabic , you mean that they say very little, usually because they do not want to have a conversation. □ He could be gruff and monosyllabic.

mono|syl|la|ble /mɒ noʊs I ləb ə l/ (monosyllables ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone speaks in monosyllables you mean that they speak very little, usually because they do not want to have a conversation. □ A taciturn man, he replied to my questions in monosyllables.

mono|tone /mɒ nətoʊn/ (monotones )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in N ] If someone speaks in a monotone , their voice does not vary at all in tone or loudness and so it is not interesting to listen to. □ The evidence was read out to the court in a dull monotone.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A monotone sound or surface does not have any variation in its tone or colour. □ He was seen on TV delivering platitudes about the crisis in a monotone voice.

mo|noto|nous /mənɒ tənəs/ ADJ Something that is monotonous is very boring because it has a regular, repeated pattern which never changes. □ It's monotonous work, like most factory jobs. ● mo|noto|nous|ly ADV □ The rain dripped monotonously from the trees.

mo|noto|ny /mənɒ təni/ N‑UNCOUNT The monotony of something is the fact that it never changes and is boring. □ [+ of ] A night on the town may help to break the monotony of the week.

mon|ox|ide /mənɒ ksa I d/ → see carbon monoxide

Mon|sig|nor /mɒnsiː njɔː r / (Monsignors ) N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT [usu sing] Monsignor is the title of a priest of high rank in the Catholic Church. □ Monsignor Jaime Goncalves was also there.

mon|soon /mɒnsuː n/ (monsoons )


1 N‑COUNT The monsoon is the season in Southern Asia when there is a lot of very heavy rain. □ …the end of the monsoon.


2 N‑PLURAL Monsoon rains are sometimes referred to as the monsoons . □ In Bangladesh, the monsoons have started.

mon|ster /mɒ nstə r / (monsters )


1 N‑COUNT A monster is a large imaginary creature that looks very ugly and frightening.


2 N‑COUNT A monster is something which is extremely large, especially something which is difficult to manage or which is unpleasant. □ …the monster which is now the London marathon.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Monster means extremely and surprisingly large. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ The film will be a monster hit.


4 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a monster , you mean that they are cruel, frightening, or evil.

mon|stros|ity /mɒnstrɒ s I ti/ (monstrosities ) N‑COUNT If you describe something, especially something large, as a monstrosity , you mean that you think it is extremely ugly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Most of the older buildings have been torn down and replaced by modern monstrosities.

mon|strous /mɒ nstrəs/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or event as monstrous , you mean that it is extremely shocking or unfair. □ She endured the monstrous behaviour for years. ● mon|strous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Your husband's family has behaved monstrously.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an unpleasant thing as monstrous , you mean that it is extremely large in size or extent. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a monstrous copper edifice. ● mon|strous|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ It would be monstrously unfair.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as monstrous , you mean that it is extremely frightening because it appears unnatural or ugly. □ …the film's monstrous fantasy figure.

mon|tage /mɒntɑː ʒ, mɒ ntɑːʒ/ (montages ) N‑COUNT A montage is a picture, film, or piece of music which consists of several different items that are put together, often in an unusual combination or sequence. □ …a photo montage of some of Italy's top television stars.

month ◆◆◆ /mʌ nθ/ (months )


1 N‑COUNT A month is one of the twelve periods of time that a year is divided into, for example January or February. □ The trial is due to begin next month. □ …an exhibition which opens this month at London's Design Museum. □ I send him fifteen dollars a month.


2 N‑COUNT A month is a period of about four weeks. □ She was here for a month. □ Over the next several months I met most of her family. □ …a month's unlimited train travel.

month|ly ◆◇◇ /mʌ nθli/ (monthlies )


1 ADJ [ADJ n] A monthly event or publication happens or appears every month. □ Many people are now having trouble making their monthly house payments. □ …Young Guard, a monthly journal founded in 1922. ● ADV [ADV after v] Monthly is also an adverb. □ In some areas the property price can rise monthly.


2 N‑COUNT [oft in names] You can refer to a publication that is published monthly as a monthly . □ …Scallywag, a London satirical monthly.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Monthly quantities or rates relate to a period of one month. □ The monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat would be £953.33.

monu|ment /mɒ njʊmənt/ (monuments )


1 N‑COUNT A monument is a large structure, usually made of stone, which is built to remind people of an event in history or of a famous person.


2 N‑COUNT A monument is something such as a castle or bridge which was built a very long time ago and is regarded as an important part of a country's history. □ [+ of ] …the ancient monuments of England


3 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a monument to someone's qualities, you mean that it is a very good example of the results or effects of those qualities. □ [+ to ] By his international achievements he leaves a fitting monument to his beliefs.

monu|men|tal /mɒ njʊme nt ə l/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use monumental to emphasize the size or extent of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a series of monumental disappointments. ● monu|men|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □ Suddenly it was monumentally successful. □ …the most monumentally hideous night of my life.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a book or musical work as monumental , you are emphasizing that it is very large and impressive, and is likely to be important for a long time. [EMPHASIS ] □ …his monumental work on Chinese astronomy.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A monumental building or sculpture is very large and impressive. □ …monumental sculpture.

moo /muː / (moos , mooing , mooed ) VERB When cattle, especially cows, moo , they make the long low sound that cattle typically make. □ [V ] …a sound like a cow mooing. ● N‑COUNT Moo is also a noun. □ The cow says 'moo-moo'.

MOOC /muː k/ (MOOCs ) N‑COUNT A MOOC is a free online course that many people can study. MOOC is an abbreviation for 'massive open online course'. □ The university has developed a MOOC in clinical psychology.

mooch /muː tʃ/ (mooches , mooching , mooched )


▸ mooch around in BRIT, also use mooch about PHRASAL VERB If you mooch around or mooch about a place, you move around there slowly with no particular purpose. □ [V P n] Andrew was left to mooch around the house on his own. □ [V P ] He was awake at 3am, mooching about in the darkness.

mood ◆◇◇ /muː d/ (moods )


1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N , oft in N ] Your mood is the way you are feeling at a particular time. If you are in a good mood , you feel cheerful. If you are in a bad mood , you feel angry and impatient. □ He is clearly in a good mood today. □ When he came back, he was in a foul mood. □ His moods swing alarmingly. ● PHRASE If you say that you are in the mood for something, you mean that you want to do it or have it. If you say that you are in no mood to do something, you mean that you do not want to do it or have it. □ After a day of air and activity, you should be in the mood for a good meal. □ He was in no mood to celebrate.


2 N‑COUNT [oft in a N ] If someone is in a mood , the way they are behaving shows that they are feeling angry and impatient. □ She was obviously in a mood.


3 N‑SING [oft with poss] The mood of a group of people is the way that they think and feel about an idea, event, or question at a particular time. □ [+ of ] They largely misread the mood of the electorate.


4 N‑COUNT The mood of a place is the general impression that you get of it. □ First, set the mood with music.


5 N‑VAR In grammar, the mood of a clause is the way in which the verb forms are used to show whether the clause is, for example, a statement, a question, or an instruction.

moody /muː di/ (moodier , moodiest )


1 ADJ If you describe someone as moody , you mean that their feelings and behaviour change frequently, and in particular that they often become depressed or angry without any warning. □ David's mother was unstable and moody. ● moodi|ly /muː d I li/ ADV [usu ADV with v] □ He sat and stared moodily out the window. ● moodi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ His moodiness may have been caused by his poor health.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a picture, film, or piece of music as moody , you mean that it suggests particular emotions, especially sad ones. □ …moody black and white photographs.

moon ◆◇◇ /muː n/ (moons )


1 N‑SING [oft full/new N ] The moon is the object that you can often see in the sky at night. It goes round the Earth once every four weeks, and as it does so its appearance changes from a circle to part of a circle. □ …the first man on the moon. □ …the light of a full moon.


2 → see also new moon


3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A moon is an object similar to a small planet that travels around a planet. □ …Neptune's large moon.


4 PHRASE If you say that something happens once in a blue moon , you are emphasizing that it does not happen very often at all. [EMPHASIS ] □ Once in a blue moon you get some problems.


5 PHRASE If you say that you are over the moon , you mean that you are very pleased about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

moon|beam /muː nbiːm/ (moonbeams ) N‑COUNT A moonbeam is a ray of light from the moon.

moon|less /muː nləs/ ADJ A moonless sky or night is dark because there is no moon.

moon|light /muː nla I t/ (moonlights , moonlighting , moonlighted )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Moonlight is the light that comes from the moon at night. □ They walked along the road in the moonlight. □ We went to the temple of Atlantis and saw it by moonlight.


2 VERB If someone moonlights , they have a second job in addition to their main job, often without informing their main employers or the tax office. □ [V + as ] …an engineer who was moonlighting as a taxi driver. □ [V ] Workers in state enterprises were permitted to moonlight.

moon|lit /muː nl I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is moonlit is lit by moonlight. □ …a beautiful moonlit night.

moon|shine /muː nʃa I n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Moonshine is whisky that is made illegally. [mainly AM ]


2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone's thoughts, ideas, or comments are moonshine , you think they are foolish and not based on reality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ As Morison remarks, the story is pure moonshine.

moor /mʊə r / (moors , mooring , moored )


1 N‑VAR A moor is an area of open and usually high land with poor soil that is covered mainly with grass and heather. [mainly BRIT ] □ Colliford is higher, right up on the moors. □ Exmoor National Park stretches over 265 square miles of moor.


2 VERB If you moor a boat somewhere, you stop and tie it to the land with a rope or chain so that it cannot move away. □ [V n] She had moored her barge on the right bank of the river. □ [V ] I decided to moor near some tourist boats.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The Moors were a Muslim people who established a civilization in North Africa and Spain between the 8th and the 15th century A.D.


4 → see also mooring

moor|ing /mʊə r I ŋ/ (moorings )


1 N‑COUNT A mooring is a place where a boat can be tied so that it cannot move away, or the object it is tied to. □ Free moorings will be available.


2 N‑PLURAL Moorings are the ropes, chains, and other objects used to moor a boat. □ Emergency workers fear that the burning ship could slip its moorings.

Moor|ish /mʊə r I ʃ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is Moorish belongs to or is characteristic of the Muslim civilization in North Africa and Spain between the 8th and the 15th century A.D. □ …a medieval Moorish palace.

moor|land /mʊə r lænd/ (moorlands ) N‑UNCOUNT Moorland is land which consists of moors. □ …rugged Yorkshire moorland.

moose /muː s/ (moose ) N‑COUNT A moose is a large type of deer. Moose have big flat horns called antlers and are found in Northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Some British speakers use moose to refer to the North American variety of this animal, and elk to refer to the European and Asian varieties.

moot /muː t/ (moots , mooting , mooted )


1 VERB [usu passive] If a plan, idea, or subject is mooted , it is suggested or introduced for discussion. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] Plans have been mooted for a 450,000-strong Ukrainian army.


2 ADJ If something is a moot point or question, people cannot agree about it. □ How long he'll be able to do so is a moot point.

mop /mɒ p/ (mops , mopping , mopped )


1 N‑COUNT A mop is a piece of equipment for washing floors. It consists of a sponge or many pieces of string attached to a long handle.


2 VERB If you mop a surface such as a floor, you clean it with a mop. □ [V n] There was a woman mopping the stairs.


3 VERB If you mop sweat from your forehead or mop your forehead, you wipe it with a piece of cloth. □ [V n + from ] He mopped perspiration from his forehead. □ [V n] The Inspector took out a handkerchief and mopped his brow.


4 N‑COUNT If someone has a mop of hair, they have a lot of hair and it looks rather untidy. □ [+ of ] He was long-limbed and dark-eyed, with a mop of tight, dark curls.


▸ mop up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you mop up a liquid, you clean it with a cloth so that the liquid is absorbed. □ [V P n] A waiter mopped up the mess as best he could. □ [V n P ] When the washing machine spurts out water at least we can mop it up. □ [V P ] Michael mopped up quickly with his napkin.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you mop up something that you think is undesirable or dangerous, you remove it or deal with it so that it is no longer a problem. □ [V P n] The infantry divisions mopped up remaining centres of resistance. [Also V n P ]

mope /moʊ p/ (mopes , moping , moped ) VERB If you mope , you feel miserable and do not feel interested in doing anything. □ [V ] Get on with life and don't sit back and mope.


▸ mope around in BRIT, also use mope about PHRASAL VERB If you mope around or mope about a place, you wander around there not doing anything, looking and feeling unhappy. □ [V P n] He moped around the office for a while, feeling bored. □ [V P ] He mopes about all day.

mo|ped /moʊ ped/ (mopeds ) N‑COUNT A moped is a small motorcycle which you can also pedal like a bicycle. [mainly BRIT ]

MOR /e m oʊ ɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] MOR is a type of pop music which is pleasant and not extreme or unusual. MOR is an abbreviation of 'middle-of-the-road'. □ …MOR singer Daniel O'Donnell.

mor|al ◆◇◇ /mɒ r ə l, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (morals )


1 N‑PLURAL Morals are principles and beliefs concerning right and wrong behaviour. □ …Western ideas and morals. □ They have no morals.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Moral means relating to beliefs about what is right or wrong. □ She describes her own moral dilemma in making the film. □ …matters of church doctrine and moral teaching. ● mor|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV after v] □ When, if ever, is it morally justifiable to allow a patient to die?


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Moral courage or duty is based on what you believe is right or acceptable, rather than on what the law says should be done. □ The Government had a moral, if not a legal duty to pay compensation.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A moral person behaves in a way that is believed by most people to be good and right. □ The people who will be on the committee are moral, cultured, competent people. ● mor|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Art is not there to improve you morally.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you give someone moral support, you encourage them in what they are doing by expressing approval. □ Moral as well as financial support was what the West should provide.


6 N‑COUNT The moral of a story or event is what you learn from it about how you should or should not behave. □ [+ of ] I think the moral of the story is let the buyer beware.


7 moral victory → see victory SYNONYMS moral NOUN 1


principle: It's not just a matter of principle.


belief: He refuses to compete on Sundays because of his religious beliefs.


morality: …standards of morality and justice in society.


integrity: I have always regarded him as a man of integrity. ADJ 3


ethical: …the moral and ethical standards in the school.


just: She fought honestly for a just cause and for freedom.


principled: She was a strong, principled woman.


good: The president is a good man.

mo|rale /mərɑː l, -ræ l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Morale is the amount of confidence and cheerfulness that a group of people have. □ Many pilots are suffering from low morale.

mo|ra le boost|er (morale boosters ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that makes people feel more confident and cheerful as a morale booster . □ This win has been a great morale booster.

mora le-boosting ADJ [usu ADJ n] A morale-boosting action or event makes people feel more confident and cheerful. □ …the President's morale-boosting visit to the troops.

mo r|al fi |bre in AM, use moral fiber N‑UNCOUNT Moral fibre is the quality of being determined to do what you think is right. □ …a man of stern moral fibre.

mor|al|ise /mɒ rəla I z, [AM ] mɔː r-/ → see moralize

mor|al|ist /mɒ rəl I st, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (moralists ) N‑COUNT A moralist is someone who has strong ideas about right and wrong behaviour, and who tries to make other people behave according to these ideas.

mor|al|is|tic /mɒ rəl I st I k, [AM ] mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as moralistic , you are critical of them for making harsh judgments of other people on the basis of their own ideas about what is right and wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He has become more moralistic.

mo|ral|ity /məræ l I ti/ (moralities )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Morality is the belief that some behaviour is right and acceptable and that other behaviour is wrong. □ …standards of morality and justice in society.


2 N‑COUNT A morality is a system of principles and values concerning people's behaviour, which is generally accepted by a society or by a particular group of people. □ …a morality that is sexist.


3 N‑UNCOUNT The morality of something is how right or acceptable it is. □ [+ of ] …the arguments about the morality of blood sports.

mor|al|ize /mɒ rəla I z, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (moralizes , moralizing , moralized ) in BRIT, also use moralise VERB If you say that someone is moralizing , you are critical of them for telling people what they think is right or wrong, especially when they have not been asked their opinion. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] As a dramatist I hate to moralize. ● mor|al|iz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ We have tried to avoid any moralising.

mo r|al ma|jo r|ity N‑SING ; N‑PROPER If there is a large group in society that holds strong, conservative opinions on matters of morality and religion, you can refer to these people as the moral majority . In the United States, there is an organized group called the Moral Majority . □ …unless the writers begin to write decent comedy and stop pandering to the moral majority.

mo|rass /məræ s/ (morasses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe an unpleasant or confused situation as a morass , you mean that it seems impossible to escape from or resolve, because it has become so serious or so complicated. □ [+ of ] I tried to drag myself out of the morass of despair. □ …the economic morass.

mora|to|rium /mɒ rətɔː riəm, [AM ] mɔː r-/ (moratoriums or moratoria ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A moratorium on a particular activity or process is the stopping of it for a fixed period of time, usually as a result of an official agreement. □ [+ on ] …a moratorium on talking to the press until the dispute is settled.

mor|bid /mɔː r b I d/ ADJ If you describe a person or their interest in something as morbid , you mean that they are very interested in unpleasant things, especially death, and you think this is strange. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Some people have a morbid fascination with crime. ● mor|bid|ly ADV [usu ADV adj] □ There's something morbidly fascinating about the thought.

mor|dant /mɔː r d ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mordant humour is very critical and often mocks someone or something. [FORMAL ] □ A wicked, mordant sense of humour has come to the fore in Blur's world.

more ◆◆◆ /mɔː r / More is often considered to be the comparative form of much and many . 1 DET You use more to indicate that there is a greater amount of something than before or than average, or than something else. You can use 'a little', 'a lot', 'a bit', 'far', and 'much' in front of more . □ More and more people are surviving heart attacks. □ He spent more time perfecting his dance moves instead of gym work. □ …teaching more children foreign languages other than English. ● PRON More is also a pronoun. □ As the level of work increased from light to heavy, workers ate more. □ He had four hundred dollars in his pocket. Billy had more. ● QUANT More is also a quantifier. □ [+ of ] Employees may have to take on more of their own medical costs.


2 PHRASE You use more than before a number or amount to say that the actual number or amount is even greater. □ The Afghan authorities say the airport had been closed for more than a year. □ …classy leather and silk jackets at more than £250.


3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use more to indicate that something or someone has a greater amount of a quality than they used to or than is average or usual. □ Prison conditions have become more brutal. □ We can satisfy our basic wants more easily than in the past.


4 ADV If you say that something is more one thing than another, you mean that it is like the first thing rather than the second. □ The exhibition at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is more a production than it is a museum display. □ He's more like a film star than a life-guard, really. □ She looked more sad than in pain. □ Sue screamed, not loudly, more in surprise than terror. □ She's more of a social animal than me.


5 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something more than before or more than someone else, you do it to a greater extent or more often. □ When we are tired, tense, depressed or unwell, we feel pain much more. □ What impressed me more was that she knew Tennessee Williams.


6 ADV [ADV after v] You can use more to indicate that something continues to happen for a further period of time. □ Things might have been different if I'd talked a bit more. ● PHRASE You can use some more to indicate that something continues to happen for a further period of time. □ We walked some more.


7 ADV [adv ADV , n ADV ] You use more to indicate that something is repeated. For example, if you do something 'once more', you do it again once. □ This train would stop twice more in the suburbs before rolling southeast toward Munich. □ The breathing exercises should be repeated several times more.


8 DET You use more to refer to an additional thing or amount. You can use 'a little', 'a lot', 'a bit', 'far' and 'much' in front of more . □ They needed more time to consider whether to hold an inquiry. ● ADJ [ADJ n] More is also an adjective. □ We stayed in Danville two more days. □ Are you sure you wouldn't like some more coffee? ● PRON More is also a pronoun. □ Oxfam has appealed to western nations to do more to help the refugees. □ 'None of them are very nice folks.'—'Tell me more.'


9 ADV You use more in conversations when you want to draw someone's attention to something interesting or important that you are about to say. □ The way we dress reflects who we are and, more interestingly, who we wish we could be. □ More seriously for him, there are members who say he is wrong on this issue.


10 PHRASE You can use more and more to indicate that something is becoming greater in amount, extent, or degree all the time. □ Her life was heading more and more where she wanted it to go.


11 PHRASE If something is more or less true, it is true in a general way, but is not completely true. [VAGUENESS ] □ The Conference is more or less over. □ He more or less started the firm.


12 PHRASE If something is more than a particular thing, it has greater value or importance than this thing. □ He's more than a coach, he's a friend.


13 PHRASE You use more than to say that something is true to a greater degree than is necessary or than average. □ Lithuania produces more than enough food to feed itself.


14 PHRASE You use no more than or not more than when you want to emphasize how small a number or amount is. [EMPHASIS ] □ He was a kid really, not more than eighteen or nineteen.


15 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is nothing more than a particular thing, you are emphasizing that they are only that thing, and nothing more interesting or important. [EMPHASIS ] □ The newly discovered notes are nothing more than Lang's personal journal.


16 PHRASE You can use what is more or what's more to introduce an extra piece of information which supports or emphasizes the point you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □ You should remember it, and what's more, you should get it right.


17 all the more → see all


18 any more → see any USAGE more


Don’t use more with adjectives that have only one syllable. Don’t say, for example, ‘ more tall ’. Instead, add -er to the end of the adjective. □ Krish is taller than me

more|ish /mɔː r I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe food as moreish , you mean that it is so nice that you want to keep eating more of it once you have started. [INFORMAL ] □ Thai food's very moreish, isn't it?

more|over ◆◇◇ /mɔːroʊ və r / ADV You use moreover to introduce a piece of information that adds to or supports the previous statement. [FORMAL ] □ There was a man immediately behind her. Moreover, he was observing her strangely. SYNONYMS moreover ADV


furthermore: Furthermore, they claim that any such interference is completely ineffective.


in addition: In addition, students can take classes in word-processing and computing.


also: He is an asthmatic who was also anaemic.


besides: Besides, I'd grown fond of our little rented house.

mo|res /mɔː re I z/ N‑PLURAL The mores of a particular place or group of people are the customs and behaviour that are typically found in that place or group. [FORMAL ] □ …the accepted mores of British society.

morgue /mɔː r g/ (morgues ) N‑COUNT A morgue is a building or a room in a hospital where dead bodies are kept before they are buried or cremated, or before they are identified or examined.

mori|bund /mɒ r I bʌnd, [AM ] mɔː r-/ ADJ If you describe something as moribund , you mean that it is in a very bad condition. [FORMAL ] □ …the moribund economy.

Mor|mon /mɔː r mən/ (Mormons ) ADJ Mormon means relating to the religion started by Joseph Smith in the United States. □ …the Mormon church. ● N‑COUNT Mormons are people who are Mormon.

morn /mɔː r n/ N‑SING Morn means the same as morning. [LITERARY ] □ …one cold February morn.

morn|ing ◆◆◆ /mɔː r n I ŋ/ (mornings )


1 N‑VAR The morning is the part of each day between the time that people usually wake up and 12 o'clock noon or lunchtime. □ During the morning your guide will take you around the city. □ On Sunday morning Bill was woken by the telephone. □ He read about it in his morning paper.


2 N‑SING If you refer to a particular time in the morning , you mean a time between 12 o'clock midnight and 12 o'clock noon. □ I often stayed up until two or three in the morning.


3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen in the morning , you mean that it will happen during the morning of the following day. □ I'll fly it to London in the morning.


4 PHRASE If you say that something happens morning, noon and night , you mean that it happens all the time. □ You get fit by playing the game, day in, day out, morning, noon and night.

mo rning-a fter pill (morning-after pills ) N‑COUNT The morning-after pill is a pill that a woman can take some hours after having sex to prevent herself from becoming pregnant.

mo rn|ing dress N‑UNCOUNT Morning dress is a suit that is worn by men for very formal occasions such as weddings. It consists of a grey or black coat that is longer at the back than the front, grey trousers, a white shirt, a grey tie, and often a top hat.

mo rn|ing room (morning rooms ) also morning-room N‑COUNT In some large, old houses, the morning room is a living room which gets the sun in the morning. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mo rn|ing sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT Morning sickness is a feeling of sickness that some women have, often in the morning, when they are pregnant.

mo rn|ing sta r N‑SING The morning star is the planet Venus, which can be seen shining in the sky just after the sun rises.

Mo|roc|can /mərɒ kən/ (Moroccans )


1 ADJ Moroccan means belonging or relating to Morocco or to its people or culture.


2 N‑COUNT A Moroccan is a person who comes from Morocco.

mor|on /mɔː rɒn/ (morons ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a moron , you think that they are very stupid. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I used to think that Gordon was a moron.

mo|ron|ic /mɔːrɒ n I k/ ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is moronic , you think that they are very stupid. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ It was wanton, moronic vandalism.

mo|rose /məroʊ s/ ADJ Someone who is morose is miserable, bad-tempered, and not willing to talk very much to other people. □ She was morose, pale, and reticent. ● mo|rose|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ One elderly man sat morosely at the bar.

morph /mɔː r f/ (morphs , morphing , morphed ) VERB If one thing morphs into another thing, especially something very different, the first thing changes into the second. [INFORMAL ] □ [V + into ] Mild-mannered Stanley morphs into a confident, grinning hero.

mor|pheme /mɔː r fiːm/ (morphemes ) N‑COUNT A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in a language. The words 'the', 'in', and 'girl' consist of one morpheme. The word 'girls' consists of two morphemes: 'girl' and 's'.

mor|phine /mɔː r fiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Morphine is a drug used to relieve pain.

morph|ing /mɔː r f I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Morphing is a technique which involves using a computer to make an image on film or television appear to change shape or change into something else.

mor|phol|ogy /mɔː r fɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT The morphology of something is its form and structure. In linguistics, morphology refers to the way words are constructed with stems, prefixes, and suffixes. [TECHNICAL ]

mor|ris danc|er /mɒ r I s dɑːnsə r , - dæns-/ (morris dancers ) N‑COUNT A morris dancer is a person who takes part in morris dancing.

mor|ris danc|ing /mɒ r I s dɑːns I ŋ, - dæns-/ N‑UNCOUNT Morris dancing is a type of old English country dancing which is performed by people wearing special costumes.

mor|row /mɒ roʊ, [AM ] mɔː r-/


1 N‑SING [oft on the N ] The morrow means the next day or tomorrow. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □ We do depart for Wales on the morrow.


2 CONVENTION Good morrow means the same as 'good morning'. [LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED ] □ Good morrow to you, my lord.

morse code /mɔː r s koʊ d/ also Morse code N‑UNCOUNT Morse code or morse is a code used for sending messages. It represents each letter of the alphabet using short and long sounds or flashes of light, which can be written down as dots and dashes.

mor|sel /mɔː r s ə l/ (morsels ) N‑COUNT A morsel is a very small amount of something, especially a very small piece of food. □ [+ of ] …a delicious little morsel of meat.

mor|tal /mɔː r t ə l/ (mortals )


1 ADJ If you refer to the fact that people are mortal , you mean that they have to die and cannot live for ever. □ A man is deliberately designed to be mortal. He grows, he ages, and he dies. ● mor|tal|ity /mɔː r tæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] □ She has suddenly come face to face with her own mortality.


2 N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a mortal when you want to say that they are an ordinary person. □ Tickets seem unobtainable to the ordinary mortal.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use mortal to show that something is very serious or may cause death. □ The police were defending themselves and others against mortal danger. ● mor|tal|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed/adj/adv] □ He falls, mortally wounded.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use mortal to emphasize that a feeling is extremely great or severe. [EMPHASIS ] □ When self-esteem is high, we lose our mortal fear of jealousy. ● mor|tal|ly ADV □ Candida admits to having been 'mortally embarrassed'.

mor|tal|ity /mɔː r tæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The mortality in a particular place or situation is the number of people who die. □ The nation's infant mortality rate has reached a record low.

mo r|tal si n (mortal sins ) N‑VAR In the Roman Catholic Church, a mortal sin is an extremely serious sin and the person who has committed it will be punished after death unless they are forgiven by the Church.

mor|tar /mɔː r tə r / (mortars )


1 N‑COUNT A mortar is a big gun which fires missiles high into the air over a short distance. □ He was killed in a mortar attack.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Mortar is a mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime which is put between bricks to hold them together.


3 N‑COUNT A mortar is a bowl in which you can crush things such as herbs, spices, or grain using a rod called a pestle.


4 bricks and mortar → see brick

mo r|tar board (mortar boards ) also mortarboard N‑COUNT A mortar board is a stiff black cap which has a flat square top with a bunch of threads attached to it. In Britain, mortar boards are sometimes worn on formal occasions by university students and teachers. In the United States, mortar boards are worn by students at graduation ceremonies at high schools, colleges, and universities.

mort|gage ◆◆◇ /mɔː r g I dʒ/ (mortgages , mortgaging , mortgaged )


1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A mortgage is a loan of money which you get from a bank or building society in order to buy a house. □ …an increase in mortgage rates.


2 VERB If you mortgage your house or land, you use it as a guarantee to a company in order to borrow money from them. □ [V n] They had to mortgage their home to pay the bills.

mor|tice lock /mɔː r t I s lɒk/ (mortice locks ) also mortise lock N‑COUNT A mortice lock is a type of lock which fits into a hole cut into the edge of a door rather than being fixed to one side of it.

mor|ti|cian /mɔː r t I ʃ ə n/ (morticians ) N‑COUNT A mortician is a person whose job is to deal with the bodies of people who have died and to arrange funerals. [mainly AM ]

mor|ti|fi|ca|tion /mɔː r t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Mortification is a strong feeling of shame and embarrassment. □ The chairman tried to disguise his mortification.

mor|ti|fied /mɔː r t I fa I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is mortified , you mean that they feel extremely offended, ashamed, or embarrassed. □ If I reduced somebody to tears I'd be mortified.

mor|ti|fy /mɔː r t I fa I / (mortifies , mortifying , mortified ) VERB [no cont] If you say that something mortifies you, you mean that it offends or embarrasses you a great deal. □ [V n] It would not be the first time Judy has mortified her son.

mor|ti|fy|ing /mɔː r t I fa I I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is mortifying , you mean that it makes you feel extremely ashamed or embarrassed. □ She felt it would be utterly mortifying to be seen in such company as his by anyone.

mor|tise lock /mɔː r t I s lɒk/ → see mortice lock

mor|tu|ary /mɔː r tʃuəri, [AM ] -eri/ (mortuaries ) N‑COUNT A mortuary is a building or a room in a hospital where dead bodies are kept before they are buried or cremated, or before they are identified or examined.

mo|sa|ic /moʊze I I k/ (mosaics ) N‑VAR A mosaic is a design which consists of small pieces of coloured glass, pottery, or stone set in concrete or plaster. □ …a Roman villa which once housed a fine collection of mosaics.

mo|sey /moʊ zi/ (moseys , moseying , moseyed ) VERB If you mosey somewhere, you go there slowly, often without any particular purpose. [INFORMAL ] □ [V adv/prep] He usually moseys into town for no special reason.

mosh /mɒ ʃ/ (moshes , moshing , moshed ) VERB If people at a rock concert mosh , they jump up and down together in front of the stage, often pushing each other. □ [V ] Moshing down the front crushed against the stage is all part of the gig experience.

mosh|pit /mɒ ʃp I t/ (moshpits ) also mosh pit N‑COUNT The moshpit at a rock concert is the area in front of the stage where people jump up and down. [mainly BRIT ]

Mos|lem /mɒ zləm, mʊ zl I m/ → see Muslim

mosque /mɒ sk/ (mosques ) N‑COUNT A mosque is a building where Muslims go to worship.

mos|qui|to /mɒskiː toʊ/ (mosquitoes or mosquitos ) N‑COUNT Mosquitos are small flying insects which bite people and animals in order to suck their blood.

mos|qui |to net (mosquito nets ) N‑COUNT A mosquito net is a curtain made of very fine cloth which is hung round a bed in order to keep mosquitoes and other insects away from a person while they are sleeping.

moss /mɒ s, [AM ] mɔː s/ (mosses ) N‑VAR Moss is a very small soft green plant which grows on damp soil, or on wood or stone. □ …ground covered over with moss.

mossy /mɒ si, [AM ] mɔː si/ ADJ A mossy surface is covered with moss. □ …a mossy wall.

most ◆◆◆ /moʊ st/ Most is often considered to be the superlative form of much and many . 1 QUANT You use most to refer to the majority of a group of things or people or the largest part of something. □ [+ of ] By stopping smoking you are undoing most of the damage smoking has caused. □ [+ of ] Sadly, most of the house was destroyed by fire in 1828. ● DET Most is also a determiner. □ Most people think the Queen has done a good job during her reign. ● PRON Most is also a pronoun. □ Seventeen civilians were hurt. Most are students who had been attending a party.


2 ADJ You use the most to mean a larger amount than anyone or anything else, or the largest amount possible. □ The President himself won the most votes. ● PRON Most is also a pronoun. □ The most they earn in a day is ten roubles.


3 ADV [ADV with v] You use most to indicate that something is true or happens to a greater degree or extent than anything else. □ What she feared most was becoming like her mother. □ …Professor Morris, the person he most hated. ● PHRASE You use most of all to indicate that something happens or is true to a greater extent than anything else. □ She said she wanted most of all to be fair.


4 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use most to indicate that someone or something has a greater amount of a particular quality than most other things of its kind. □ He was one of the most influential performers of modern jazz. □ If anything, swimming will appeal to her most strongly.


5 ADV If you do something the most , you do it to the greatest extent possible or with the greatest frequency. □ What question are you asked the most?


6 ADV You use most in conversations when you want to draw someone's attention to something very interesting or important that you are about to say. □ Most surprisingly, quite a few said they don't intend to vote at all.


7 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You use most to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I'll be most pleased to speak to them.


8 PHRASE You use at most or at the most to say that a number or amount is the maximum that is possible and that the actual number or amount may be smaller. □ Poach the pears in apple juice for perhaps ten minutes at most. □ …staying on at school for two extra years to study only three, or at the most four subjects.


9 PHRASE If you make the most of something, you get the maximum use or advantage from it. □ Happiness is the ability to make the most of what you have.


10 for the most part → see part ➊

SUFFIX -most


is added to adjectives in order to form other adjectives that describe something as being further in a particular direction than other things of the same kind. For example, 'the northernmost suburbs of Chicago' are the suburbs that are furthest north of the city of Chicago.

most|ly ◆◇◇ /moʊ stli/ ADV You use mostly to indicate that a statement is generally true, for example true about the majority of a group of things or people, true most of the time, or true in most respects. □ I am working with mostly highly motivated people. □ Cars are mostly metal. □ …men and women, mostly in their 30s.

MOT /e m oʊ tiː / (MOTs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, an MOT is a test which, by law, must be made each year on all road vehicles that are more than 3 years old, in order to check that they are safe to drive. □ My car is due for its MOT in two days' time.

mo|tel /moʊte l/ (motels ) N‑COUNT A motel is a hotel intended for people who are travelling by car.

moth /mɒ θ, [AM ] mɔː θ/ (moths ) N‑COUNT A moth is an insect like a butterfly which usually flies about at night.

moth|ball /mɒ θbɔːl, [AM ] mɔː θ-/ (mothballs , mothballing , mothballed )


1 N‑COUNT A mothball is a small ball made of a special chemical, which you can put among clothes or blankets in order to keep moths away.


2 VERB If someone in authority mothballs a plan, factory, or piece of equipment, they decide to stop developing or using it, perhaps temporarily. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] …the decision to mothball the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, for safety and political reasons.

mo th-eaten


1 ADJ Moth-eaten clothes look very old and have holes in them.


2 ADJ If you describe something as moth-eaten , you mean that it seems unattractive or useless because it is old or has been used too much. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ We drove through a somewhat moth-eaten deer park. □ This strategy looks increasingly moth-eaten.

moth|er ◆◆◆ /mʌ ðə r / (mothers , mothering , mothered )


1 N‑COUNT Your mother is the woman who gave birth to you. You can also call someone your mother if she brings you up as if she was this woman. You can call your mother 'Mother'. □ She sat on the edge of her mother's bed. □ [+ of ] She's an English teacher and a mother of two children. □ I'm here, Mother.


2 VERB If a woman mothers a child, she looks after it and brings it up, usually because she is its mother. □ [V n] Colleen had dreamed of mothering a large family. ● moth|er|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The reality of mothering is frequently very different from the romantic ideal.


3 VERB If you mother someone, you treat them with great care and affection, as if they were a small child. □ [V n] Stop mothering me.

mother|board /mʌ ðə r bɔː r d/ (motherboards ) N‑COUNT In a computer, the motherboard is the main electronic circuit board to which the microchips that perform important functions are attached.

mo th|er coun|try (mother countries ) also Mother Country


1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's mother country is the country in which they or their ancestors were born and to which they still feel emotionally linked, even if they live somewhere else. □ Dr Kengerli looks to Turkey as his mother country.


2 N‑SING If you refer to the mother country of a particular state or country, you are referring to the very powerful country that used to control its affairs. □ Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, had no colonial conflict with the mother country.

mo th|er fig|ure (mother figures ) also mother-figure N‑COUNT If you regard someone as a mother figure , you think of them as having the role of a mother and being the person you can turn to for help, advice, or support.

mother|fucker /mʌ ðə r fʌkə r / (motherfuckers ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a person, usually a man, a motherfucker , they are insulting him in a very unpleasant way. [mainly AM , VERY RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]

moth|er|hood /mʌ ðə r hʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Motherhood is the state of being a mother. □ …women who try to combine work and motherhood.

Mo th|er|ing Su n|day N‑UNCOUNT Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday in Lent, when children give cards and presents to their mothers as a sign of their love for them. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

mo ther-in-law (mothers-in-law ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's mother-in-law is the mother of their husband or wife.

mother|land /mʌ ðə r lænd/ also Motherland N‑SING The motherland is the country in which you or your ancestors were born and to which you still feel emotionally linked, even if you live somewhere else. □ …love for the motherland.

moth|er|less /mʌ ðə r ləs/ ADJ You describe children as motherless if their mother has died or does not live with them. □ …Michael's seven motherless children.

moth|er|ly /mʌ ðə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Motherly feelings or actions are like those of a kind mother. □ It was an incredible display of motherly love and forgiveness.

Mo th|er Na ture N‑UNCOUNT Mother Nature is sometimes used to refer to nature, especially when it is being considered as a force that affects human beings. □ …when Mother Nature created Iceland out of volcanic lava and glaciers.

Mo th|er of Go d N‑PROPER In Christianity, the Mother of God is another name for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.

mo ther-of-pea rl also mother of pearl N‑UNCOUNT Mother-of-pearl is the shiny layer on the inside of some shells. It is used to make buttons or to decorate things.

Mo th|er's Day N‑UNCOUNT Mother's Day is a special day on which children give cards and presents to their mothers as a sign of their love for them. In Britain, Mother's Day is the fourth Sunday in Lent. In the United States, it is the second Sunday in May.

Mo th|er Su|pe ri|or (Mother Superiors ) N‑COUNT A Mother Superior is a nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.

mo ther-to-be (mothers-to-be ) N‑COUNT A mother-to-be is a woman who is pregnant, especially for the first time.

mo th|er tongue (mother tongues ) also mother-tongue N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your mother tongue is the language that you learn from your parents when you are a baby.

mo|tif /moʊtiː f/ (motifs ) N‑COUNT A motif is a design which is used as a decoration or as part of an artistic pattern. □ …a rose motif.

mo|tion ◆◇◇ /moʊ ʃ ə n/ (motions , motioning , motioned )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Motion is the activity or process of continually changing position or moving from one place to another. □ …the laws governing light, sound, and motion. □ One group of muscles sets the next group in motion. □ The wind from the car's motion whipped her hair around her head.


2 N‑COUNT A motion is an action, gesture, or movement. □ He made a neat chopping motion with his hand.


3 N‑COUNT A motion is a formal proposal or statement in a meeting, debate, or trial, which is discussed and then voted on or decided on. □ The conference is now debating the motion and will vote on it shortly. □ [+ against ] Opposition parties are likely to bring a no-confidence motion against the government.


4 VERB If you motion to someone, you move your hand or head as a way of telling them to do something or telling them where to go. □ [V + for ] She motioned for the locked front doors to be opened. □ [V n prep/adv] He stood aside and motioned Don to the door. □ [V n to-inf] I motioned him to join us. □ [V + to ] He motioned to her to go behind the screen.


5 → see also slow motion , time and motion


6 PHRASE If you say that someone is going through the motions , you think they are only saying or doing something because it is expected of them without being interested, enthusiastic, or sympathetic. □ 'You really don't care, do you?' she said quietly. 'You're just going through the motions.'


7 PHRASE If a process or event is in motion , it is happening. If it is set in motion , it is happening or beginning to happen. □ His job as England manager begins in earnest now his World Cup campaign is in motion. □ Her sharp, aggressive tone set in motion the events that led to her downfall.


8 PHRASE If someone sets the wheels in motion , they take the necessary action to make something start happening. □ I have set the wheels in motion to sell Endsleigh Court. SYNONYMS motion NOUN


1


movement: Movement is a big challenge for him since he broke his hip.


action: As always, Peter had a reason for his action.


mobility: Two cars gave them the freedom and mobility to go their separate ways.


2


gesture: Sarah made a menacing gesture with her fist.


sign: They gave Lavalle the thumbs-up sign.


wave: Steve stopped him with a wave of the hand.


signal: As soon as it was dark, Mrs Evans gave the signal.

mo|tion|less /moʊ ʃ ə nləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is motionless is not moving at all. □ He stood there motionless.

mo |tion pic|ture (motion pictures ) N‑COUNT A motion picture is a film made for cinema. [mainly AM ] □ It was there that I saw my first motion picture.

mo|ti|vate ◆◇◇ /moʊ t I ve I t/ (motivates , motivating , motivated )


1 VERB If you are motivated by something, especially an emotion, it causes you to behave in a particular way. □ [be V -ed] They are motivated by a need to achieve. □ [V n to-inf] I don't want to be missing out. And that motivates me to get up and do something every day. [Also V n] ● mo|ti|vat|ed ADJ □ …highly motivated employees. ● mo|ti|va|tion /moʊ t I ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ His poor performance may be attributed to lack of motivation.


2 VERB If someone motivates you to do something, they make you feel determined to do it. □ [V n to-inf] How do you motivate people to work hard and efficiently? □ [V n] Never let it be said that the manager doesn't know how to motivate his players. ● mo|ti|va|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ Gross's skill in motivation looked in doubt when his side began the second half badly.

mo|ti|va|tion /moʊ t I ve I ʃ ə n/ (motivations ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Your motivation for doing something is what causes you to want to do it. □ Money is my motivation. □ The timing of the attack, and its motivations, are unknown.

mo|tive /moʊ t I v/ (motives ) N‑COUNT Your motive for doing something is your reason for doing it. □ [+ for ] Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing. □ …the motives and objectives of British foreign policy.

mot|ley /mɒ tli/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe a group of things as a motley collection if you think they seem strange together because they are all very different. □ …a motley collection of vans, old buses, cattle-trucks, and even a fire engine.

mo|tor ◆◆◇ /moʊ tə r / (motors )


1 N‑COUNT The motor in a machine, vehicle, or boat is the part that uses electricity or fuel to produce movement, so that the machine, vehicle, or boat can work. □ She got in and started the motor.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Motor vehicles and boats have a petrol or diesel engine. □ Theft of motor vehicles is up by 15.9%.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Motor is used to describe activities relating to vehicles such as cars and buses. [mainly BRIT ] □ …the future of the British motor industry. □ He worked as a motor mechanic. in AM, usually use automotive , automobile 4 N‑COUNT Some people refer to a car as a motor . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]


5 → see also motoring , outboard

motor|bike /moʊ tə r ba I k/ (motorbikes ) also motor-bike


1 N‑COUNT A motorbike is the same as a motorcycle . [BRIT ]


2 N‑COUNT A motorbike is a lighter, less powerful motorcycle. [AM ]

motor|boat /moʊ tə r boʊt/ (motorboats ) also motor boat N‑COUNT A motorboat is a boat that is driven by an engine.

motor|cade /moʊ tə r ke I d/ (motorcades ) N‑COUNT A motorcade is a line of slow-moving cars carrying important people, usually as part of a public ceremony. □ At times the president's motorcade slowed to a crawl.

mo |tor car (motor cars ) also motorcar N‑COUNT A motor car is the same as a car . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

motor|cycle /moʊ tə r sa I k ə l/ (motorcycles ) N‑COUNT A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels and an engine.

motor|cyclist /moʊ tə r sa I kl I st/ (motorcyclists ) N‑COUNT A motorcyclist is a person who rides a motorcycle.

mo |tor home (motor homes ) N‑COUNT A motor home is a large vehicle containing beds and equipment for cooking and washing. Motor homes can be used for holidays or very long journeys.

mo|tor|ing /moʊ tər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Motoring means relating to cars and driving. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a three-month sentence for motoring offences. □ Police and motoring organizations said the roads were slightly busier than normal. in AM, usually use driving , automobile

mo|tor|ised /moʊ təra I zd/ → see motorized

mo|tor|ist /moʊ tər I st/ (motorists ) N‑COUNT A motorist is a person who drives a car. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use driver

mo|tor|ized /moʊ təra I zd/ in BRIT, also use motorised 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A motorized vehicle has an engine. □ Around 1910, motorized carriages were beginning to replace horse-drawn cabs.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A motorized group of soldiers is equipped with motor vehicles. □ …motorized infantry and artillery.

motor|mouth /moʊ tə r maʊθ/ N‑SING If you describe someone as a motormouth , you mean that they talk a lot, especially in a loud or aggressive way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

mo |tor neu |rone dis|ease N‑UNCOUNT Motor neurone disease is a disease which destroys the part of a person's nervous system that controls movement.

motor|way /moʊ tə r we I / (motorways ) N‑VAR A motorway is a major road that has been specially built for fast travel over long distances. Motorways have several lanes and special places where traffic gets on and leaves. [BRIT ] □ …the M1 motorway. □ …the national motorway network. in AM, usually use freeway

mott|led /mɒ t ə ld/ ADJ Something that is mottled is covered with patches of different colours which do not form a regular pattern. □ …mottled green and yellow leaves.

mot|to /mɒ toʊ/ (mottoes or mottos ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A motto is a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule for sensible behaviour, especially a way of behaving in a particular situation. □ Our motto is 'Plan for the worst and hope for the best'.

mould /moʊ ld/ (moulds , moulding , moulded ) in AM, use mold 1 N‑COUNT A mould is a hollow container that you pour liquid into. When the liquid becomes solid, it takes the same shape as the mould. □ Spoon the mixture carefully into the mould. □ …jelly moulds.


2 N‑COUNT If a person fits into or is cast in a mould of a particular kind, they have the characteristics, attitudes, behaviour, or lifestyle that are typical of that type of person. □ In Britain, political leaders come from the same mould: same education, same schools. ● PHRASE If you say that someone breaks the mould , you mean that they do completely different things from what has been done before or from what is usually done. □ Memorial services have become tedious and expected. I would like to help break the mould.


3 VERB If you mould a soft substance such as plastic or clay, you make it into a particular shape or into an object. □ [V n + into ] Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese mixture into small balls or ovals.


4 VERB To mould someone or something means to change or influence them over a period of time so that they develop in a particular way. □ [V n] She was only 17 at the time and the experience moulded her personality. □ [V n + into ] Too often we try to mold our children into something they do not wish to be.


5 VERB When something moulds to an object or when you mould it there, it fits round the object tightly so that the shape of the object can still be seen. □ [V + to/around/round ] You need a malleable pillow that will mould to the curves of your neck. □ [V n + around/round/to ] She stood there, the wind moulding the dress around her.


6 N‑VAR Mould is a soft grey, green, or blue substance that sometimes forms in spots on old food or on damp walls or clothes.


7 → see also leaf mould

mould|er /moʊ ldə r / (moulders , mouldering , mouldered ) in AM, use molder VERB [usu cont] If something is mouldering , it is decaying slowly where it has been left. □ [V ] …one of your scripts that's been mouldering under the bed for ages. □ [V ] It is clear that such ideas will be left to moulder. □ [V -ing] …the empty, mouldering old house.

mould|ing /moʊ ld I ŋ/ (mouldings ) in AM, use molding N‑COUNT A moulding is a strip of plaster or wood along the top of a wall or round a door, which has been made into an ornamental shape or decorated with a pattern.

mouldy /moʊ ldi/ in AM, use moldy ADJ Something that is mouldy is covered with mould. □ …mouldy bread. □ Oranges can be kept for a long time without going mouldy.

moult /moʊ lt/ (moults , moulting , moulted ) in AM, use molt VERB When an animal or bird moults , it gradually loses its coat or feathers so that a new coat or feathers can grow. □ [V ] Finches start to moult at around twelve weeks of age.

mound /maʊ nd/ (mounds )


1 N‑COUNT A mound of something is a large rounded pile of it. □ [+ of ] The bulldozers piled up huge mounds of dirt.


2 N‑COUNT In baseball, the mound is the raised area where the pitcher stands when he or she throws the ball.

mount ◆◇◇ /maʊ nt/ (mounts , mounting , mounted )


1 VERB If you mount a campaign or event, you organize it and make it take place. □ [V n] …a security operation mounted by the army.


2 VERB If something mounts , it increases in intensity. □ [V ] For several hours, tension mounted. □ [V -ing] There was mounting concern in her voice.


3 VERB If something mounts , it increases in quantity. □ [V ] The uncollected garbage mounts in city streets. □ [V -ing] He ignored his mounting debts. ● PHRASAL VERB To mount up means the same as to mount . □ [V P ] Her medical bills mounted up.


4 VERB If you mount the stairs or a platform, you go up the stairs or go up onto the platform. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Llewelyn was mounting the stairs up into the keep.


5 VERB If you mount a horse or cycle, you climb on to it so that you can ride it. □ [V n] A man in a crash helmet was mounting a motorbike. □ [V ] He harnessed his horse, mounted, and rode out to the beach.


6 VERB If you mount an object on something, you fix it there firmly. □ [V n + on ] Ella mounts the work on velour paper and makes the frame. □ [V -ed] …a specially mounted horse shoe. [Also V n] ● -mounted COMB □ …a wall-mounted electric fan.


7 VERB If you mount an exhibition or display, you organize and present it. □ [V n] The gallery has mounted an exhibition of art by Irish women painters.


8 N‑COUNT Mount is used as part of the name of a mountain. □ …Mount Everest.


9 → see also mounted


▸ mount up → see mount 3 SYNONYMS mount VERB 1


increase: We are experiencing an increasing number of problems.


build: Pressure built yesterday for postponement of the ceremony.


grow: Opposition grew and the government agreed to negotiate.


intensify: Groups of refugees are on the move following intensified fighting in the region.


escalate: The protests escalated into five days of rioting. COLLOCATIONS mount VERB


1


mount + noun : attack, bid, campaign, challenge; defence; investigation, operation, search


2


noun + mount : concern, fear, pressure, tension; anger, criticism; speculation


mount + adverb : steadily


3


noun + mount : debts, evidence

moun|tain ◆◆◇ /maʊ nt I n, [AM ] -t ə n/ (mountains )


1 N‑COUNT A mountain is a very high area of land with steep sides. □ Ben Nevis, in Scotland, is Britain's highest mountain.


2 QUANT If you talk about a mountain of something, or mountains of something, you are emphasizing that there is a large amount of it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ They are faced with a mountain of bureaucracy.


3 PHRASE If you say that someone has a mountain to climb , you mean that it will be difficult for them to achieve what they want to achieve. [JOURNALISM ] □ 'We had a mountain to climb after the second goal went in,' said Crosby.


4 to make a mountain out of a molehill → see molehill

mou n|tain bike (mountain bikes ) N‑COUNT A mountain bike is a type of bicycle that is suitable for riding over rough ground. It has a strong frame and thick tyres.

moun|tain|eer /maʊ nt I n I ə r / (mountaineers ) N‑COUNT A mountaineer is a person who is skilful at climbing the steep sides of mountains.

moun|tain|eer|ing /maʊ nt I n I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Mountaineering is the activity of climbing the steep sides of mountains as a hobby or sport.

mo un|tain lion (mountain lions ) N‑COUNT A mountain lion is a wild animal that is a member of the cat family. Mountain lions have brownish-grey fur and live in mountain regions of North and South America. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use puma

moun|tain|ous /maʊ nt I nəs/


1 ADJ A mountainous place has a lot of mountains. □ …the mountainous region of Campania.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use mountainous to emphasize that something is great in size, quantity, or degree. [EMPHASIS ] □ The plan is designed to reduce some of the company's mountainous debt.

moun|tain|side /maʊ nt I nsa I d/ (mountainsides ) N‑COUNT A mountainside is one of the steep sides of a mountain. □ The couple trudged up the dark mountainside.

mount|ed /maʊ nt I d/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Mounted police or soldiers ride horses when they are on duty. □ A dozen mounted police rode into the square.


2 → see also mount

mourn /mɔː r n/ (mourns , mourning , mourned )


1 VERB If you mourn someone who has died or mourn for them, you are very sad that they have died and show your sorrow in the way that you behave. □ [V n] Joan still mourns her father. □ [V + for ] He mourned for his valiant men. □ [V ] As the nation continued to mourn, the new President of South Africa paid his own tribute.


2 VERB If you mourn something or mourn for it, you regret that you no longer have it and show your regret in the way that you behave. □ [V n] We mourned the loss of our cities. □ [V + for ] She mourned for the beloved past.


3 → see also mourning

mourn|er /mɔː r nə r / (mourners ) N‑COUNT A mourner is a person who attends a funeral, especially as a relative or friend of the dead person.

mourn|ful /mɔː r nfʊl/


1 ADJ If you are mournful , you are very sad. □ He looked mournful, even near to tears. ● mourn|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ He stood mournfully at the gate waving bye bye.


2 ADJ A mournful sound seems very sad. □ …the mournful wail of bagpipes.

mourn|ing /mɔː r n I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Mourning is behaviour in which you show sadness about a person's death. □ Expect to feel angry, depressed and confused. It's all part of the mourning process.


2 PHRASE If you are in mourning , you are dressed or behaving in a particular way because someone you love or respect has died. □ Yesterday, the whole country was in mourning.

mouse /maʊ s/ (mice ) The plural mouses can be used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A mouse is a small furry animal with a long tail. □ …a mouse running in a wheel in its cage.


2 N‑COUNT A mouse is a device that is connected to a computer. By moving it over a flat surface and pressing its buttons, you can move the cursor around the screen and do things without using the keyboard.


3 game of cat and mouse → see cat

mou se mat (mouse mats ) also mousemat N‑COUNT A mouse mat is a flat piece of plastic or some other material that you rest the mouse on while using a computer. [BRIT ]

mou se pad (mouse pads ) also mousepad N‑COUNT A mouse pad is the same as a mouse mat . [mainly AM ]

mouse|trap /maʊ stræp/ (mousetraps ) N‑COUNT A mousetrap is a small device that catches or kills mice.

mous|ey /maʊ si/ → see mousy

mous|sa|ka /mʊsɑː kə/ (moussakas ) N‑VAR Moussaka is a Greek dish consisting of layers of meat and aubergine.

mousse /muː s/ (mousses )


1 N‑VAR Mousse is a sweet light food made from eggs and cream. It is often flavoured with fruit or chocolate.


2 N‑VAR Mousse is a soft substance containing a lot of tiny bubbles, for example one that you can put in your hair to make it easier to shape into a particular style.

mous|tache /məstɑː ʃ, [AM ] mʊ stæʃ/ (moustaches ) also mustache N‑COUNT A man's moustache is the hair that grows on his upper lip. If it is very long, it is sometimes referred to as his moustaches . □ He was short and bald and had a moustache. ● mous|tached ADJ □ …three burly, moustached middle-aged men.

mous|ta|chi|oed /məstæ ʃioʊd, [AM ] -tæ tʃoʊd/ also mustachioed ADJ A moustachioed man has a moustache. [HUMOROUS or WRITTEN ]

mousy /maʊ si/ also mousey


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Mousy hair is a dull light brown colour. □ He was aged between 25 and 30, with a medium build and collar-length mousy hair.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as mousy , you mean that they are quiet and shy and that people do not notice them. □ The Inspector remembered her as a small, mousy woman, invariably worried.

mouth ◆◆◇ (mouths , mouthing , mouthed ) Pronounced /maʊ θ/ for the noun, and /maʊ ð/ for the verb. The form mouths is pronounced /maʊ ðz/. 1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your mouth is the area of your face where your lips are or the space behind your lips where your teeth and tongue are. □ She clamped her hand against her mouth. □ His mouth was full of peas. ● -mouthed /-maʊ ðd/ COMB □ He straightened up and looked at me, open-mouthed.


2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] You can say that someone has a particular kind of mouth to indicate that they speak in a particular kind of way or that they say particular kinds of things. □ You've got such a crude mouth! ● -mouthed COMB □ …Simon, their smart-mouthed teenage son.


3 N‑COUNT The mouth of a cave, hole, or bottle is its entrance or opening. □ [+ of ] By the mouth of the tunnel, he bent to retie his lace. ● -mouthed COMB □ He put the flowers in a wide-mouthed blue vase.


4 N‑COUNT The mouth of a river is the place where it flows into the sea. □ [+ of ] …the town at the mouth of the River Dart.


5 VERB If you mouth something, you form words with your lips without making any sound. □ [V n] I mouthed a goodbye and hurried in behind Momma. □ [V with quote] 'It's for you,' he mouthed.


6 VERB If you mouth something, you say it, especially without believing it or without understanding it. □ [V n] I mouthed some sympathetic platitudes.


7 → see also hand-to-mouth


8 PHRASE If you have a number of mouths to feed , you have the responsibility of earning enough money to feed and look after that number of people. □ With five mouths to feed, he found life very hard.


9 PHRASE If you say that someone does not open their mouth , you are emphasizing that they never say anything at all. [EMPHASIS ] □ Sometimes I hardly dare open my mouth.


10 heart in your mouth → see heart


11 from the horse's mouth → see horse


12 keep your mouth shut → see shut


13 to put your money where your mouth is → see money


14 to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth → see spoon


15 word of mouth → see word

mouth|ful /maʊ θfʊl/ (mouthfuls )


1 N‑COUNT A mouthful of drink or food is the amount that you put or have in your mouth. □ [+ of ] She gulped down a mouthful of coffee.


2 N‑SING If you describe a long word or phrase as a mouthful , you mean that it is difficult to say. [INFORMAL ] □ It's called the Pan-Caribbean Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Project, which is quite a mouthful.

mou th or|gan (mouth organs ) N‑COUNT A mouth organ is the same as a harmonica . [mainly BRIT ]

mouth|piece /maʊ θpiːs/ (mouthpieces )


1 N‑COUNT The mouthpiece of a telephone is the part that you speak into. □ He shouted into the mouthpiece.


2 N‑COUNT The mouthpiece of a musical instrument or other device is the part that you put into your mouth. □ He showed him how to blow into the ivory mouthpiece.


3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The mouthpiece of an organization or person is someone who informs other people of the opinions and policies of that organization or person. □ Their mouthpiece is the vice-president.

mou th-to-mou th re|sus|ci|ta |tion or mouth-to-mouth N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone who has stopped breathing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation , you breathe into their mouth to make them start breathing again.

mouth|wash /maʊ θwɒʃ/ (mouthwashes ) N‑VAR Mouthwash is a liquid that you put in your mouth and then spit out in order to clean your mouth and make your breath smell pleasant.

mou th-watering also mouthwatering


1 ADJ Mouth-watering food looks or smells extremely nice. □ …hundreds of cheeses, in a mouth-watering variety of shapes, textures and tastes.


2 ADJ If you describe something as mouth-watering , you are emphasizing that it is very attractive. [JOURNALISM , EMPHASIS ] □ Prizes worth a mouth-watering £9.6 million are unclaimed.

mov|able /muː vəb ə l/ also moveable ADJ Something that is movable can be moved from one place or position to another. □ It's a vinyl doll with movable arms and legs.

move ◆◆◆ /muː v/ (moves , moving , moved )


1 VERB When you move something or when it moves , its position changes and it does not remain still. □ [V n prep/adv] She moved the sheaf of papers into position. □ [V n] A traffic warden asked him to move his car. □ [V prep/adv] I could see the branches of the trees moving back and forth. □ [V ] The train began to move.


2 VERB When you move , you change your position or go to a different place. □ [V ] She waited for him to get up, but he didn't move. □ [V prep/adv] He moved around the room, putting his possessions together. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Move is also a noun. □ The doctor made a move towards the door. □ Daniel's eyes followed her every move.


3 VERB If you move , you act or you begin to do something. □ [V ] Industrialists must move fast to take advantage of these new opportunities.


4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A move is an action that you take in order to achieve something. □ The one point cut in interest rates was a wise move. □ The thirty-five member nations agreed to the move.


5 VERB If a person or company moves , they leave the building where they have been living or working, and they go to live or work in a different place, taking their possessions with them. □ [V ] My family home is in Yorkshire and they don't want to move. □ [V + to ] She had often considered moving to London. □ [V n] They move house fairly frequently. ● N‑COUNT Move is also a noun. □ Modigliani announced his move to Montparnasse in 1909.


6 VERB If people in authority move someone, they make that person go from one place or job to another one. □ [V n prep/adv] His superiors moved him to another parish. □ [V n] Ms Clark is still in position and there are no plans to move her.


7 VERB If you move from one job or interest to another, you change to it. □ [V + from/to ] He moved from being an extramural tutor to being a lecturer in social history. □ [V n] In the early days Christina moved jobs to get experience. ● N‑COUNT Move is also a noun. □ His move to the chairmanship means he will take a less active role in day-to-day management.


8 VERB If you move to a new topic in a conversation, you start talking about something different. □ [V + from/to ] Let's move to another subject, Dan.


9 VERB If you move an event or the date of an event, you change the time at which it happens. □ [V n + to ] The club has moved its meeting to Saturday, January 22nd. □ [V n with adv] The band have moved forward their Leeds date to October 27. [Also V n]


10 VERB If you move towards a particular state, activity, or opinion, you start to be in that state, do that activity, or have that opinion. □ [V prep/adv] Since the Convention was drawn up, international opinion has begun to move against it. ● N‑COUNT Move is also a noun. □ His move to the left was not a sudden leap but a natural working out of ideas.


11 VERB [usu cont] If a situation or process is moving , it is developing or progressing, rather than staying still. □ [V ] Events are moving fast. □ [get n V -ing] Someone has got to get things moving.


12 VERB [usu passive, with neg] If you say that you will not be moved , you mean that you have come to a decision and nothing will change your mind. □ [be V -ed] Everyone thought I was mad to go back, but I wouldn't be moved.


13 VERB If something moves you to do something, it influences you and causes you to do it. □ [V n to-inf] It was punk that first moved him to join a band seriously.


14 VERB If something moves you, it has an effect on your emotions and causes you to feel sadness or sympathy for another person. □ [V n] These stories surprised and moved me. □ [V n + to ] His prayer moved me to tears. ● moved ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ Those who listened to him were deeply moved.


15 VERB If you say that someone moves in a particular society, circle, or world, you mean that they know people in a particular social class or group and spend most of their time with them. □ [V + in ] She moves in high-society circles in London.


16 VERB At a meeting, if you move a motion, you formally suggest it so that everyone present can vote on it. □ [V n] Labour quickly moved a closure motion to end the debate. □ [V that] I move that the case be dismissed.


17 N‑COUNT A move is an act of putting a chess piece or other counter in a different position on a board when it is your turn to do so in a game. □ With no idea of what to do for my next move, my hand hovered over the board.


18 PHRASE If you say that one false move will cause a disaster, you mean that you or someone else must not make any mistakes because the situation is so difficult or dangerous. □ He knew one false move would end in death.


19 PHRASE If you tell someone to get a move on , you are telling them to hurry. [INFORMAL ]


20 PHRASE If you make a move , you prepare or begin to leave one place and go somewhere else. □ He glanced at his wristwatch. 'I suppose we'd better make a move.'


21 PHRASE If you make a move , you take a course of action. □ The banks made a move to pull out of the deal.


22 PHRASE If you are on the move , you are going from one place to another. □ Jack never wanted to stay in one place for very long, so they were always on the move.


23 to move the goalposts → see goalpost


24 to move a muscle → see muscle


▸ move about → see move around


▸ move along


1 PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a police officer, tells you to move along , or if they move you along , they tell you to stop standing in a particular place and to go somewhere else. □ [V P ] Curious pedestrians were ordered to move along. □ [V n P ] Our officers are moving them along and not allowing them to gather in large groups. [Also V P n]


2 PHRASAL VERB If a process moves along or if something moves it along , it progresses. □ [V P ] Research tends to move along at a slow but orderly pace. □ [V n P ] Delay is part of the normal process, but I hope we can move things along.


▸ move around in BRIT, also use move about PHRASAL VERB If you move around or move about , you keep changing your job or keep changing the place where you live. □ [V P ] I was born in Fort Worth but we moved around a lot and I was reared in east Texas. □ [V P n] He moved around the country working in orange groves.


▸ move away PHRASAL VERB If you move away , you go and live in a different town or area of a country. □ [V P ] He moved away and broke off relations with the family.


▸ move down PHRASAL VERB If someone or something moves down , they go to a lower level, grade, or class. □ [V P ] Gold prices moved down. [Also V P n]


▸ move in


1 PHRASAL VERB When you move in somewhere, you begin to live there as your home. □ [V P ] Her house was in perfect order when she moved in. □ [V P + with ] He loses his job and is forced to move in with his father . □ [V P together ] We'd been seeing each other for a year when he suggested we should move in together.


2 PHRASAL VERB If police, soldiers, or attackers move in , they go towards a place or person in order to deal with or attack them. □ [V P ] Police moved in to disperse the crowd. □ [V P + on ] Forces were moving in on the town.


3 PHRASAL VERB If someone moves in on an area of activity which was previously only done by a particular group of people, they start becoming involved with it for the first time. □ [V P + on ] He saw an opportunity to move in on a rapidly growing business. [Also V P ]


▸ move into PHRASAL VERB If you move into a new house, you start living there. □ [V P n] I want you to move into my apartment. We've a spare room.


▸ move off PHRASAL VERB When you move off , you start moving away from a place. □ [V P ] Gil waved his hand and the car moved off.


▸ move on


1 PHRASAL VERB When you move on somewhere, you leave the place where you have been staying or waiting and go there. □ [V P prep/adv] Mr Brooke moved on from Paris to Belgrade. □ [V P ] What's wrong with his wanting to sell his land and move on?


2 PHRASAL VERB If someone such as a police officer moves you on , they order you to stop standing in a particular place and to go somewhere else. □ [V n P ] Eventually the police were called to move them on. [Also V P n]


3 PHRASAL VERB If you move on , you finish or stop one activity and start doing something different. □ [V P + to ] She ran this shop for ten years before deciding to move on to fresh challenges. □ [V P ] Now, can we move on and discuss the vital business of the day.


▸ move out PHRASAL VERB If you move out , you stop living in a particular house or place and go to live somewhere else. □ [V P ] The harassment had become too much to tolerate and he decided to move out. □ [V P + of ] They had a huge row and Sally moved out of the house.


▸ move over


1 PHRASAL VERB If you move over to a new system or way of doing something, you change to it. □ [V P + to ] We moved over to the Danish system of collecting the milk directly from the farm. [Also V P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If someone moves over , they leave their job or position in order to let someone else have it. □ [V P ] They said Mr Jenkins should make balanced programmes about the Black community or move over and let someone else who can.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you move over , you change your position in order to make room for someone else. □ [V P ] Move over and let me drive.


▸ move up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you move up , you change your position, especially in order to be nearer someone or to make room for someone else. □ [V P ] Move up, John, and let the lady sit down.


2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something moves up , they go to a higher level, grade, or class. □ [V P ] Share prices moved up. □ [V P n] Children learn in mixed-ability classes and move up a class each year.

move|able /muː vəb ə l/ → see movable

move|ment ◆◆◇ /muː vmənt/ (movements )


1 N‑COUNT A movement is a group of people who share the same beliefs, ideas, or aims. □ It's part of a broader Hindu nationalist movement that's gaining strength throughout the country.


2 N‑VAR Movement involves changing position or going from one place to another. □ There was movement behind the window in the back door. □ [+ of ] A man was directing the movements of a large removal van.


3 N‑VAR A movement is a planned change in position that an army makes during a battle or military exercise. □ There are reports of fresh troop movements across the border.


4 N‑VAR Movement is a gradual development or change of an attitude, opinion, or policy. □ [+ towards/away from ] …the movement towards democracy in Latin America.


5 N‑PLURAL Your movements are everything which you do or plan to do during a period of time. □ I want a full account of your movements the night Mr Gower was killed.


6 N‑COUNT A movement of a piece of classical music is one of its main sections. □ [+ of ] …the first movement of Beethoven's 7th symphony. COLLOCATIONS movement


1


noun + movement : civil rights, independence, protest, trade union


adjective + movement : environmental, revolutionary


verb + movement : join, support


5


verb + movement : monitor, track SYNONYMS movement NOUN 1


group: Members of an environmental group are staging a protest inside a chemical plant.


party: …a member of the Labour party.


organization: …a report by the International Labour Organisation.

mov|er /muː və r / (movers )


1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe a person or animal as a particular kind of mover , you mean that they move at that speed or in that way. □ We found him a nice horse–a good mover who could gallop.


2 → see also prime mover


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Movers are people whose job is to move furniture or equipment from one building to another. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use removal men


4 PHRASE The movers and shakers in a place or area of activity are the people who have most power or influence. □ It is the movers and shakers of the record industry who will decide which bands make it.

movie ◆◆◇ /muː vi/ (movies )


1 N‑COUNT A movie is a film. [AM , also BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ In the first movie Tony Curtis ever made he played a grocery clerk.


2 N‑PLURAL You can talk about the movies when you are talking about seeing a movie in a movie theater. [mainly AM ] □ He took her to the movies. in BRIT, usually use the cinema

movie|goer /muː vigoʊə r / (moviegoers ) also movie-goer N‑COUNT A moviegoer is a person who often goes to the cinema. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cinema-goer , film-goer

mo vie house (movie houses ) N‑COUNT A movie house is the same as a movie theater . [AM ]

mo vie star (movie stars ) N‑COUNT A movie star is a famous actor or actress who appears in films. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use film star

mo vie thea|ter (movie theaters ) N‑COUNT A movie theater is a place where people go to watch films for entertainment. [AM ] in BRIT, use cinema

mov|ing /muː v I ŋ/


1 ADJ If something is moving , it makes you feel strongly an emotion such as sadness, pity, or sympathy. □ It is very moving to see how much strangers can care for each other. ● mov|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ You write very movingly of your sister Amy's suicide.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] A moving model or part of a machine moves or is able to move.


3 PHRASE The moving spirit or moving force behind something is the person or thing that caused it to start and to keep going, or that influenced people to take part in it. □ [+ behind/in ] She alone must have been the moving spirit behind the lawsuit that lost me my position.

mo v|ing pi c|ture (moving pictures ) N‑COUNT A moving picture is a film. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

mow /moʊ / (mows , mowing , mowed , mowed or mown ) VERB If you mow an area of grass, you cut it using a machine called a lawnmower. □ [V n] He continued to mow the lawn and do other routine chores. [Also V ]


▸ mow down PHRASAL VERB If someone is mown down , they are killed violently by a vehicle or gunfire. □ [be V -ed P ] She was mown down on a pedestrian crossing. □ [V P n] Gunmen mowed down 10 people in one attack. [Also V n P ]

mow|er /moʊ ə r / (mowers )


1 N‑COUNT A mower is the same as a lawnmower .


2 N‑COUNT A mower is a machine that has sharp blades for cutting something such as corn or wheat.

MP ◆◆◇ /e m piː / (MPs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, an MP is a person who has been elected to represent the people from a particular area in the House of Commons. MP is an abbreviation for 'Member of Parliament'. □ Several Conservative MPs have voted against the government.

MP3 /e m piː θriː / N‑UNCOUNT MP3 is a kind of technology which enables you to record and play music from the internet.

M P3 play|er (MP3 players ) N‑COUNT An MP3 player is a machine on which you can play music downloaded from the internet.

MPEG /e mpeg/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] MPEG is a standard file format for compressing video images so that they can be stored or sent by email more easily. MPEG is an abbreviation for 'Motion Picture Experts Group'. [COMPUTING ]

mpg /e m piː dʒiː / mpg is written after a number to indicate how many miles a vehicle can travel using one gallon of fuel. mpg is an abbreviation for 'miles per gallon'. □ Fuel consumption is 38 mpg around town, 55 mpg on the open road.

mph /e m piː e I tʃ/ mph is written after a number to indicate the speed of something such as a vehicle. mph is an abbreviation for 'miles per hour'. □ Inside these zones, traffic speeds are restricted to 20 mph.

MPV /e m piː vi ː/ (MPVs ) N‑COUNT An MPV is a large, tall car whose seats can be moved or removed, for example so that it can carry large loads. MPV is an abbreviation for 'multi-purpose vehicle'.

Mr /m I stə r / in AM, use Mr. 1 N‑TITLE Mr is used before a man's name when you are speaking or referring to him. □ …Mr Grant. □ …Mr Bob Price.


2 N‑COUNT [N n] Mr is sometimes used in front of words such as 'President' and 'Chairman' to address the man who holds the position mentioned. □ Mr. President, you're aware of the system.


3 → see also Messrs

MRI /e m ɑːr a I / N‑UNCOUNT MRI is a method by which medical staff can get a picture of soft parts inside a patient's body, using a powerful magnetic field. MRI is an abbreviation for 'magnetic resonance imaging'.

Mrs /m I s I z/ in AM, use Mrs. N‑TITLE Mrs is used before the name of a married woman when you are speaking or referring to her. □ Hello, Mrs Miles. □ …Mrs Scott-Campbell. □ …Mr and Mrs D H Alderson.

MRSA /e m ɑːr es e I / N‑UNCOUNT MRSA is a bacterium that is resistant to most antibiotics. MRSA is an abbreviation for 'methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus'. □ …the problem of MRSA in hospitals.

Ms /məz, m I z/ in AM, use Ms. N‑TITLE Ms is used, especially in written English, before a woman's name when you are speaking to her or referring to her. If you use Ms , you are not specifying if the woman is married or not. □ …Ms Brown. □ …Ms Elizabeth Harman.

MS /e m e s/


1 N‑UNCOUNT MS is a serious disease of the nervous system, which gradually makes a person weaker, and sometimes affects their sight or speech. MS is an abbreviation for 'multiple sclerosis'.


2 An MS or M.S. is the same as an MSc . [AM ]

ms. (mss ) ms. is a written abbreviation for manuscript .

MSc /e m es siː / (MScs ) also M.Sc. N‑COUNT An MSc is a master's degree in a science subject. MSc is an abbreviation for 'Master of Science'.

MSG /e m es dʒiː / N‑UNCOUNT MSG is an abbreviation for monosodium glutamate .

Msgr also Msgr. Msgr is a written abbreviation for Monsignor .

MSP /e m es pi ː/ (MSPs ) N‑COUNT An MSP is someone who has been elected as a member of the Scottish Parliament. MSP is an abbreviation for 'Member of the Scottish Parliament'.

Mt (Mts ) also Mt. Mt is a written abbreviation for mount or mountain . □ …Mt Everest. □ …the Rocky Mts.

much ◆◆◆ /mʌ tʃ/


1 ADV [ADV after v] You use much to indicate the great intensity, extent, or degree of something such as an action, feeling, or change. Much is usually used with 'so', 'too', and 'very', and in negative clauses with this meaning. □ She laughs too much. □ Thank you very much. □ My hairstyle hasn't changed much since I was five.


2 ADV [ADV after v] If something does not happen much , it does not happen very often. □ He said that his father never talked much about the war. □ Gwen had not seen her Daddy all that much, because mostly he worked on the ships. □ Do you get back East much?


3 ADV [ADV too ] You use much in front of 'too' or comparative adjectives and adverbs in order to emphasize that there is a large amount of a particular quality. [EMPHASIS ] □ The skin is much too delicate. □ You'd be so much happier if you could see yourself the way I see you.


4 ADV [ADV like n] [ADV n] If one thing is much the same as another thing, it is very similar to it. □ The day ended much as it began. □ Sheep's milk is produced in much the same way as goat's milk.


5 DET You use much to indicate that you are referring to a large amount of a substance or thing. □ They are grown on the hillsides in full sun, without much water. □ People are happy because there's not much crime here. ● PRON Much is also a pronoun. □ …eating too much and drinking too much. □ There was so much to talk about. ● QUANT Much is also a quantifier. □ Much of the time we do not notice that we are solving problems. □ She does much of her work abroad.


6 ADV You use much in expressions such as not much , not very much , and too much when replying to questions about amounts. □ 'Can you hear it where you live?' He shook his head. 'Not much.' □ 'Do you care very much about what other people think?'—'Too much.'


7 QUANT If you do not see much of someone, you do not see them very often. □ I don't see much of Tony nowadays.


8 DET You use much in the expression how much to ask questions about amounts or degrees, and also in reported clauses and statements to give information about the amount or degree of something. □ How much money can I afford? □ See just how much fat and cholesterol you're eating. ● ADV Much is also an adverb. □ She knows how much this upsets me but she persists in doing it. ● PRON Much is also a pronoun. □ How much do you earn?


9 DET You use much in the expression as much when you are comparing amounts. □ Their aim will be to produce as much milk as possible.


10 PHRASE You use much as to introduce a fact which makes something else you have just said or will say rather surprising. □ Much as they'd like to go home, they're resigned to staying until the end of the year.


11 PHRASE You use as much in expressions such as ' I thought as much ' and ' I guessed as much ' after you have just been told something and you want to say that you already believed or expected it to be true. □ You're waiting for a woman–I thought as much.


12 PHRASE You use as much as before an amount to suggest that it is surprisingly large. [EMPHASIS ] □ The organisers hope to raise as much as £6m for charity.


13 PHRASE You use much less after a statement, often a negative one, to indicate that the statement is more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next. □ They are always short of water to drink, much less to bathe in.


14 PHRASE You say nothing much to refer to something that is not very interesting or important. □ 'What was stolen?'—'Oh, nothing much.'


15 PHRASE If you describe something as not much of a particular type of thing, you mean that it is small or of poor quality. □ It hasn't been much of a holiday.


16 PHRASE So much for is used to indicate that you have finished talking about a subject. [SPOKEN ] □ Well, so much for the producers. But what of the consumers?


17 PHRASE If you say so much for a particular thing, you mean that it has not been successful or helpful. [INFORMAL ] □ He has spent 19 million pounds, lost three cup finals and been relegated. So much for money.


18 PHRASE If you say that something is not so much one thing as another, you mean that it is more like the second thing than the first. □ I don't really think of her as a daughter so much as a very good friend.


19 PHRASE If you say that someone did not do so much as perform a particular action, you are emphasizing that they did not even do that, when you were expecting them to do more. [EMPHASIS ] □ I didn't so much as catch sight of him all day long.


20 PHRASE You use so much so to indicate that your previous statement is true to a very great extent, and therefore it has the result mentioned. □ He himself believed in freedom, so much so that he would rather die than live without it.


21 PHRASE If a situation or action is too much for you, it is so difficult, tiring, or upsetting that you cannot cope with it. □ [+ for ] His inability to stay at one job for long had finally proved too much for her.


22 PHRASE You use very much to emphasize that someone or something has a lot of a particular quality, or that the description you are about to give is particularly accurate. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a man very much in charge of himself.


23 a bit much → see bit


24 not up to much → see up ➋ USAGE much


1 You don’t usually use ‘much’ as an object pronoun in positive sentences. Instead you use a lot . For example, don’t say ‘ He knows much about butterflies ’. Say ‘He knows a lot about butterflies’. □ She talks a lot about music.


2 In positive sentences, don’t use 'much' without 'very'. Don’t say, for example, ‘ I enjoyed it much ’ or ‘ We much agree ’ Say ‘I enjoyed it very much ’ or ‘We very much agree’.

much- /mʌ tʃ-/ COMB Much- combines with past participles to form adjectives which emphasize the intensity of the specified state or action. [EMPHASIS ] □ I'm having a much-needed rest. □ …a much-improved version of last season's model.

mu ch-mali gned ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as much-maligned , you mean that they are often criticized by people, but you think the criticism is unfair or exaggerated because they have good qualities too. □ I'm happy for James. He's a much-maligned player but has tremendous spirit.

mu ch-tra velled in AM, use much-traveled ADJ A much-travelled person has travelled a lot in foreign countries.

muck /mʌ k/ (mucks , mucking , mucked ) N‑UNCOUNT Muck is dirt or some other unpleasant substance. [INFORMAL ] □ This congealed muck was interfering with the filter.


▸ muck around in BRIT, also use muck about 1 PHRASAL VERB If you muck around or muck about , you behave in a childish or silly way, often so that you waste your time and fail to achieve anything. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] We do not want people of his age mucking around risking people's lives. □ [V P prep/adv] He'd spent his boyhood summers mucking about in boats.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you muck around with or muck about with something, you alter it, often making it worse than it was. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V P + with ] The president's wife doesn't muck around with policy or sit in on Cabinet meetings.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you muck someone around or muck them about , you treat them badly, for example by not being honest with them or by continually changing plans which affect them. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] He does not tolerate anyone who mucks him about.


▸ muck in PHRASAL VERB If someone mucks in , they join in with an activity or help other people with a job and do not consider themselves to be too important to do it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] Course residents are expected to muck in and be prepared to share rooms. □ [V P + with ] She mucked in with the chores and did her own washing and ironing. [Also V P together ]


▸ muck up PHRASAL VERB If you muck up or muck something up , you do something very badly so that you fail to achieve what you wanted to. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] I mucked up at the 13th hole and told myself that this was getting stupid. □ [V P n] He really has mucked up his chances. [Also V n P ]

mu ck-raking also muckraking N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of muck-raking , you are criticizing them for finding and spreading unpleasant or embarrassing information about someone, especially a public figure. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Prime Minister accused opposition leaders of muck-raking.

mucky /mʌ ki/ (muckier , muckiest ) ADJ Something that is mucky is very dirty. [INFORMAL ]

mu|cous mem|brane /mjuː kəs me mbre I n/ (mucous membranes ) N‑COUNT A mucous membrane is skin that produces mucus to prevent itself from becoming dry. It covers delicate parts of the body such as the inside of your nose. [TECHNICAL ]

mu|cus /mjuː kəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Mucus is a thick liquid that is produced in some parts of your body, for example the inside of your nose.

mud /mʌ d/ N‑UNCOUNT Mud is a sticky mixture of earth and water. □ His uniform was crumpled, untidy, splashed with mud.

mud|dle /mʌ d ə l/ (muddles , muddling , muddled )


1 N‑VAR [oft in/into a N ] If people or things are in a muddle , they are in a state of confusion or disorder. □ My thoughts are all in a muddle. □ [+ of ] …a general muddle of pencils and boxes.

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