smooth: …a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth.


2


pliable: As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.


flexible: …brushes with long, flexible bristles.


spongy: The earth was spongy from rain.

soft|back /sɒ ftbæk/ N‑SING [oft in N ] A softback is a book with a thin cardboard, paper, or plastic cover. [BRIT ] □ This title was a best seller and is now available in softback. in AM, use softcover

soft|ball /sɒ ftbɔːl, [AM ] sɔː ft-/ (softballs )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Softball is a game similar to baseball, but played with a larger, softer ball.


2 N‑COUNT A softball is the ball used in the game of softball.

so ft-boi led ADJ A soft-boiled egg is one that has been boiled for only a few minutes, so that the yellow part is still liquid.

so ft-core also softcore ADJ [ADJ n] Soft-core pornography shows or describes sex, but not very violent or unpleasant sex, or not in a very detailed way. Compare hard-core .

soft|cover /sɒ ftkʌvə r / (softcovers ) also soft-cover N‑COUNT [oft N n, in N ] A softcover is a book with a thin cardboard, paper, or plastic cover. Compare hardcover . [AM ] □ …this set of 6 softcover books. in BRIT, use softback

so ft dri nk (soft drinks ) N‑COUNT A soft drink is a cold, non-alcoholic drink such as lemonade or fruit juice, or a fizzy drink.

sof|ten /sɒ f ə n, [AM ] sɔː f-/ (softens , softening , softened )


1 VERB If you soften something or if it softens , it becomes less hard, stiff, or firm. □ [V n] Soften the butter mixture in a small saucepan. □ [V ] Fry for about 4 minutes, until the onion has softened.


2 VERB If one thing softens the damaging effect of another thing, it makes the effect less severe. □ [V n] There were also pledges to soften the impact of the subsidy cuts on the poorer regions. □ [V n] He could not think how to soften the blow of what he had to tell her.


3 VERB If you soften your position, if your position softens , or if you soften , you become more sympathetic and less hostile or critical towards someone or something. □ [V n] The letter shows no sign that the Americans have softened their position. □ [V ] His party's policy has softened a lot in recent years. □ [V ] Livy felt herself soften towards Caroline.


4 VERB If your voice or expression softens or if you soften it, it becomes much more gentle and friendly. □ [V ] All at once, Mick's serious expression softened into a grin. □ [V n] She did not smile or soften her voice.


5 VERB If you soften something such as light, a colour, or a sound, you make it less bright or harsh. □ [V n] Stark concrete walls have been softened by a show of fresh flowers.


6 VERB Something that softens your skin makes it very smooth and pleasant to touch. □ [V n] …products designed to moisturize and soften the skin.


▸ soften up PHRASAL VERB If you soften someone up, you put them into a good mood before asking them to do something. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] If they'd treated you well it was just to soften you up. [Also V P n]

sof|ten|er /sɒ fənə r , [AM ] sɔː f-/ (softeners )


1 N‑COUNT A water softener is a device or substance which removes certain minerals, for example calcium, from water, so that it makes bubbles easily when you use soap to wash things.


2 N‑VAR A fabric softener is a chemical substance that you add to water when you wash clothes in order to make the clothes feel softer.

so ft fo |cus N‑UNCOUNT If something in a photograph or film is in soft focus , it has been made slightly unclear to give it a more romantic effect. □ The photo of her in the magazine was taken in soft focus and flattering light.

so ft frui t (soft fruits ) N‑VAR Soft fruits are small fruits with soft skins, such as strawberries and currants. [BRIT ] in AM, use berries

so ft fu r|nish|ings N‑PLURAL Soft furnishings are cushions, curtains, and furniture covers. [BRIT ] in AM, use soft goods

so ft goo ds N‑PLURAL Soft goods are the same as soft furnishings . [AM ]

so ft-hea rted ADJ Someone who is soft-hearted has a very sympathetic and kind nature.

softie /sɒ fti/ (softies ) also softy N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a softie , you mean that they are very emotional or that they can easily be made to feel sympathy towards other people. [INFORMAL ] □ He's just a big softie.

so ft la nd|ing (soft landings ) N‑COUNT In economics, a soft landing is a situation in which the economy stops growing but this does not produce a recession.

so ft loa n (soft loans ) N‑COUNT A soft loan is a loan with a very low interest rate. Soft loans are usually made to developing countries or to businesses in developing countries. [BUSINESS ]

so ftly-so ftly also softly, softly ADJ [ADJ n] A softly-softly approach to something is cautious and patient and avoids direct action or force. [BRIT ] □ …the government's softly, softly approach to the prison protest.

so ft-pe dal (soft-pedals , soft-pedalling , soft-pedalled ) in AM, use soft-pedaling , soft-pedaled VERB If you soft-pedal something, you deliberately reduce the amount of activity or pressure that you have been using to get something done or seen. □ [V n] He refused to soft-pedal an investigation into the scandal. [Also V + on ]

so ft po rn N‑UNCOUNT Soft porn is pornography that shows or describes sex, but not very violent or unpleasant sex, or not in a very detailed way.

so ft se ll also soft-sell N‑SING A soft sell is a method of selling or advertising that involves persuading people in a gentle way rather than putting a lot of pressure on people to buy things. [BUSINESS ] □ I think more customers probably prefer a soft sell.

so ft shou l|der (soft shoulders ) N‑COUNT On a busy road such as a freeway, the soft shoulder is the area at the side of the road where vehicles are allowed to stop in an emergency. [AM ] in BRIT, use hard shoulder

so ft ski lls N‑PLURAL Soft skills are interpersonal skills such as the ability to communicate well with other people and to work in a team.

so ft-soa p (soft-soaps , soft-soaping , soft-soaped ) VERB If you soft-soap someone, you flatter them or tell them what you think they want to hear in order to try and persuade them to do something. □ [V n] The government is not soft-soaping the voters here.

so ft-spo ken ADJ Someone who is soft-spoken has a quiet, gentle voice. □ He was a gentle, soft-spoken intelligent man.

so ft to y (soft toys ) N‑COUNT Soft toys are toys that are made of cloth filled with a soft material and which look like animals. [BRIT ] in AM, use stuffed animal , stuffed toy

soft|ware ◆◇◇ /sɒ ftweə r , [AM ] sɔː f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Computer programs are referred to as software . Compare hardware . [COMPUTING ] □ …the people who write the software for big computer projects. COLLOCATIONS software NOUN


verb + software : download, install, load; develop; update


adjective + software : antivirus; malicious; sophisticated


noun + software : computer; gaming; proprietary; open-source

soft|wood /sɒ ftwʊd, [AM ] sɔː ft-/ (softwoods ) N‑VAR Softwood is the wood from trees such as pines, that grow quickly and can be cut easily.

softy /sɒ fti, [AM ] sɔː fti/ → see softie

sog|gy /sɒ gi/ (soggier , soggiest ) ADJ Something that is soggy is unpleasantly wet. □ …soggy cheese sandwiches.

soi|gnée /swɑː nje I , [AM ] -je I / The spelling soigné is also used when referring to a man. ADJ If you describe a person as soignée , you mean that they are very elegant. [FORMAL ] □ …looking very soignée in black.

soil ◆◇◇ /sɔ I l/ (soils , soiling , soiled )


1 N‑VAR Soil is the substance on the surface of the earth in which plants grow. □ We have the most fertile soil in Europe. □ …regions with sandy soils.


2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use soil in expressions like British soil to refer to a country's territory. □ The issue of foreign troops on Turkish soil is a sensitive one.


3 VERB If you soil something, you make it dirty. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Young people don't want to do things that soil their hands. □ [V n] He raised his eyes slightly as though her words might somehow soil him. ● soiled ADJ □ …a soiled white apron.

soi|ree /swɑː re I , [AM ] swɑːre I / (soirees ) also soirée N‑COUNT A soiree is a social gathering held in the evening. [FORMAL ]

so|journ /sɒ dʒɜː r n, [AM ] soʊ dʒ-/ (sojourns ) N‑COUNT A sojourn is a short stay in a place that is not your home. [LITERARY ]

sol|ace /sɒ l I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Solace is a feeling of comfort that makes you feel less sad. [FORMAL ] □ I found solace in writing when my father died three years ago.

so|lar /soʊ lə r /


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Solar is used to describe things relating to the sun. □ A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Solar power is obtained from the sun's light and heat.

so |lar ce ll (solar cells ) N‑COUNT A solar cell is a device that produces electricity from the sun's rays.

so|lar|ium /soʊleə riəm/ (solariums ) N‑COUNT A solarium is a place equipped with special lamps, where you can go to get an artificial suntan.

so|lar plex|us /soʊ lə r ple ksəs/ N‑SING Your solar plexus is the part of your stomach, below your ribs, where it is painful if you are hit hard.

so |lar sys|tem (solar systems ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The solar system is the sun and all the planets that go round it.

sold /soʊ ld/ Sold is the past tense and past participle of sell .

sol|der /soʊ ldə r , [AM ] sɑː də r / (solders , soldering , soldered )


1 VERB If you solder two pieces of metal together, you join them by melting a small piece of soft metal and putting it between them so that it holds them together after it has cooled. □ [V n] Fewer workers are needed to solder circuit boards. [Also V ]


2 N‑UNCOUNT Solder is the soft metal used for soldering.

so l|der|ing iron (soldering irons ) N‑COUNT A soldering iron is a tool used to solder things together.

sol|dier ◆◆◇ /soʊ ldʒə r / (soldiers , soldiering , soldiered ) N‑COUNT A soldier is a person who works in an army, especially a person who is not an officer.


▸ soldier on PHRASAL VERB If you soldier on at something, you continue to do it although it is difficult or unpleasant. □ [V P ] The government has soldiered on as if nothing were wrong. COLLOCATIONS soldier NOUN 1


noun + soldier : rebel; toy


adjective + soldier : dead, injured, wounded; brave, loyal


verb + soldier : injure, kill, shoot, wound; capture

sol|dier|ly /soʊ ldʒə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you act in a soldierly way, you behave like a good or brave soldier. [FORMAL ] □ There was a great deal of soldierly good fellowship.

sol|diery /soʊ ldʒəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Soldiery is a group or body of soldiers. [LITERARY ] □ …the distant shouts and songs of the drunken soldiery.

so ld ou t


1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a performance, sports event, or other entertainment is sold out , all the tickets for it have been sold. □ The premiere on Monday is sold out.


2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a shop is sold out of something, it has sold all of it that it had. □ [+ of ] The stores are sometimes sold out of certain groceries.


3 → see also sell out

sole /soʊ l/ (soles )


1 ADJ [ADJ n] The sole thing or person of a particular type is the only one of that type. □ Their sole aim is to destabilize the Indian government.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have sole charge or ownership of something, you are the only person in charge of it or who owns it. □ Many women are left as the sole providers in families after their husband has died. □ Chief Hart had sole control over that fund.


3 N‑COUNT The sole of your foot or of a shoe or sock is the underneath surface of it. □ …shoes with rubber soles. □ He had burned the sole of his foot.


4 N‑COUNT A sole is a kind of flat fish that you can eat. ● N‑UNCOUNT Sole is this fish eaten as food.

-soled /-soʊld/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -soled combines with adjectives and nouns to form adjectives which describe shoes with a particular kind of sole. □ The lad was wearing rubber-soled shoes.

sole|ly /soʊ lli/ ADV [ADV with v] If something involves solely one thing, it involves only this thing and no others. □ She insisted that she was solely responsible for what had happened.

sol|emn /sɒ ləm/


1 ADJ Someone or something that is solemn is very serious rather than cheerful or humorous. □ His solemn little face broke into smiles. □ He looked solemn. ● so|lem|nity /səle mn I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The setting for this morning's signing ceremony matched the solemnity of the occasion.


2 ADJ A solemn promise or agreement is one that you make in a very formal, sincere way. □ …a solemn pledge that he would never remarry.

so le pro|pri |etor (sole proprietors ) N‑COUNT The sole proprietor of a business is the owner of the business, when it is owned by only one person. [BUSINESS ] □ …a firm of solicitors of which he was the sole proprietor.

so le tra d|er (sole traders ) N‑COUNT A sole trader is a person who owns their own business and does not have a partner or any shareholders. [BUSINESS ] □ Finance for a sole trader usually comes from the individual's own savings.

so|lic|it /səl I s I t/ (solicits , soliciting , solicited )


1 VERB If you solicit money, help, support, or an opinion from someone, you ask them for it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He's already solicited their support on health care reform. □ [V n + from ] No tuition was charged by the school, which solicited contributions from the society's members.


2 VERB When prostitutes solicit , they offer to have sex with people in return for money. □ [V ] Prostitutes were forbidden to solicit on public roads and in public places. ● so|lic|it|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Girls could get very heavy sentences for soliciting–nine months or more.

so|lici|ta|tion /səl I s I te I ʃ ə n/ (solicitations ) N‑VAR Solicitation is the act of asking someone for money, help, support, or an opinion. [mainly AM ] □ [+ of ] Republican leaders are making open solicitation of the Italian-American vote.

so|lici|tor ◆◇◇ /səl I s I tə r / (solicitors )


1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a solicitor is a lawyer who gives legal advice, prepares legal documents and cases, and represents clients in the lower courts of law. Compare barrister .


2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a solicitor is the chief lawyer in a government or city department.

So|li ci|tor Ge n|er|al also solicitor-general N‑SING ; N‑TITLE The Solicitor General in Britain or the United States, or in an American state, is the second most important legal officer, next in rank below an Attorney General.

so|lici|tous /səl I s I təs/ ADJ A person who is solicitous shows anxious concern for someone or something. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] He was so solicitous of his guests. ● so|lici|tous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ He took her hand in greeting and asked solicitously how everything was.

so|lici|tude /səl I s I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Solicitude is anxious concern for someone. [FORMAL ] □ He is full of tender solicitude towards my sister.

sol|id ◆◇◇ /sɒ l I d/ (solids )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A solid substance or object stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not. □ …the potential of greatly reducing our solid waste problem. □ He did not eat solid food for several weeks.


2 N‑COUNT A solid is a substance that stays the same shape whether it is in a container or not. □ Solids turn to liquids at certain temperatures. □ …the decomposition of solids.


3 ADJ A substance that is solid is very hard or firm. □ The snow had melted, but the lake was still frozen solid. □ The concrete will stay as solid as a rock.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A solid object or mass does not have a space inside it, or holes or gaps in it. □ …a tunnel carved through 50ft of solid rock. □ …a solid mass of colour. □ The car park was absolutely packed solid with people.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] If an object is made of solid gold or solid wood, for example, it is made of gold or wood all the way through, rather than just on the outside. □ …solid wood doors. □ …solid pine furniture.


6 ADJ A structure that is solid is strong and is not likely to collapse or fall over. □ Banks are built to look solid to reassure their customers. □ The car feels very solid. ● sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Their house, which was solidly built, resisted the main shock. ● so|lid|ity /səl I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the solidity of walls and floors.


7 ADJ If you describe someone as solid , you mean that they are very reliable and respectable. [APPROVAL ] □ Mr Zuma had a solid reputation as a grass roots organiser. ● sol|id|ly ADV □ Graham is so solidly consistent. ● so|lid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ He had the proverbial solidity of the English.


8 ADJ Solid evidence or information is reliable because it is based on facts. □ We don't have good solid information on where the people are. □ He has a solid alibi.


9 ADJ You use solid to describe something such as advice or a piece of work which is useful and reliable. □ The CIU provides churches with solid advice on a wide range of subjects. □ All I am looking for is a good solid performance. ● sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She's played solidly throughout the spring.


10 ADJ You use solid to describe something such as the basis for a policy or support for an organization when it is strong, because it has been developed carefully and slowly. □ …Washington's attempt to build a solid international coalition. ● sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ This district is solidly Republican. □ So far, majority public opinion is solidly behind the government. ● so|lid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …doubts over the solidity of European backing for the American approach.


11 ADJ [ADJ n, -ed ADJ ] If you do something for a solid period of time, you do it without any pause or interruption throughout that time. □ We had worked together for two solid years. ● sol|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Dan has worked solidly at his music since his teens.


12 → see also rock-solid SYNONYMS solid ADJ 4


firm: Fruit should be firm and in excellent condition.


hard: He shuffled his feet on the hard wooden floor.


compact: He looked physically very powerful, athletic in a compact way.


dense: …a small dense star.

soli|dar|ity /sɒ l I dæ r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If a group of people show solidarity , they show support for each other or for another group, especially in political or international affairs. □ [+ with ] Supporters want to march tomorrow to show solidarity with their leaders.

so l|id fu el (solid fuels ) N‑VAR Solid fuel is fuel such as coal or wood, that is solid rather than liquid or gas. [BRIT ]

so|lidi|fy /səl I d I fa I / (solidifies , solidifying , solidified )


1 VERB When a liquid solidifies or is solidified , it changes into a solid. □ [V ] The thicker lava would have taken two weeks to solidify. □ [V n] They plan to solidify the waste in a high-tech factory. □ [V -ed] …a frying-pan full of solidified fat.


2 VERB If something such as a position or opinion solidifies , or if something solidifies it, it becomes firmer and more definite and unlikely to change. □ [V ] Her attitudes solidified through privilege and habit. □ [V n] …his attempt to solidify his position as chairman.

so lid-sta te ADJ [ADJ n] Solid-state electronic equipment is made using transistors or silicon chips, instead of valves or other mechanical parts. [TECHNICAL ]

so|lilo|quy /səl I ləkwi/ (soliloquies ) N‑COUNT A soliloquy is a speech in a play in which an actor or actress speaks to himself or herself and to the audience, rather than to another actor.

soli|taire /sɒ l I teə r / (solitaires )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Solitaire is a game for one person in which you move and remove objects on a board, with the aim of having one object left at the end of the game.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Solitaire is a card game for only one player. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use patience 3 N‑COUNT A solitaire is a diamond or other jewel that is set on its own in a ring or other piece of jewellery.

soli|tary /sɒ l I tri, [AM ] -teri/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A person or animal that is solitary spends a lot of time alone. □ Paul was a shy, pleasant, solitary man. □ They often have a lonely and solitary life to lead.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] A solitary activity is one that you do alone. □ His evenings were spent in solitary drinking.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A solitary person or object is alone, with no others near them. □ …the occasional solitary figure making a study of wildflowers or grasses.

so li|tary con|fi ne|ment N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] A prisoner who is in solitary confinement is being kept alone away from all other prisoners, usually as a punishment. □ Last night he was being held in solitary confinement in Douglas jail.

soli|tude /sɒ l I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Solitude is the state of being alone, especially when this is peaceful and pleasant. □ He enjoyed his moments of solitude before the pressures of the day began.

solo /soʊ loʊ/ (solos )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use solo to indicate that someone does something alone rather than with other people. □ He had just completed his final solo album. □ She had long since quit the band for a solo career. ● ADV [ADV after v] Solo is also an adverb. □ Charles Lindbergh became the very first person to fly solo across the Atlantic.


2 N‑COUNT A solo is a piece of music or a dance performed by one person. □ The original version featured a guitar solo.

so|lo|ist /soʊ loʊ I st/ (soloists ) N‑COUNT A soloist is a musician or dancer who performs a solo.

sol|stice /sɒ lst I s/ (solstices ) N‑COUNT The summer solstice is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight, and the winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight.

sol|uble /sɒ ljʊb ə l/


1 ADJ A substance that is soluble will dissolve in a liquid. □ Uranium is soluble in sea water.


2 COMB If something is water-soluble or fat-soluble , it will dissolve in water or in fat. □ The red dye on the leather is water-soluble. □ …fat-soluble vitamins.

so|lu|tion ◆◆◇ /səluː ʃ ə n/ (solutions )


1 N‑COUNT A solution to a problem or difficult situation is a way of dealing with it so that the difficulty is removed. □ Although he has sought to find a peaceful solution, he is facing pressure to use military force. □ [+ to ] …the ability to sort out simple, effective solutions to practical problems.


2 N‑COUNT The solution to a puzzle is the answer to it. □ [+ to ] …the solution to crossword No. 19721.


3 N‑COUNT A solution is a liquid in which a solid substance has been dissolved. □ …a warm solution of liquid detergent. COLLOCATIONS solution NOUN 1


adjective + solution : ideal, obvious, possible, simple; long-term, peaceful, practical


verb + solution : find, need, seek; offer, propose, provide SYNONYMS solution NOUN 1


resolution: …in order to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.


answer: Prison is not the answer for most young offenders.


key: The key to success is to be ready from the start.

solve ◆◇◇ /sɒ lv/ (solves , solving , solved ) VERB If you solve a problem or a question, you find a solution or an answer to it. □ [V n] Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve the problem of unemployment.

sol|ven|cy /sɒ lv ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT A person or organization's solvency is their ability to pay their debts. [BUSINESS ]

sol|vent /sɒ lv ə nt/ (solvents )


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person or a company is solvent , they have enough money to pay all their debts. [BUSINESS ] □ They're going to have to show that the company is now solvent.


2 N‑VAR A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve other substances. □ …a small amount of cleaning solvent. □ …industrial solvents.

so l|vent abuse N‑UNCOUNT Solvent abuse is the dangerous practice of breathing in the gases from substances such as glue in order to feel as if you are drunk. [BRIT , FORMAL ]

som|bre /sɒ mbə r / in AM, use somber 1 ADJ If someone is sombre , they are serious or sad. □ The pair were in sombre mood. □ His expression became increasingly sombre.


2 ADJ Sombre colours and places are dark and dull. □ …a worried official in sombre black.

som|brero /sɒmbreə roʊ/ (sombreros ) N‑COUNT A sombrero is a hat with a very wide brim which is worn especially in Mexico.

some ◆◆◆ /səm, STRONG sʌm/


1 DET You use some to refer to a quantity of something or to a number of people or things, when you are not stating the quantity or number precisely. □ Robin opened some champagne. □ He went to fetch some books. □ Some children refuse to eat at all and others overeat. ● PRON Some is also a pronoun. □ Our apples are ripe. We're going out this morning with step-ladders to pick some.


2 DET You use some to emphasize that a quantity or number is fairly large. For example, if an activity takes some time, it takes quite a lot of time. [EMPHASIS ] □ The question of local government finance has been the subject of debate for some years. □ I have discussed this topic in some detail. □ He remained silent for some time. □ It took some effort to conceal her relief.


3 DET You use some to emphasize that a quantity or number is fairly small. For example, if something happens to some extent, it happens a little. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Isn't there some chance that William might lead a normal life?' asked Jill. □ All mothers share to some extent in the tension of a wedding. □ Some fishing is still allowed, but limits have been imposed on the size of the catch.


4 QUANT If you refer to some of the people or things in a group, you mean a few of them but not all of them. If you refer to some of a particular thing, you mean a part of it but not all of it. □ Some of the people already in work will lose their jobs. □ Remove the cover and spoon some of the sauce into a bowl. □ Some of us are sensitive to smells, others find colours easier to remember. ● PRON Some is also a pronoun. □ When the chicken is cooked I'll freeze some.


5 DET If you refer to some person or thing, you are referring to that person or thing but in a vague way, without stating precisely which person or thing you mean. [VAGUENESS ] □ If you are worried about some aspect of your child's health, call us. □ She always thinks some guy is going to come along and fix her life.


6 ADV You can use some in front of a number to indicate that it is approximate. [VAGUENESS ] □ I have kept birds for some 30 years. □ He waited some 80 to 100 yards from the big pink villa.


7 ADV [ADV after v] Some is used to mean to a small extent or degree. [AM ] □ If Susanne is off somewhere, I'll kill time by looking around some.


8 DET You can use some in front of a noun in order to express your approval or disapproval of the person or thing you are mentioning. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ 'Some party!'—'Yep. One hell of a party.' USAGE some


Don’t use ‘some’ in negative sentences. Use any . You can use any in front of a plural or uncountable noun. For example, don't say ' We made this without some help .' Say 'We made this without any help.' □ I don’t have any plans for the summer holidays.

some|body ◆◆◇ /sʌ mbədi, [AM ] -bɑːdi/ PRON Somebody means the same as someone .

so me day also someday ADV [ADV with v] Some day means at a date in the future that is unknown or that has not yet been decided. □ Some day I'll be a pilot.

some|how ◆◇◇ /sʌ mhaʊ/


1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You use somehow to say that you do not know or cannot say how something was done or will be done. □ We'll manage somehow, you and me. I know we will. □ Somehow Karin managed to cope with the demands of her career. □ Somehow I knew he would tell me the truth.


2 somehow or other → see other

some|one ◆◆◇ /sʌ mwʌn/ or somebody


1 PRON You use someone or somebody to refer to a person without saying exactly who you mean. □ Her father was shot by someone trying to rob his small retail store. □ I need someone to help me. □ If somebody asks me how my diet is going, I say, 'Fine'.


2 PRON If you say that a person is someone or somebody in a particular kind of work or in a particular place, you mean that they are considered to be important in that kind of work or in that place. □ 'Before she came around,' she says, 'I was somebody in this town'. USAGE someone


You don’t usually use ‘someone’ or ‘somebody’ as part of the object of a negative sentence. Don’t say, for example, ' I don’t know someone who lives in York ’. You say ‘I don’t know anyone who lives in York’. □ There wasn’t anyone there.

some|place /sʌ mple I s/ ADV [ADV after v] Someplace means the same as somewhere . [AM ] □ Maybe if we could go someplace together, just you and I.

som|er|sault /sʌ mə r sɔːlt/ (somersaults , somersaulting , somersaulted )


1 N‑COUNT If someone or something does a somersault , they turn over completely in the air.


2 VERB If someone or something somersaults , they perform one or more somersaults. □ [V prep] I hit him back and he somersaulted down the stairs.

some|thing ◆◆◆ /sʌ mθ I ŋ/


1 PRON You use something to refer to a thing, situation, event, or idea, without saying exactly what it is. □ He realized right away that there was something wrong. □ There was something vaguely familiar about him. □ The garden was something special. □ 'You said there was something you wanted to ask me,' he said politely. □ There was something in her attitude that bothered him.


2 PRON You can use something to say that the description or amount that you are giving is not exact. □ Clive made a noise, something like a grunt. □ There was something around a thousand dollars in the office strong box. □ Their membership seems to have risen to something over 10,000.


3 PRON If you say that a person or thing is something or is really something , you mean that you are very impressed by them. [INFORMAL ] □ The doors here are really something, all made of good wood like mahogany.


4 PRON You can use something in expressions like ' that's something ' when you think that a situation is not very good but is better that it might have been. □ Well, at least he was in town. That was something.


5 PRON If you say that a thing is something of a disappointment, you mean that it is quite disappointing. If you say that a person is something of an artist, you mean that they are quite good at art. □ The city proved to be something of a disappointment. □ It was something of a surprise that he was in New York.


6 PRON If you say that there is something in an idea or suggestion, you mean that it is quite good and should be considered seriously. □ Christianity has stood the test of time, so there must be something in it. □ Could there be something in what he said?


7 PRON You use something in expressions such as ' or something ' and ' or something like that ' to indicate that you are referring to something similar to what you have just mentioned but you are not being exact. [VAGUENESS ] □ This guy, his name was Briarly or Beardly or something. □ The air fare was about a hundred and ninety-nine pounds or something like that.


8 something like → see like ➌ USAGE something


Don’t use ‘something’ in negative sentences. Instead, use anything . □ He never seemed to do anything at all.

-something /-sʌmθ I ŋ/ (-somethings ) COMB -something is combined with numbers such as twenty and thirty to form adjectives which indicate an approximate amount, especially someone's age. For example, if you say that someone is thirty-something , you mean they are between thirty and forty years old.

some|time /sʌ mta I m/ ADV [ADV with v] You use sometime to refer to a time in the future or the past that is unknown or that has not yet been decided. □ The sales figures won't be released until sometime next month. □ Why don't you come and see me sometime?

some|times ◆◆◇ /sʌ mta I mz/ ADV [ADV with v] You use sometimes to say that something happens on some occasions rather than all the time. □ During the summer, my skin sometimes gets greasy. □ Sometimes I think he dislikes me. □ You must have noticed how tired he sometimes looks. □ Other people's jobs were exactly the same–sometimes good, sometimes bad.

some|what ◆◇◇ /sʌ m h wɒt/ ADV You use somewhat to indicate that something is the case to a limited extent or degree. [FORMAL ] □ He explained somewhat unconvincingly that the company was paying for everything. □ Although his relationship with his mother had improved somewhat, he was still depressed. SYNONYMS somewhat ADV


rather: The reality is rather more complex.


quite: I felt quite bitter about it at the time.


fairly: Both ships are fairly new.


pretty: Pretty soon after my arrival I found lodgings.

some|where ◆◇◇ /sʌ m h weə r /


1 ADV [ADV after v, ADV with be , from ADV ] You use somewhere to refer to a place without saying exactly where you mean. □ I've got a feeling I've seen him before somewhere. □ I'm not going home yet. I have to go somewhere else first. □ 'Perhaps we can talk somewhere privately,' said Kesler. □ Somewhere in Ian's room were some of the letters that she had sent him. □ I needed somewhere to live in London.


2 ADV You use somewhere when giving an approximate amount, number, or time. □ Caray is somewhere between 73 and 80 years of age. □ The W.H.O. safety standard for ozone levels is somewhere about a hundred.


3 PHRASE If you say that you are getting somewhere , you mean that you are making progress towards achieving something. □ At last they were agreeing, at last they were getting somewhere. USAGE somewhere


Don’t use ‘somewhere’ in negative sentences. Use anywhere . □ I haven’t got anywhere to live.

som|no|lent /sɒ mnəl ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you are somnolent , you feel sleepy. [FORMAL ] □ The sedative makes people very somnolent.

son ◆◆◆ /sʌ n/ (sons )


1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's son is their male child. □ He shared a pizza with his son Laurence. □ Sam is the seven-year-old son of Eric Davies. □ They have a son.


2 N‑COUNT [with poss] A man, especially a famous man, can be described as a son of the place he comes from. [JOURNALISM ] □ …New Orleans's most famous son, Louis Armstrong. □ …sons of Africa.


3 N‑COUNT Some people use son as a form of address when they are showing kindness or affection to a boy or a man who is younger than them. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ Don't be frightened by failure, son.

so|nar /soʊ nɑː r / (sonars ) N‑VAR Sonar is equipment on a ship which can calculate the depth of the sea or the position of an underwater object using sound waves.

so|na|ta /sənɑː tə/ (sonatas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A sonata is a piece of classical music written either for a single instrument, or for one instrument and a piano.

son et lu|mi|ère /sɒ n e I luː mieə r / N‑SING Son et lumière is an entertainment which is held at night in an old building such as a castle. A person describes the history of the place, and at the same time different parts of the building are brightly lit and music is played.

song ◆◆◇ /sɒ ŋ, [AM ] sɔː ŋ/ (songs )


1 N‑COUNT A song is words sung to a tune. □ …a voice singing a Spanish song. □ …a love song.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Song is the art of singing. □ …dance, music, mime and song. □ …the history of American popular song.


3 N‑COUNT A bird's song is the pleasant, musical sounds that it makes. □ It's been a long time since I heard a blackbird's song in the evening.


4 → see also birdsong , song and dance , songbird , swan song


5 PHRASE If someone bursts into song or breaks into song , they start singing. □ I feel as if I should break into song. COLLOCATIONS song NOUN 1


noun + song : hit, love, pop, protest


adjective + song : catchy, favourite; classic, popular, traditional


verb + song : play, perform, sing; record, release, write

so ng and da nce


1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A song and dance act is a performance in which a person or group of people sing and dance.


2 PHRASE If you say that someone is making a song and dance about something, you mean they are making an unnecessary fuss about it. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He used his money to help others–but he never made a song and dance about it.

song|bird /sɒ ŋbɜː r d, [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songbirds ) also song bird N‑COUNT A songbird is a bird that produces musical sounds which are like singing. There are many different kinds of songbird.

so ng sheet (song sheets ) also songsheet N‑COUNT A song sheet is a piece of paper with the words to one or more songs printed on it. Song sheets are given to groups of people at occasions when they are expected to sing together.

song|ster /sɒ ŋstə r , [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songsters ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to a popular singer, especially a male singer, as a songster .

song|stress /sɒ ŋstrəs, [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songstresses ) N‑COUNT Journalists sometimes refer to a female popular singer as a songstress .

song|writer /sɒ ŋra I tə r , [AM ] sɔː ŋ-/ (songwriters )


1 N‑COUNT A songwriter is someone who writes the words or the music, or both, for popular songs. □ …one of rock'n'roll's greatest songwriters.


2 → see also singer-songwriter

son|ic /sɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sonic is used to describe things related to sound. [TECHNICAL ] □ He activated the door with the miniature sonic transmitter.

so n-in-law (sons-in-law ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's son-in-law is the husband of one of their children.

son|net /sɒ n I t/ (sonnets ) N‑COUNT A sonnet is a poem that has 14 lines. Each line has 10 syllables, and the poem has a fixed pattern of rhymes.

son|ny /sʌ ni/ N‑COUNT Some people address a boy or young man as sonny . [INFORMAL ] □ Well, sonny, I'll give you a bit of advice.

so n of a bi tch (sons of bitches ) also son-of-a-bitch N‑COUNT If someone is very angry with another person, or if they want to insult them, they sometimes call them a son of a bitch . [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

so|nor|ity /sənɒ r I ti, [AM ] -nɔː r-/ (sonorities ) N‑UNCOUNT The sonority of a sound is its deep, rich quality. [FORMAL ] □ The lower strings contribute a splendid richness of sonority.

so|no|rous /sɒ nərəs, [AM ] sənɔː rəs/ ADJ A sonorous sound is deep and rich. [LITERARY ] □ 'Doctor McKee?' the man called in an even, sonorous voice.

soon ◆◆◆ /suː n/ (sooner , soonest )


1 ADV [ADV with v] If something is going to happen soon , it will happen after a short time. If something happened soon after a particular time or event, it happened a short time after it. □ You'll be hearing from us very soon. □ This chance has come sooner than I expected. □ The plane was returning to the airport soon after takeoff when it burst into flames. □ Soon afterwards he left his job.


2 PHRASE If you say that something happens as soon as something else happens, you mean that it happens immediately after the other thing. □ As soon as relations improve they will be allowed to go. □ You'll never guess what happened as soon as I left my room.


3 PHRASE If you say that you would just as soon do something or you 'd just as soon do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. □ They'd just as soon I didn't know the truth. □ I'd just as soon not have to make this public. □ I'd just as soon you put that thing away. □ She'd just as soon throw your plate in your face as serve you.

soon|er /suː nə r /


1 Sooner is the comparative of soon .


2 PHRASE You say the sooner the better when you think something should be done as soon as possible. □ The kidnapper is a man we must catch and the sooner the better.


3 PHRASE If you say that something will happen sooner or later , you mean that it will happen at some time in the future, even though it might take a long time. □ Sooner or later she would be caught by the police.


4 PHRASE If you say that no sooner has one thing happened than another thing happens, you mean that the second thing happens immediately after the first thing. □ No sooner had he arrived in Rome than he was kidnapped.


5 PHRASE If you say that you would sooner do something or you 'd sooner do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. □ Ford vowed that he would sooner burn his factory to the ground than build a single vehicle for war purposes. □ I'd sooner not talk about it. □ I'd sooner he didn't know till I've talked to Pete. □ I would sooner give up sleep than miss my evening class. □ [MODAL not ] I'd sooner not, if you don't mind.

soot /sʊ t/ N‑UNCOUNT Soot is black powder which rises in the smoke from a fire and collects on the inside of chimneys. □ … a wall blackened by soot.

soothe /suː ð/ (soothes , soothing , soothed )


1 VERB If you soothe someone who is angry or upset, you make them feel calmer. □ [V n] He would take her in his arms and soothe her. □ [V n] It did not take long for the central bank to soothe investors' fears. ● sooth|ing ADJ □ Put on some nice soothing music.


2 VERB Something that soothes a part of your body where there is pain or discomfort makes the pain or discomfort less severe. □ [V n] …body lotion to soothe dry skin. ● sooth|ing ADJ □ Cold tea is very soothing for burns.

sooth|say|er /suː θse I ə r / (soothsayers ) N‑COUNT In former times, soothsayers were people who believed they could see into the future and say what was going to happen.

sooty /sʊ ti/ ADJ Something that is sooty is covered with soot. □ Their uniforms are torn and sooty.

sop /sɒ p/ (sops ) N‑COUNT You describe something as a sop to a person when they are offered something small or unimportant in order to prevent them from getting angry or causing trouble. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] This is an obvious sop to the large Irish-American audience.

so|phis|ti|cate /səf I st I ke I t/ (sophisticates ) N‑COUNT A sophisticate is someone who knows about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important.

so|phis|ti|cat|ed ◆◇◇ /səf I st I ke I t I d/


1 ADJ A sophisticated machine, device, or method is more advanced or complex than others. □ Honeybees use one of the most sophisticated communication systems of any insect. □ …a large and sophisticated new British telescope.


2 ADJ Someone who is sophisticated is comfortable in social situations and knows about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important. □ Claude was a charming, sophisticated companion.


3 ADJ A sophisticated person is intelligent and knows a lot, so that they are able to understand complicated situations. □ These people are very sophisticated observers of the foreign policy scene.

so|phis|ti|ca|tion /səf I st I ke I ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT The sophistication of machines or methods is their quality of being more advanced or complex than others. □ [+ of ] Given the sophistication of modern machines, there is little that cannot be washed at home.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Sophistication is the quality of being comfortable in social situations and knowing about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important. □ James Bond is known for his sophistication, his style and his sense of class.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Sophistication is the quality of being intelligent and knowing a lot, so that you are able to understand complicated situations. □ Growing sophistication among biotech investors presented an opportunity for a more specialist investment fund.

soph|ist|ries /sɒ f I striz/ N‑PLURAL Sophistries are clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false. [FORMAL ] □ They refuted the 'sophistries of the economists'.

soph|ist|ry /sɒ f I stri/ N‑UNCOUNT Sophistry is the practice of using clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false. [FORMAL ] □ Political selection is more dependent on sophistry and less on economic literacy.

sopho|more /sɒ fəmɔː r / (sophomores ) N‑COUNT A sophomore is a student in the second year of college or high school. [AM ]

sopo|rif|ic /sɒ pər I f I k/ ADJ Something that is soporific makes you feel sleepy. [FORMAL ] □ …the soothing, soporific effects of sitting by an open fire .

sop|ping /sɒ p I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is sopping or sopping wet is extremely wet. [INFORMAL ] □ They came back sopping wet.

sop|py /sɒ pi/ (soppier , soppiest ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as soppy , you mean that they are foolishly sentimental. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ He's constantly on the phone to his girlfriend being soppy.

so|pra|no /səprɑː noʊ, -præ n-/ (sopranos ) N‑COUNT A soprano is a woman, girl, or boy with a high singing voice. □ She was the main soprano at the Bolshoi theatre. □ …a pretty girl with a sweet soprano voice.

sor|bet /sɔː r be I , [AM ] -b I t/ (sorbets ) N‑VAR Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with fruit juice, sugar, and water. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a light lemon sorbet. in AM, use sherbet

sor|cer|er /sɔː r sərə r / (sorcerers ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a sorcerer is a person who performs magic by using the power of evil spirits.

sor|cer|ess /sɔː r sər I s/ (sorceresses ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a sorceress is a woman who performs magic by using the power of evil spirits.

sor|cery /sɔː r səri/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorcery is magic performed by using the power of evil spirits.

sor|did /sɔː r d I d/


1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as sordid , you mean that it is immoral or dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I don't want to hear the sordid details of your relationship with Sandra.


2 ADJ If you describe a place as sordid , you mean that it is dirty, unpleasant, or depressing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the attic windows of their sordid little rooms.

sore /sɔː r / (sorer , sorest , sores )


1 ADJ If part of your body is sore , it causes you pain and discomfort. □ It's years since I've had a sore throat like I did last night. □ My chest is still sore from the surgery. ● sore|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The soreness lasted for about six weeks.


2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are sore about something, you are angry and upset about it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [+ at/about ] The result is that they are now all feeling very sore at you.


3 N‑COUNT A sore is a painful place on the body where the skin is infected.


4 → see also cold sore


5 PHRASE If something is a sore point with someone, it is likely to make them angry or embarrassed if you try to discuss it. □ [+ with/for/between ] The continuing presence of American troops on Korean soil remains a very sore point with these students.


6 to stick out like a sore thumb → see thumb

sore|ly /sɔː r li/ ADV [ADV before v] Sorely is used to emphasize that a feeling such as disappointment or need is very strong. [EMPHASIS ] □ I for one was sorely disappointed. □ The new wing of the church provided sorely needed classroom space. □ He will be sorely missed.

sor|ghum /sɔː r gəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorghum is a type of corn that is grown in warm countries. Its grain can be made into flour or syrup.

so|ror|ity /sɒrɔː r I ti/ (sororities ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a sorority is a society of female university or college students.

sor|rel /sɒ rəl, [AM ] sɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorrel is a plant whose leaves have a bitter taste and are sometimes used in salads and sauces.

sor|row /sɒ roʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorrow is a feeling of deep sadness or regret. □ It was a time of great sorrow. □ Words cannot express my sorrow.

sor|row|ful /sɒ roʊfʊl/ ADJ Sorrowful means very sad. [LITERARY ] □ His father's face looked suddenly soft and sorrowful.

sor|rows /sɒ roʊz/


1 N‑PLURAL Sorrows are events or situations that cause deep sadness. □ …the joys and sorrows of everyday living.


2 to drown one's sorrows → see drown

sor|ry ◆◆◇ /sɒ ri/ (sorrier , sorriest )


1 CONVENTION You say ' Sorry ' or ' I'm sorry ' as a way of apologizing to someone for something that you have done which has upset them or caused them difficulties, or when you bump into them accidentally. [FORMULAE ] □ 'We're all talking at the same time.'—'Yeah. Sorry.' □ Sorry I took so long. □ Sorry for barging in like this. □ I'm really sorry if I said anything wrong. □ I'm sorry to call so late, but I need a favour. □ The next morning she came into my room and said she was sorry.


2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that/to-inf] If you are sorry about a situation, you feel regret, sadness, or disappointment about it. □ [+ about ] She was very sorry about all the trouble she'd caused. □ [+ about ] I'm sorry about what's happened. □ I'm sorry he's gone. □ He was sorry to see them go.


3 CONVENTION You use I'm sorry or sorry as an introduction when you are telling a person something that you do not think they will want to hear, for example when you are disagreeing with them or giving them bad news. □ No, I'm sorry, I can't agree with you. □ 'I'm sorry,' he told the real estate agent, 'but we really must go now.' □ Sorry–no baths after ten o'clock. □ I'm sorry to have to tell you that Janet West is dead.


4 PHRASE You use the expression I'm sorry to say to express regret together with disappointment or disapproval. [FEELINGS ] □ I've only done half of it, I'm sorry to say. □ This, I am sorry to say, is almost entirely wishful thinking.


5 CONVENTION You say ' I'm sorry ' to express your regret and sadness when you hear sad or unpleasant news. [FEELINGS ] □ I've heard about Mollie–I'm so sorry. □ 'I'm afraid he's ill.'—'I'm sorry to hear that.'


6 ADJ If you feel sorry for someone who is unhappy or in an unpleasant situation, you feel sympathy and sadness for them. □ [+ for ] I felt sorry for him and his colleagues–it must have been so frustrating for them. □ [+ for ] I am very sorry for the family.


7 ADJ You say that someone is feeling sorry for themselves when you disapprove of the fact that they keep thinking unhappily about their problems, rather than trying to be cheerful and positive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ for ] What he must not do is to sit around at home feeling sorry for himself.


8 CONVENTION You say ' Sorry? ' when you have not heard something that someone has said and you want them to repeat it. [FORMULAE ]


9 CONVENTION You use sorry when you correct yourself and use different words to say what you have just said, especially when what you say the second time does not use the words you would normally choose to use. □ Barcelona will be hoping to bring the trophy back to Spain–sorry, Catalonia–for the first time.


10 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone or something is in a sorry state, they are in a bad state, mentally or physically. □ The fire left Kuwait's oil industry in a sorry state.


11 better safe than sorry → see safe

sort ◆◆◆ /sɔː r t/ (sorts , sorting , sorted )


1 N‑COUNT If you talk about a particular sort of something, you are talking about a class of things that have particular features in common and that belong to a larger group of related things. □ [+ of ] What sort of school did you go to? □ [+ of ] There are so many different sorts of mushrooms available these days. □ [+ of ] He had a nice, serious sort of smile. □ [+ of ] That's just the sort of abuse that he will be investigating. □ Eddie was playing a game of some sort.


2 N‑SING You describe someone as a particular sort when you are describing their character. □ He seemed to be just the right sort for the job. □ [+ of ] She was a very vigorous sort of person. □ [+ of ] What sort of men were they?


3 VERB If you sort things, you separate them into different classes, groups, or places, for example so that you can do different things with them. □ [be V -ed + into ] The students are sorted into three ability groups. □ [V + through ] He unlatched the box and sorted through the papers. □ [V n] I sorted the laundry.


4 VERB [usu passive] If you get a problem or the details of something sorted , you do what is necessary to solve the problem or organize the details. [INFORMAL ] □ [get V -ed] I'm trying to get my script sorted.


5 PHRASE All sorts of things or people means a large number of different things or people. □ There are all sorts of animals, including bears, kangaroos, and penguins. □ Self-help groups of all sorts have been running for more than 20 years.


6 PHRASE If you describe something as a thing of sorts or as a thing of a sort , you are suggesting that the thing is of a rather poor quality or standard. □ He made a living of sorts selling pancakes from a van.


7 PHRASE You use sort of when you want to say that your description of something is not very accurate. [INFORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □ You could even order windows from a catalogue–a sort of mail order stained glass service.


8 to sort the wheat from the chaff → see chaff


9 nothing of the sort → see nothing


▸ sort out


1 PHRASAL VERB If you sort out a group of things, you separate them into different classes, groups, or places, for example so that you can do different things with them. □ [V P n] Sort out all your bills, receipts, invoices and expenses and keep detailed accounts. □ [V P n] Davina was sorting out scraps of material. □ [V P n + from ] How do we sort out fact from fiction? [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If you sort out a problem or the details of something, you do what is necessary to solve the problem or organize the details. □ [V P n] The two countries have sorted out their trade and security dispute. □ [V n P ] Have you sorted something out for tomorrow night?


3 PHRASAL VERB If you sort someone out , you make them realize that they have behaved wrongly, for example by talking to them or by punishing them. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P ] It was the older women and young mothers who sorted all the troublemakers out. □ [V P n] The crucial skill you need to develop is sorting out the parents.


4 PHRASAL VERB If you sort yourself out , you organize yourself or calm yourself so that you can act effectively and reasonably. □ [V pron-refl P ] We're in a state of complete chaos here and I need a little time to sort myself out.

sor|tie /sɔː r ti/ (sorties )


1 N‑COUNT A sortie is a brief trip away from your home base, especially a trip to an unfamiliar place. [FORMAL ] □ From here we plan several sorties into the countryside on foot.


2 N‑COUNT If a military force makes a sortie , it leaves its own position and goes briefly into enemy territory to make an attack. [FORMAL ] □ His men made a sortie to Guazatan and took a prisoner.

so rt|ing of|fice (sorting offices ) N‑COUNT A sorting office is a place where letters and parcels that have been posted are taken and sorted according to where they are being sent. [BRIT ]

SOS /e s oʊ e s/ N‑SING An SOS is a signal which indicates to other people that you are in danger and need help quickly. □ The ferry did not even have time to send out an SOS.

so -so ADJ If you say that something is so-so , you mean that it is average in quality, rather than being very good or very bad. [INFORMAL ] □ Their lunch was only so-so.

sot|to voce /sɒ toʊ voʊ tʃe I / ADV [usu ADV after v] If you say something sotto voce , you say it in a soft voice. [LITERARY ]

sou|bri|quet /soʊ br I ke I / (soubriquets ) → see sobriquet

souf|flé /suː fle I , [AM ] suːfle I / (soufflés ) also souffle N‑VAR A soufflé is a light food made from a mixture of beaten egg whites and other ingredients that is baked in the oven. It can be either sweet or savoury. □ …a superb cheese soufflé.

sought /sɔː t/ Sought is the past tense and past participle of seek .

sou ght-after ADJ Something that is sought-after is in great demand, usually because it is rare or of very good quality. □ A gold medal is the most sought-after prize in world sport.

souk /suː k/ (souks ) also suq N‑COUNT A souk is an outdoor market in a Muslim country, especially in North Africa and the Middle East.

soul ◆◇◇ /soʊ l/ (souls )


1 N‑COUNT Your soul is the part of you that consists of your mind, character, thoughts, and feelings. Many people believe that your soul continues existing after your body is dead. □ She went to pray for the soul of her late husband. □ 'I will put my heart and soul into the job,' he promises.


2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can refer to someone as a particular kind of soul when you are describing their character or condition. □ He's a jolly soul.


3 N‑SING You use soul in negative statements like not a soul to mean nobody at all. □ I've never harmed a soul in my life. □ There was not a soul there.


4 N‑UNCOUNT Soul or soul music is a type of pop music performed mainly by black American musicians. It developed from gospel and blues music and often expresses deep emotions. □ He is regarded by critics as the greatest soul singer of his generation.


5 the life and soul of the party → see life

sou l-destroying ADJ Activities or situations that are soul-destroying make you depressed, because they are boring or because there is no hope of improvement. □ Believing yourself to be in the wrong job can be soul-destroying.

sou l food N‑UNCOUNT Soul food is used to refer to the kind of food, for example corn bread, ham, and greens, that was popular with black Americans in the southern United States and is considered typical of them. [mainly AM ]

soul|ful /soʊ lfʊl/ ADJ Something that is soulful expresses deep feelings, especially sadness or love. □ …his great, soulful, brown eyes. □ …soulful music. ● soul|ful|ly ADV □ She gazed at him soulfully.

soul|less /soʊ lləs/ ADJ If you describe a thing or person as soulless , you mean that they lack human qualities and the ability to feel or produce deep feelings. □ …a clean and soulless hotel. □ …a grey and soulless existence.

sou l mate (soul mates ) also soulmate N‑COUNT A soul mate is someone with whom you share a close friendship and deep personal understanding. □ Steve and I became soul mates, near-constant companions.

sou l mu|sic N‑UNCOUNT Soul music or soul is a type of pop music performed mainly by black American musicians. It developed from gospel and blues music and often expresses deep emotions.

sou l-searching N‑UNCOUNT Soul-searching is a long and careful examination of your thoughts and feelings, especially when you are trying to make a difficult moral decision or thinking about something that has gone wrong. □ I did a lot of soul-searching, trying to find out what had gone wrong in my life.


sound


➊ NOUN AND VERB USES


➋ ADJECTIVE USES


➊ sound ◆◆◆ /saʊ nd/ (sounds , sounding , sounded )


→ Please look at categories 12 to 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 N‑COUNT A sound is something that you hear. □ Peter heard the sound of gunfire. □ Liza was so frightened she couldn't make a sound. □ There was a splintering sound as the railing gave way. □ …the sounds of children playing.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Sound is energy that travels in waves through air, water, or other substances, and can be heard. □ The aeroplane will travel at twice the speed of sound.


3 N‑SING The sound on a television, radio, or CD player is what you hear coming from the machine. Its loudness can be controlled. □ She went and turned the sound down. □ Compact discs have brought about a vast improvement in recorded sound quality.


4 N‑COUNT A singer's or band's sound is the distinctive quality of their music. □ He's got a unique sound and a unique style.


5 VERB If something such as a horn or a bell sounds or if you sound it, it makes a noise. □ [V ] The buzzer sounded in Daniel's office. □ [V n] A young man sounds the bell to start the Sunday service.


6 VERB If you sound a warning, you publicly give it. If you sound a note of caution or optimism, you say publicly that you are cautious or optimistic. □ [V n] The markets sounded a warning over a slowdown in the global economy.


7 V‑LINK When you are describing a noise, you can talk about the way it sounds . □ [V + like ] They heard what sounded like a huge explosion. □ [V adj] The creaking of the hinges sounded very loud in that silence. □ [V as if] It sounded as if he were trying to say something.


8 V‑LINK When you talk about the way someone sounds , you are describing the impression you have of them when they speak. □ [V adj] She sounded a bit worried. □ [V + like ] Murphy sounds like a child. □ [V as if] She sounded as if she really cared. □ [V n] I thought she sounded a genuinely caring and helpful person.


9 V‑LINK When you are describing your impression or opinion of something you have heard about or read about, you can talk about the way it sounds . □ [V + like ] It sounds like a wonderful idea to me, does it really work? □ [V as if] It sounds as if they might have made a dreadful mistake. □ [V adj] She decided that her doctor's advice sounded pretty good. □ [V adj] The book is not as morbid as it sounds. □ [V n] I know this sounds a crazy thing for me to ask you.


10 N‑SING You can describe your impression of something you have heard about or read about by talking about the sound of it. □ Here's a new idea we liked the sound of. □ From the sound of things, he might well be the same man.


11 → see also -sounding , sounding


12 to sound the alarm → see alarm


13 to sound the death knell → see death knell


14 safe and sound → see safe


▸ sound off PHRASAL VERB If someone sounds off , they express their opinions strongly and rather rudely without being asked. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P + about/on ] Some people sound off about something without really deciding what they think about it. [Also V P ]


▸ sound out PHRASAL VERB If you sound someone out , you question them in order to find out what their opinion is about something. □ [V P n] He is sounding out governments in the region on ways to resolve the conflict. □ [V n P ] Sound him out gradually. Make sure it is what he really wants.

➋ sound /saʊ nd/ (sounder , soundest )


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft adv ADJ ] If a structure, part of someone's body, or someone's mind is sound , it is in good condition or healthy. □ When we bought the house, it was structurally sound. □ Although the car is basically sound, I was worried about certain areas.


2 ADJ Sound advice, reasoning, or evidence is reliable and sensible. □ They are trained nutritionists who can give sound advice on diets. □ Buy a policy only from an insurance company that is financially sound. □ His reasoning is perfectly sound, but he misses the point.


3 ADJ If you describe someone's ideas as sound , you mean that you approve of them and think they are correct. [APPROVAL ] □ I am not sure that this is sound democratic practice. □ I think the idea of secularism is a very sound one.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is in a sound sleep, they are sleeping very deeply. □ She had woken me out of a sound sleep. ● ADV [ADV adj] Sound is also an adverb. □ He was lying in bed, sound asleep.


5 → see also soundly

sound|alike /saʊ ndəla I k/ (soundalikes ) also sound-alike N‑COUNT A soundalike is someone, especially a singer, whose voice resembles that of a famous person. □ …an Elvis-soundalike.

sou nd bar|ri|er N‑SING If an aircraft breaks the sound barrier , it reaches a speed that is faster than the speed of sound.

sound|bite /saʊ ndba I t/ (soundbites ) also sound bite , sound-bite N‑COUNT A soundbite is a short sentence or phrase, usually from a politician's speech, which is broadcast during a news programme.

sound|card /saʊ ndkɑː r d/ (soundcards ) N‑COUNT A soundcard is a piece of equipment which can be put into a computer so that the computer can produce music or other sounds. [COMPUTING ]

sou nd ef|fect (sound effects ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sound effects are the sounds that are created artificially to make a play more realistic, especially a radio play.

sou nd en|gi|neer (sound engineers ) N‑COUNT A sound engineer is a person who works in a recording studio or for a radio or television company, and whose job it is to alter and balance the levels of different sounds as they are recorded. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use sound mixer

sound|ing /saʊ nd I ŋ/ (soundings )


1 N‑SING The sounding of a bell or a horn is the act of causing it to make a sound. □ There were 15 minutes between the first air raid alert and the sounding of the all-clear signal.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you take soundings , you try to find out people's opinions on a subject. □ [+ of ] She will take soundings of the people's wishes before deciding on a course of action.

-sounding /-saʊnd I ŋ/


1 COMB -sounding combines with adjectives to indicate a quality that a word, phrase, or name seems to have. □ Many literary academics simply parrot a set of impressive-sounding phrases. □ …faraway places with strange-sounding names.


2 → see also high-sounding

sou nd|ing board (sounding boards ) N‑COUNT If you use someone as a sounding board , you discuss your ideas with them in order to get another opinion. □ He needed a sounding board rather than thinking alone.

sound|less /saʊ ndləs/ ADJ Something that is soundless does not make a sound. [LITERARY ] □ My bare feet were soundless over the carpet. ● sound|less|ly ADV □ Joe's lips moved soundlessly.

sound|ly /saʊ ndli/


1 ADV [ADV -ed] If someone is soundly defeated or beaten, they are severely defeated or beaten. □ Duke was soundly defeated in this month's Louisiana governor's race.


2 ADV [ADV -ed] If a decision, opinion, or statement is soundly based, there are sensible or reliable reasons behind it. [APPROVAL ] □ Changes must be soundly based in economic reality.


3 ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] If you sleep soundly , you sleep deeply and do not wake during your sleep. □ How can he sleep soundly at night? □ She was too soundly asleep to hear Stefano's return.

sou nd mix|er (sound mixers ) N‑COUNT A sound mixer is a person who works in a recording studio or for a radio or television company, and whose job it is to alter and balance the levels of different sounds as they are recorded.

sound|proof /saʊ ndpruːf/ (soundproofs , soundproofing , soundproofed ) also sound-proof


1 ADJ A soundproof room, door, or window is designed to prevent all sound from getting in or out. □ The studio isn't soundproof.


2 VERB If you soundproof a room, you line it with special materials to stop all sound from getting in or out. □ [V n] We've soundproofed our home studio.

sou nd stage (sound stages ) also sound-stage , soundstage N‑COUNT A sound stage is a stage or set which is suitable for recording sound, especially for a film.

sou nd sys|tem (sound systems ) N‑COUNT A sound system is a set of equipment for playing recorded music, or for making a band's music able to be heard by everyone at a concert.

sound|track /saʊ ndtræk/ (soundtracks ) also sound track N‑COUNT The soundtrack of a film is its sound, speech, and music. It is used especially to refer to the music.

sou nd wave (sound waves ) also soundwave N‑COUNT Sound waves are the waves of energy that we hear as sound.

soup /suː p/ (soups ) N‑VAR Soup is liquid food made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables in water. □ …home-made chicken soup.

sou p kitch|en (soup kitchens ) also soup-kitchen N‑COUNT A soup kitchen is a place where homeless people or very poor people are provided with free food.

sou p plate (soup plates ) N‑COUNT A soup plate is a deep plate with a wide edge in which soup is served.

sou p spoon (soup spoons ) N‑COUNT A soup spoon is a spoon used for eating soup. The bowl-like part at the end of it is round.

soupy /suː pi/ ADJ Soupy things are like soup or look like soup. □ …swirling soupy water.

sour /saʊə r / (sours , souring , soured )


1 ADJ Something that is sour has a sharp, unpleasant taste like the taste of a lemon. □ The stewed apple was sour even with honey.


2 → see also sweet and sour


3 ADJ Sour milk is milk that has an unpleasant taste because it is no longer fresh.


4 ADJ Someone who is sour is bad-tempered and unfriendly. □ She made a sour face in his direction. ● sour|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'Leave my mother out of it,' he said sourly.


5 ADJ If a situation or relationship turns sour or goes sour , it stops being enjoyable or satisfactory. □ Even the European dream is beginning to turn sour. □ Their songs are filled with tales of love gone sour.


6 VERB If a friendship, situation, or attitude sours or if something sours it, it becomes less friendly, enjoyable, or hopeful. □ [V n] If anything sours the relationship, it is likely to be real differences in their world-views. □ [V ] Her mood soured a little.


7 PHRASE If you refer to someone's attitude as sour grapes , you mean that they say that something is worthless or undesirable because they want it themselves but cannot have it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He should take recent criticisms seriously, not treat them as sour grapes.

source ◆◆◇ /sɔː r s/ (sources , sourcing , sourced )


1 N‑COUNT The source of something is the person, place, or thing which you get it from. □ Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical. □ Tourism, which is a major source of income for the city, may be seriously affected.


2 VERB In business, if a person or firm sources a product or a raw material, they find someone who will supply it. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] Together they travel the world, sourcing clothes for the small, privately owned company. □ [V n] About 60 per cent of an average car is sourced from outside of the manufacturer. [Also V from n]


3 N‑COUNT A source is a person or book that provides information for a news story or for a piece of research. □ Military sources say the boat was heading south at high speed.


4 N‑COUNT The source of a difficulty is its cause. □ [+ of ] This gave me a clue as to the source of the problem.


5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The source of a river or stream is the place where it begins. □ [+ of ] …the source of the Tiber. SYNONYMS source VERB 2


obtain: Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents.


get: We get all our ingredients from local suppliers.


acquire: I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree. NOUN 4


cause: Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and disease.

sou rce code (source codes ) N‑VAR Source code is the original form of a computer program as it is written by a programmer. It is then converted into code that the computer can understand. [COMPUTING ]

sou r crea m also soured cream N‑UNCOUNT Sour cream is cream that has been artificially made sour by being mixed with bacteria. It is used in cooking.

sourdough /saʊə doʊ/ (sourdoughs )


1 N‑VAR Sourdough or sourdough bread is bread made using fermenting dough, that has a slightly sour taste. □ Mashed avocado is delicious on toasted sourdough. □ …an artisan bakery selling ryes and sourdoughs, fruit and olive breads.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Sourdough is fermenting dough used as an ingredient to make bread rise. □ The bread was made with coarser flour and raised with sourdough.

south ◆◆◆ /saʊ θ/ also South


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The south is the direction which is on your right when you are looking towards the direction where the sun rises. □ [+ of ] The town lies ten miles to the south of here. □ All around him, from east to west, north to south, the stars glittered in the heavens.


2 N‑SING The south of a place, country, or region is the part which is in the south. □ [+ of ] …holidays in the south of France.


3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go south , you travel towards the south. □ We did an extremely fast U-turn and shot south up the Boulevard St. Michel. □ He went south to climb Taishan, a mountain sacred to the Chinese.


4 ADV Something that is south of a place is positioned to the south of it. □ [+ of ] They now own and operate a farm 50 miles south of Rochester. □ [+ of ] I was living in a house just south of Market Street.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] The south edge, corner, or part of a place or country is the part which is towards the south. □ …the south coast of Alderney.


6 ADJ ' South ' is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the south of a larger area. □ Next week the President will visit five South American countries in six days. □ …the states of Mississippi and South Carolina.


7 ADJ A south wind is a wind that blows from the south.


8 N‑SING The South is used to refer to the poorer, less developed countries of the world. □ The South is poorer than the North, and the divide is growing.

south|bound /saʊ θbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Southbound roads or vehicles lead or are travelling towards the south. □ …the southbound train from the Scottish Highlands. □ …the southbound carriageway of the M61.

sou th-ea st ◆◆◇ also southeast


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The south-east is the direction which is halfway between south and east. □ The city of Ch'eng Tu lies some seven hundred miles to the South-East.


2 N‑SING The south-east of a place, country, or region is the part which is in the south-east. □ [+ of ] …the South-east of England. □ The heaviest snowfalls today are expected in the south east.


3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go south-east , you travel towards the south-east. □ We turned south-east, making for Portoferraio.


4 ADV Something that is south-east of a place is positioned to the south-east of it. □ [+ of ] …the potteries of Iznik, some 120km south-east of Istanbul.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] The south-east part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the south-east. □ …South-East Asia. □ …an island just off Shetland's south-east coast.


6 ADJ [ADJ n] A south-east wind is a wind that blows from the south-east.

sou th-ea sterly also southeasterly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A south-easterly point, area, or direction is to the south-east or towards the south-east.

sou th-ea stern also south eastern ADJ [usu ADJ n] South-eastern means in or from the south-east of a region or country. □ …this city on the south-eastern edge of the United States.

south|er|ly /sʌ ðə r li/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A southerly point, area, or direction is to the south or towards the south. □ We set off in a southerly direction. □ …the most southerly areas of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A southerly wind is a wind that blows from the south.

south|ern ◆◆◇ /sʌ ðə r n/ ADJ [ADJ n] Southern means in or from the south of a region, state, or country. □ The Everglades National Park stretches across the southern tip of Florida. □ …a place where you can sample southern cuisine.

south|ern|er /sʌ ðə r nə r / (southerners ) N‑COUNT A southerner is a person who was born in or lives in the south of a place or country. □ Bob Wilson is a Southerner, from Texas. □ Just one in five southerners has visited Liverpool.

south|ern|most /sʌ ðə r nmoʊst/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The southernmost part of an area or the southernmost place is the one that is farthest towards the south. □ …the southernmost part of the island. □ …Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city.

Sou th Po le N‑PROPER The South Pole is the place on the surface of the earth which is farthest towards the south.

south|ward /saʊ θwə r d/ also southwards ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Southward or southwards means towards the south. □ They drove southward. □ It was a visit that took him to Mogadishu and southwards to Kismayo. ● ADJ Southward is also an adjective. □ Ducks gathered on the lakes before their southward flight.

sou th-we st ◆◆◇ also southwest


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The south-west is the direction which is halfway between south and west. □ …the village of Popplewell, some six miles to the south-west.


2 N‑SING The south-west of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the south-west. □ [+ of ] …the mountains in the south west of the U.S.A.


3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go south-west , you travel towards the south-west. □ We took a plane south-west.


4 ADV Something that is south-west of a place is positioned to the south-west of it. □ [+ of ] …a gold mine at Orkney, south-west of Johannesburg.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] The south-west part of a place, country, or region is the part which is towards the south-west. □ …a light aircraft crash near Stranraer in South-West Scotland. □ …in the south-west corner of my garden.


6 ADJ [ADJ n] A south-west wind is a wind that blows from the south-west.

sou th-we sterly also southwesterly ADJ [usu ADJ n] A south-westerly point, area, or direction is to the south-west or towards the south-west. □ …the most south-westerly tip of Scotland.

sou th-we stern also south western ADJ [usu ADJ n] South-western means in or from the south-west of a region or country. □ …towns and villages in south-western Azerbaijan.

sou|venir /suː vən I ə r , [AM ] -n I r/ (souvenirs ) N‑COUNT A souvenir is something which you buy or keep to remind you of a holiday, place, or event. □ [+ of ] …a souvenir of the summer of 1992.

sou'|west|er /saʊ we stə r / (sou'westers ) N‑COUNT A sou'wester is a waterproof hat that is worn especially by sailors in stormy weather. It has a wide brim at the back to keep your neck dry.

sov|er|eign /sɒ vr I n/ (sovereigns )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sovereign state or country is independent and not under the authority of any other country. □ The Federation declared itself to be a sovereign republic.


2 ADJ Sovereign is used to describe the person or institution that has the highest power in a country. □ Sovereign power will continue to lie with the Supreme People's Assembly.


3 N‑COUNT A sovereign is a king, queen, or other royal ruler of a country. □ The British sovereign is also the head of the Church of England.

sov|er|eign|ty /sɒ vr I nti/ N‑UNCOUNT Sovereignty is the power that a country has to govern itself or another country or state. □ Britain's concern to protect national sovereignty is far from new.

So|vi|et /soʊ viət, sɒ v-/ (Soviets )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Soviet is used to describe something that belonged or related to the former Soviet Union. □ …the former Soviet empire.


2 N‑PLURAL The Soviets were the people of the former Soviet Union. □ In 1957, the Soviets launched Sputnik 1 into outer space.


3 N‑COUNT A soviet was an elected local, regional, or national council in the former Soviet Union.


sow


➊ VERB USES


➋ NOUN USE


➊ sow /soʊ / (sows , sowing , sowed , sown )


1 VERB If you sow seeds or sow an area of land with seeds, you plant the seeds in the ground. □ [V n] Sow the seed in a warm place in February/March. □ [be V -ed + with ] Yesterday the field opposite was sown with maize.


2 VERB If someone sows an undesirable feeling or situation, they cause it to begin and develop. □ [V n] He cleverly sowed doubts into the minds of his rivals.


3 PHRASE If one thing sows the seeds of another, it starts the process which leads eventually to the other thing. □ Rich industrialised countries have sown the seeds of global warming.

➋ sow /saʊ / (sows ) N‑COUNT A sow is an adult female pig.

sown /soʊ n/ Sown is the past participle of sow .

soy /sɔ I / N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Soy flour, butter, or other food is made from soybeans. [AM ] in BRIT, use soya

soya /sɔ I ə/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Soya flour, butter, or other food is made from soya beans. [BRIT ] in AM, use soy

so ya bean (soya beans ) N‑COUNT Soya beans are beans that can be eaten or used to make flour, oil, or soy sauce. [BRIT ] in AM, use soybeans

soy|bean /sɔ I biːn/ (soybeans ) also soy bean N‑COUNT Soybeans are the same as soya beans . [AM ]

soy sauce /sɔ I sɔː s/ also soya sauce N‑UNCOUNT Soy sauce is a dark brown liquid made from soya beans and used as a flavouring, especially in Chinese cooking.

spa /spɑː / (spas )


1 N‑COUNT A spa is a place where water with minerals in it comes out of the ground. People drink the water or go in it in order to improve their health. □ …Fiuggi, a spa town famous for its water.


2 N‑COUNT A health spa is a kind of hotel where people go to do exercise and have special treatments in order to improve their health.

space ◆◆◇ /spe I s/ (spaces , spacing , spaced )


1 N‑VAR You use space to refer to an area that is empty or available. The area can be any size. For example, you can refer to a large area outside as a large open space or to a small area between two objects as a small space . □ …bits of open space such as fields and small parks. □ …cutting down yet more trees to make space for houses. □ I had plenty of space to write and sew. □ The space underneath could be used as a storage area. □ List in the spaces below the specific changes you have made.


2 N‑VAR A particular kind of space is the area that is available for a particular activity or for putting a particular kind of thing in. □ …the high cost of office space. □ Finding a parking space in the summer months is still a virtual impossibility.


3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n of N ] If a place gives a feeling of space , it gives an impression of being large and open. □ Large paintings can enhance the feeling of space in small rooms.


4 N‑UNCOUNT If you give someone space to think about something or to develop as a person, you allow them the time and freedom to do this. □ You need space to think everything over.


5 N‑UNCOUNT The amount of space for a topic to be discussed in a document is the number of pages available to discuss the topic. □ We can't promise to publish a reply as space is limited.


6 N‑SING A space of time is a period of time. □ [+ of ] They've come a long way in a short space of time.


7 N‑UNCOUNT Space is the area beyond the Earth's atmosphere, where the stars and planets are. □ The six astronauts on board will spend ten days in space. □ …launching satellites into space. □ …outer space.


8 N‑UNCOUNT Space is the whole area within which everything exists. □ The physical universe is finite in space and time.


9 VERB If you space a series of things, you arrange them so that they are not all together but have gaps or intervals of time between them. □ [V n adv/prep] Women once again are having fewer children and spacing them further apart. □ [V n] His voice was angry and he spaced the words for emphasis. ● PHRASAL VERB Space out means the same as space . □ [V n P ] He talks quite slowly and spaces his words out. □ [V P n] I was spacing out the seedlings into divided trays. ● spac|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Generous spacing gives healthier trees and better crops.


10 → see also spacing , airspace , breathing space , outer space , personal space


11 PHRASE If you are staring into space , you are looking straight in front of you, without actually looking at anything in particular, for example because you are thinking or because you are feeling shocked. □ He just sat in the dressing-room staring into space.

spa ce age also space-age


1 N‑SING The space age is the present period in the history of the world, when travel in space has become possible.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use space-age to describe something that is very modern and makes you think of the technology of the space age. □ …a space-age tower of steel and glass.

space|craft /spe I skrɑːft, -kræft/ (spacecraft ) N‑COUNT A spacecraft is a rocket or other vehicle that can travel in space.

spa ced-ou t also spaced out ADJ Someone who is spaced-out feels as if nothing around them is real, usually because they have taken drugs or because they are very tired. [INFORMAL ] □ He's got this spaced-out look.

spa ce flight (space flights ) N‑VAR A space flight is a trip into space. □ She made her first and only space flight last September.

space|man /spe I smæn/ (spacemen ) N‑COUNT A spaceman is a male astronaut; used mainly by children.

spa ce probe (space probes ) N‑COUNT A space probe is a spacecraft with no people in it which is sent into space in order to study the planets and send information about them back to earth.

space|ship /spe I sʃ I p/ (spaceships ) N‑COUNT A spaceship is a spacecraft that carries people through space.

spa ce shut|tle (space shuttles ) N‑COUNT A space shuttle or a shuttle is a spacecraft that is designed to travel into space and back to earth several times.

spa ce sta|tion (space stations ) N‑COUNT A space station is a place built for astronauts to live and work in, which is sent into space and then keeps going around the earth.

spa ce suit (space suits ) also spacesuit N‑COUNT A space suit is a special protective suit that is worn by astronauts in space.

spa ce walk (space walks ) N‑COUNT When an astronaut goes on a space walk , he or she leaves the spacecraft and works outside it while floating in space.

spacey /spe I si/ (spacier , spaciest ) also spacy ADJ You can use spacey to describe things, especially music, which seem strange, especially because they are very modern or like things in a dream. [INFORMAL ] □ …brilliant, spacey guitar sounds.

spac|ing /spe I s I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Spacing refers to the way that typing or printing is arranged on a page, especially in relation to the amount of space that is left between words or lines. □ Please type or write clearly in double spacing on one side of A4 paper only.


2 → see also space

spa|cious /spe I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spacious room or other place is large in size or area, so that you can move around freely in it. □ The house has a spacious kitchen and dining area.

spacy /spe I si/ → see spacey

spade /spe I d/ (spades )


1 N‑COUNT A spade is a tool used for digging, with a flat metal blade and a long handle. □ … a garden spade. □ The girls happily played in the sand with buckets and spades.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Spades is one of the four suits in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more black symbols: ♠. □ …the ace of spades. ● N‑COUNT A spade is a playing card of this suit.


3 PHRASE If you say that someone calls a spade a spade , you mean that they speak clearly and directly about things, even embarrassing or unpleasant things. [APPROVAL ] □ I'm not at all secretive, and I'm pretty good at calling a spade a spade.

spade|work /spe I dwɜː r k/ N‑SING The spadework is the uninteresting work that has to be done as preparation before you can start a project or activity. □ It is now that the spadework has to be done to lay firm foundations for later success.

spa|ghet|ti /spəge ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Spaghetti is a type of pasta. It looks like long pieces of string and is usually served with a sauce.

spa|ghe t|ti we st|ern (spaghetti westerns ) N‑COUNT A spaghetti western is a film made in Europe, usually by an Italian director, about life in the American Wild West.

spake /spe I k/ Spake is the very old-fashioned form of the past tense of speak .

spam /spæ m/ (spams , spamming , spammed ) The form Spam can also be used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Spam is a cooked meat product made from pork and ham. [TRADEMARK ]


2 VERB In computing, to spam people or organizations means to send unwanted emails to a large number of them, usually as advertising. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] …programs that let you spam the newspapers. ● N‑VAR Spam is also a noun. □ …a small group of people fighting the spam plague. ● spam|ming N‑UNCOUNT □ The consultant who suggested using spamming to raise the company's profile has been fired. ● spam|mer (spammers ) N‑COUNT □ The real culprits are the spammers.

span /spæ n/ (spans , spanning , spanned )


1 N‑COUNT A span is the period of time between two dates or events during which something exists, functions, or happens. □ [+ of ] The batteries had a life span of six hours. □ Gradually the time span between sessions will increase.


2 N‑COUNT Your concentration span or your attention span is the length of time you are able to concentrate on something or be interested in it. □ His ability to absorb information was astonishing, but his concentration span was short.


3 VERB [no passive] If something spans a long period of time, it lasts throughout that period of time or relates to that whole period of time. □ [V n] His professional career spanned 16 years. □ [V n] The film spans almost a quarter-century.


4 VERB [no passive] If something spans a range of things, all those things are included in it. □ [V n] Bernstein's compositions spanned all aspects of music, from symphonies to musicals.


5 N‑COUNT The span of something that extends or is spread out sideways is the total width of it from one end to the other. □ It is a very pretty butterfly, with a 2 inch wing span.


6 VERB A bridge or other structure that spans something such as a river or a valley stretches right across it. □ [V n] Travellers cross a footbridge that spans a little stream.


7 → see also spick and span

span|gle /spæ ŋg ə l/ (spangles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spangles are small pieces of shiny metal or plastic which are used to decorate clothing or hair. □ …robes that glittered with spangles.

span|gled /spæ ŋg ə ld/ ADJ Something that is spangled is covered with small shiny objects. □ …spangled, backless dresses.

span|gly /spæ ŋgli/ ADJ Spangly clothes are decorated with a lot of small shiny objects. □ He certainly liked spangly jackets.

Span|iard /spæ njə r d/ (Spaniards ) N‑COUNT A Spaniard is a Spanish citizen, or a person of Spanish origin.

span|iel /spæ njəl/ (spaniels ) N‑COUNT A spaniel is a type of dog with long ears that hang down.

Span|ish /spæ n I ʃ/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Spanish means belonging or relating to Spain, or to its people, language, or culture. □ …a Spanish sherry. □ …the Spanish Ambassador.


2 N‑PLURAL The Spanish are the people of Spain.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Spanish is the main language spoken in Spain, and in many countries in South and Central America.

spank /spæ ŋk/ (spanks , spanking , spanked ) VERB If someone spanks a child, they punish them by hitting them on the bottom several times with their hand. □ [V n] When I used to do that when I was a kid, my mom would spank me.

spank|ing /spæ ŋk I ŋ/ (spankings )


1 N‑COUNT If someone gives a child a spanking , they punish them by hitting them on the bottom several times with their hand. □ Andrea gave her son a sound spanking.


2 ADV [ADV adj] If you describe something as spanking new, spanking clean, or spanking white, you mean that it is very new, very clean, or very white. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ …a spanking new Mercedes.

span|ner /spæ nə r / (spanners )


1 N‑COUNT A spanner is a metal tool whose end fits round a nut so that you can turn it to loosen or tighten it. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use wrench , monkey wrench


2 PHRASE If someone throws a spanner in the works , they prevent something happening smoothly in the way that it was planned, by causing a problem or difficulty. [BRIT ] □ A bad result is sure to throw a spanner in the works. in AM, use throw a wrench , throw a monkey wrench

spar /spɑː r / (spars , sparring , sparred )


1 VERB If you spar with someone, you box using fairly gentle blows instead of hitting your opponent hard, either when you are training or when you want to test how quickly your opponent reacts. □ [V + with ] With protective gear on you can spar with a partner. □ [V ] They sparred for a moment, on the brink of a full fight.


2 VERB If you spar with someone, you argue with them but not in an aggressive or serious way. □ [V + with ] Over the years he sparred with his friend over political tactics. □ [V ] They had always gotten along, even when they sparred.

spare ◆◇◇ /speə r / (spares , sparing , spared )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use spare to describe something that is the same as things that you are already using, but that you do not need yet and are keeping ready in case another one is needed. □ Don't forget to take a few spare batteries. □ He could have taken a spare key. □ The wagons carried spare ammunition. ● N‑COUNT Spare is also a noun. □ Give me the trunk key and I'll get the spare.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use spare to describe something that is not being used by anyone, and is therefore available for someone to use. □ The spare bedroom is on the second floor. □ There was hardly a spare inch of space to be found.


3 VERB [only to-inf] If you have something such as time, money, or space to spare , you have some extra time, money, or space that you have not used or which you do not need. □ [V ] You got here with ninety seconds to spare. □ [V ] It's not as if he has money to spare.


4 VERB If you spare time or another resource for a particular purpose, you make it available for that purpose. □ [V n] She said that she could only spare 35 minutes for our meeting. □ [V n] He suggested that his country could not spare the troops for such an operation.


5 VERB [usu passive] If a person or a place is spared , they are not harmed, even though other people or places have been. [LITERARY ] □ [be V -ed] We have lost everything, but thank God, our lives have been spared.


6 VERB If you spare someone an unpleasant experience, you prevent them from suffering it. □ [V n n] I wanted to spare Frances the embarrassment of discussing this subject. □ [V n] She's just trying to spare Shawna's feelings.


7 → see also sparing


8 PHRASE If you spare a thought for an unfortunate person, you make an effort to think sympathetically about them and their bad luck. □ Spare a thought for the nation's shopkeepers–consumer sales slid again in May. SYNONYMS spare ADJ 2


extra: There's an extra blanket in the bottom drawer of the cupboard.


surplus: Few people have large sums of surplus cash.


leftover: …leftover pieces of wallpaper.

spa re pa rt (spare parts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spare parts are parts that you can buy separately to replace old or broken parts in a piece of equipment. They are usually parts that are designed to be easily removed or fitted.

spa re roo m (spare rooms ) N‑COUNT A spare room is a bedroom which is kept especially for visitors to sleep in.

spa re ti me N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Your spare time is the time during which you do not have to work and you can do whatever you like. □ In her spare time she read books on cooking.

spa re ty re (spare tyres ) in AM, use spare tire 1 N‑COUNT A spare tyre is a wheel with a tyre on it that you keep in your car in case you get a flat tyre and need to replace one of your wheels.


2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as having a spare tyre , you mean that they are fat around the waist. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

spa re whee l (spare wheels ) N‑COUNT A spare wheel is a wheel with a tyre on it that you keep in your car in case you get a flat tyre and need to replace one of your wheels. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use spare tire

spar|ing /speə r I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is sparing with something uses it or gives it only in very small quantities. □ Her sparing use of make-up only seemed to enhance her classically beautiful features. ● spar|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Medication is used sparingly.

spark ◆◇◇ /spɑː r k/ (sparks , sparking , sparked )


1 N‑COUNT A spark is a tiny bright piece of burning material that flies up from something that is burning. □ The fire gradually got bigger and bigger. Sparks flew off in all directions.


2 N‑COUNT A spark is a flash of light caused by electricity. It often makes a loud sound. □ He passed an electric spark through a mixture of gases.


3 VERB If something sparks , sparks of fire or light come from it. □ [V ] The wires were sparking above me. □ [V prep] I stared into the flames of the fire as it sparked to life.


4 VERB If a burning object or electricity sparks a fire, it causes a fire. □ [V n] A dropped cigarette may have sparked the fire.


5 N‑COUNT A spark of a quality or feeling, especially a desirable one, is a small but noticeable amount of it. □ [+ of ] His music lacked that vital spark of imagination.


6 VERB If one thing sparks another, the first thing causes the second thing to start happening. □ [V n] What was it that sparked your interest in motoring? □ [V -ed] …a row sparked by a comment about his sister. ● PHRASAL VERB Spark off means the same as spark . □ [V n P ] That incident sparked it off. □ [V P n] His book sparked off a revolution in the way we think about animals.


7 → see also bright spark


8 PHRASE If sparks fly between people, they discuss something in an excited or angry way. □ They are not afraid to tackle the issues or let the sparks fly when necessary.


▸ spark off → see spark 6 COLLOCATIONS spark NOUN 5


adjective + spark : creative, definite, vital; missing


verb + spark : ignite, rekindle, provide; lack VERB 6


spark + noun : controversy, debate, interest, speculation; fury, outrage, protest, row


noun + spark : claim, comment, death, incident

spar|kle /spɑː r k ə l/ (sparkles , sparkling , sparkled )


1 VERB If something sparkles , it is clear and bright and shines with a lot of very small points of light. □ [V ] The jewels on her fingers sparkled. □ [V ] His bright eyes sparkled. □ [V -ing] …the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. ● N‑UNCOUNT Sparkle is also a noun. □ …the sparkle of coloured glass.


2 N‑COUNT Sparkles are small points of light caused by light reflecting off a clear bright surface. □ …sparkles of light. □ There was a sparkle in her eye that could not be hidden.


3 VERB Someone who sparkles is lively, intelligent, and witty. [APPROVAL ] □ [V ] She sparkles, and has as much zest as a person half her age. ● N‑UNCOUNT Sparkle is also a noun. □ There was little sparkle in their performance. ● spar|kling ADJ □ He is sparkling and versatile in front of the camera.


4 → see also sparkling

spar|kler /spɑː r klə r / (sparklers ) N‑COUNT A sparkler is a small firework that you can hold as it burns. It looks like a piece of thick wire and burns with a lot of small bright sparks.

spar|kling /spɑː r kl I ŋ/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sparkling drinks are slightly fizzy. □ …a glass of sparkling wine. □ …a new lightly sparkling drink.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a company is described as having sparkling figures or sparkling results, it has performed very well and made a lot of money. [JOURNALISM ] □ Top retailer Marks & Spencer has romped in with another set of sparkling results.


3 → see also sparkle

spar|kly /spɑː r kli/ ADJ Sparkly things sparkle. [INFORMAL ] □ …a sparkly toy necklace. □ Her eyes were sparkly.

spa rk plug (spark plugs ) N‑COUNT A spark plug is a device in the engine of a motor vehicle, which produces electric sparks to make the petrol burn.

sparky /spɑː r ki/ (sparkier , sparkiest ) ADJ Sparky people or events are lively and entertaining. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ She's a terrific, sparky girl.

spa r|ring part|ner (sparring partners )


1 N‑COUNT A boxer's sparring partner is another boxer who he or she fights regularly in training.


2 N‑COUNT Your sparring partner is a person with whom you regularly have friendly arguments.

spar|row /spæ roʊ/ (sparrows ) N‑COUNT A sparrow is a small brown bird that is very common in Britain.

sparse /spɑː r s/ (sparser , sparsest ) ADJ Something that is sparse is small in number or amount and spread out over an area. □ Many slopes are rock fields with sparse vegetation. □ Traffic was sparse on the highway. ● sparse|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □ …the sparsely populated interior region, where there are few roads.

spar|tan /spɑː r t ə n/ ADJ A spartan lifestyle or existence is very simple or strict, with no luxuries. □ Their spartan lifestyle prohibits a fridge or a phone.

spasm /spæ zəm/ (spasms )


1 N‑VAR [oft into N ] A spasm is a sudden tightening of your muscles, which you cannot control. □ A muscular spasm in the coronary artery can cause a heart attack. □ A lack of magnesium causes muscles to go into spasm.


2 N‑COUNT A spasm is a sudden strong pain or unpleasant emotion which lasts for a short period of time. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ of ] A spasm of pain brought his thoughts back to the present.

spas|mod|ic /spæzmɒ d I k/ ADJ Something that is spasmodic happens suddenly, for short periods of time, and at irregular intervals. □ He managed to stifle the spasmodic sobs of panic rising in his throat.

spas|tic /spæ st I k/ (spastics ) ADJ Someone who is spastic is born with a disability which makes it difficult for them to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs. People now refer to someone with this disability as having cerebral palsy . [OFFENSIVE ] ● N‑COUNT A spastic is someone who is spastic. [OFFENSIVE ]

spat /spæ t/ (spats )


1 Spat is the past tense and past participle of spit .


2 N‑COUNT A spat between people, countries, or organizations is a disagreement between them. □ …a spat between America and Germany over interest rates and currencies.

spate /spe I t/ (spates ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A spate of things, especially unpleasant things, is a large number of them that happen or appear within a short period of time. □ [+ of ] …the recent spate of attacks on horses.

spa|tial /spe I ʃ ə l/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Spatial is used to describe things relating to areas. □ …the spatial distribution of employment and population in the country. □ …spatial constraints.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Your spatial ability is your ability to see and understand the relationships between shapes, spaces, and areas. □ His manual dexterity and fine spatial skills were wasted on routine tasks. □ …spatial awareness.

spat|ter /spæ tə r / (spatters , spattering , spattered ) VERB If a liquid spatters a surface or you spatter a liquid over a surface, drops of the liquid fall on an area of the surface. □ [V prep] He stared at the rain spattering on the glass. □ [V n prep] Gently turn the fish, being careful not to spatter any hot butter on yourself. □ [V n] Blood spattered the dark concrete.

-spattered /-spætə r d/ COMB -spattered is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that a liquid has spattered onto something. □ …the blood-spattered body.

spatu|la /spæ tʃʊlə/ (spatulas ) N‑COUNT A spatula is an object like a knife with a wide, flat blade. Spatulas are used in cooking. □ Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing over the top with a spatula.

spawn /spɔː n/ (spawns , spawning , spawned )


1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Spawn is a soft, jelly-like substance containing the eggs of fish, or of animals such as frogs. □ …her passion for collecting frog spawn.


2 VERB When fish or animals such as frogs spawn , they lay their eggs. □ [V ] …fish species like salmon and trout which go upstream, spawn and then die.


3 VERB If something spawns something else, it causes it to happen or to be created. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] Tyndall's inspired work spawned a whole new branch of science.

spay /spe I / (spays , spaying , spayed ) VERB [usu passive] When a female animal is spayed , it has its ovaries removed so that it cannot become pregnant. □ [be V -ed] All bitches should be spayed unless being used for breeding.

speak ◆◆◆ /spiː k/ (speaks , speaking , spoke , spoken )


1 VERB When you speak , you use your voice in order to say something. □ [V ] He tried to speak, but for once, his voice had left him. □ [V + to ] I rang the hotel and spoke to Louie. □ [V + with ] She says she must speak with you at once. □ [V + of/about ] She cried when she spoke of Oliver. □ [V n] …as I spoke these idiotic words. ● spo|ken ADJ [ADJ n] □ …a marked decline in the standards of written and spoken English.


2 VERB When someone speaks to a group of people, they make a speech. □ [V + to ] When speaking to the seminar Mr Franklin spoke of his experience, gained on a recent visit to Trinidad. □ [V ] He's determined to speak at the Democratic Convention. □ [V + of ] The President spoke of the need for territorial compromise.


3 VERB If you speak for a group of people, you make their views and demands known, or represent them. □ [V + for ] He said it was the job of the Church to speak for the underprivileged. □ [V + for ] I speak for all 7,000 members of our organization.


4 VERB If you speak a foreign language, you know the language and are able to have a conversation in it. □ [V n] He doesn't speak English.


5 VERB People sometimes mention something that has been written by saying what the author speaks of . □ [V + of ] Throughout the book Liu speaks of the abuse of Party power. □ [V + as ] St Paul speaks of the body as the 'temple of the Holy Spirit'.


6 VERB [with neg] If two people are not speaking , they no longer talk to each other because they have quarrelled. □ [V + to ] He is not speaking to his mother because of her friendship with his ex-wife. □ [V ] The co-stars are still not speaking.


7 VERB [no cont] If you say that something speaks for itself , you mean that its meaning or quality is so obvious that it does not need explaining or pointing out. □ [V + for ] Mrs Turner has worked here for 25 years. Her record speaks for itself.


8 → see also speaking


9 CONVENTION If you say ' Speak for yourself ' when someone has said something, you mean that what they have said is only their opinion or applies only to them. [INFORMAL ] □ 'We're not blaming you,' Kate said. 'Speak for yourself,' Boris muttered.


10 PHRASE If a person or thing is spoken for or has been spoken for , someone has claimed them or asked for them, so no-one else can have them. □ Maybe they simply don't fancy you, or maybe they're already spoken for.


11 PHRASE Nothing to speak of means 'hardly anything' or 'only unimportant things'. □ They have no weaponry to speak of. □ 'Any fresh developments?'—'Nothing to speak of.'


12 PHRASE If you speak well of someone or speak highly of someone, you say good things about them. If you speak ill of someone, you criticize them. □ Both spoke highly of the Russian president. □ It seemed she found it difficult to speak ill of anyone.


13 PHRASE You use so to speak to draw attention to the fact that you are describing or referring to something in a way that may be amusing or unusual rather than completely accurate. □ I ought not to tell you but I will, since you're in the family, so to speak.


14 PHRASE If you are on speaking terms with someone, you are quite friendly with them and often talk to them. □ For a long time her mother and her grandmother had hardly been on speaking terms. [Also + with ]


15 to speak your mind → see mind ➊


16 to speak volumes → see volume


▸ speak out PHRASAL VERB If you speak out against something or in favour of something, you say publicly that you think it is bad or good. □ [V P prep] He spoke out strongly against selling off state-owned property. □ [V P ] Even then, she continued to speak out at rallies around the country.


▸ speak up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you speak up , you say something, especially to defend a person or protest about something, rather than just saying nothing. □ [V P + for ] Uncle Herbert never argued, never spoke up for himself.


2 PHRASAL VERB [no cont] If you ask someone to speak up , you are asking them to speak more loudly. □ [V P ] I'm quite deaf–you'll have to speak up. COLLOCATIONS speak VERB


2


speak + adverb : briefly, eloquently, exclusively, movingly; directly


4


speak + noun : English, French, language


speak + adverb : fluently, well

-speak /-spiːk/ COMB -speak is used to form nouns which refer to the kind of language used by a particular person or by people involved in a particular activity. You use -speak when you disapprove of this kind of language because it is difficult for other people to understand. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Unfortunately, the message is almost lost within his constant management-speak.

speak|easy /spiː kiːzi/ (speakeasies ) N‑COUNT A speakeasy was a place where people could buy alcoholic drinks illegally in the United States between 1920 and 1933, when alcohol was forbidden.

speak|er ◆◇◇ /spiː kə r / (speakers )


1 N‑COUNT A speaker at a meeting, conference, or other gathering is a person who is making a speech or giving a talk. □ Among the speakers at the gathering was the Treasury Secretary. □ He was not a good speaker.


2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A speaker of a particular language is a person who speaks it, especially one who speaks it as their first language. □ Most viewers are not native English speakers. □ [+ of ] She teaches English to speakers of other languages.


3 → see also native speaker


4 N‑PROPER ; N‑COUNT In the parliament or legislature of many countries, the Speaker is the person who is in charge of meetings. □ …the Speaker of the Polish Parliament. □ Mr. Speaker, our message to the president is simple.


5 N‑COUNT A speaker is a person who is speaking. □ From a simple gesture or the speaker's tone of voice, the Japanese listener gleans the whole meaning.


6 N‑COUNT A speaker is a piece of electrical equipment, for example part of a radio or set of equipment for playing CDs or tapes, through which sound comes out. □ For a good stereo effect, the speakers should not be too wide apart. COLLOCATIONS speaker NOUN 1


noun + speaker : guest, keynote


adjective + speaker : after-dinner, motivational, public; inspirational, interesting


verb + speaker : invite; feature

speak|er|phone /spiː kə r fɔʊ n/ (speakerphones ) N‑VAR A speakerphone is a phone that has a microphone and a loudspeaker, allowing you to talk to someone without putting the phone to your ear, as well as allowing other people to hear the person you are talking to. □ …a 10-channel cordless speakerphone with 13-number memory. □ She put me on speakerphone and he heard me talking.

speak|ing /spiː k I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Speaking is the activity of giving speeches and talks. □ His work schedule still includes speaking engagements and other public appearances.


2 PHRASE You can say ' speaking as a parent' or ' speaking as a teacher', for example, to indicate that the opinion you are giving is based on your experience as a parent or as a teacher. □ [+ as ] Speaking as a journalist I'm dismayed by the pressure for pictures of combat.


3 PHRASE You can say speaking of something that has just been mentioned as a way of introducing a new topic which has some connection with that thing. □ [+ of ] There's plenty of time to drop hints for Christmas presents! And speaking of presents, we have 100 exclusive fragrance collections to give away.


4 PHRASE You use speaking in expressions such as generally speaking and technically speaking to indicate which things or which particular aspect of something you are talking about. □ Generally speaking there was no resistance to the idea. □ Politically speaking, do you think that these moves have been effective?

-speaking /-spiːk I ŋ/ COMB [ADJ n] -speaking combines with nouns referring to languages to form adjectives which indicate what language someone speaks, or what language is spoken in a particular region. □ Lessons with English-speaking instructors can be booked and paid for in the resort. □ …in the mainly French-speaking province of Quebec.

spear /sp I ə r / (spears , spearing , speared )


1 N‑COUNT A spear is a weapon consisting of a long pole with a sharp metal point attached to the end.


2 VERB If you spear something, you push or throw a pointed object into it. □ [V n] Spear a piece of fish with a carving fork and dip it in the batter.


3 N‑COUNT Asparagus or broccoli spears are individual stalks of asparagus or broccoli.

spear|head /sp I ə r hed/ (spearheads , spearheading , spearheaded ) VERB If someone spearheads a campaign or an attack, they lead it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] She is spearheading a national campaign against bullying.

spear|mint /sp I ə r m I nt/ N‑UNCOUNT Spearmint is a plant whose leaves have a strong smell and taste. It is often used for flavouring foods, especially sweets.

spec /spe k/ (specs )


1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Someone's specs are their glasses. [INFORMAL ] □ …a young businessman in his specs and suit.


2 N‑COUNT The spec for something, especially a machine or vehicle, is its design and the features included in it. [INFORMAL ] □ The standard spec includes stainless steel holding tanks.


3 PHRASE If you do something on spec , you do it hoping to get something that you want, but without being asked or without being certain to get it. [INFORMAL ] □ When searching for a job Adrian favours networking and writing letters on spec.

spe|cial ◆◆◆ /spe ʃ ə l/ (specials )


1 ADJ Someone or something that is special is better or more important than other people or things. □ You're very special to me, darling. □ There are strong arguments for holidays at Easter and Christmas because these are special occasions. □ The famous author was going to be a special guest lecturer on the campus.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Special means different from normal. □ The committee can waive this three-year rule in special cases. □ So you didn't notice anything special about him?


3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use special to describe someone who is officially appointed or who has a particular position specially created for them. □ He is a special correspondent for Newsweek magazine.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Special institutions are for people who have serious physical or mental problems. □ Police are still searching for a convicted rapist, who escaped from Broadmoor special hospital yesterday.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use special to describe something that relates to one particular person, group, or place. □ Every anxious person will have his or her own special problems or fears. □ …it requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.


6 N‑COUNT A special is a product, programme, or meal which is not normally available, or which is made for a particular purpose. □ …complaints about the BBC's Hallowe'en special, 'Ghostwatch'. □ Grocery stores have to offer enough specials to bring people into the store. SYNONYMS special ADJ 1


extraordinary: Rozhdestvensky is an extraordinary musician.


exceptional: …children with exceptional ability.


out of the ordinary: The boy's knowledge was out of the ordinary.

Spe |cial Branch N‑PROPER The Special Branch is the department of the British police that is concerned with political security and deals with things such as terrorism and visits by foreign leaders.

spe |cial edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Special education is teaching for pupils who need extra help with their studies. □ The school has a special education unit.

spe |cial ef|fe ct (special effects ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In film, special effects are unusual pictures or sounds that are created by using special techniques. □ …a Hollywood horror film with special effects that are not for the nervous.

spe|cial|ise /spe ʃəla I z/ → see specialize

spe|cial|ism /spe ʃəl I zəm/ (specialisms )


1 N‑COUNT Someone's specialism is a particular subject or skill which they study and know a lot about. □ …a teacher with a specialism in mathematics.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Specialism is the act of specializing in a particular subject. □ The needs of children may not be best met by an over-emphasis on subject specialism.

spe|cial|ist ◆◇◇ /spe ʃəl I st/ (specialists ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A specialist is a person who has a particular skill or knows a lot about a particular subject. □ …a specialist in diseases of the nervous system.

spe|ci|al|ity /speʃiæ l I ti/ (specialities )


1 N‑COUNT Someone's speciality is a particular type of work that they do most or do best, or a subject that they know a lot about. [mainly BRIT ] □ My father was a historian of repute. His speciality was the history of Germany. in AM, usually use specialty 2 N‑COUNT A speciality of a particular place is a special food or product that is always very good there. [mainly BRIT ] □ Rhineland dishes are a speciality of the restaurant. in AM, usually use specialty

spe|cial|ize ◆◇◇ /spe ʃəla I z/ (specializes , specializing , specialized ) in BRIT, also use specialise VERB If you specialize in a thing, you know a lot about it and concentrate a great deal of your time and energy on it, especially in your work or when you are studying or training. You also use specialize to talk about a restaurant which concentrates on a particular type of food. □ [V + in ] …a University professor who specializes in the history of the Russian empire. □ [V + in ] …a Portuguese restaurant which specializes in seafood. ● spe|ciali|za|tion /spe ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (specializations ) N‑VAR □ [+ in ] This degree offers a major specialisation in Social Policy alongside a course in Sociology.

spe|cial|ized /spe ʃəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use specialised ADJ Someone or something that is specialized is trained or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge. □ Psychiatric patients get specialized support from knowledgeable staff. □ …a specialized knowledge of American History.

spe|cial|ly /spe ʃəli/


1 ADV [ADV with v] If something has been done specially for a particular person or purpose, it has been done only for that person or purpose. □ …a soap specially designed for those with sensitive skins. □ [+ for ] The school is specially for children whose schooling has been disrupted by illness.


2 ADV [ADV adj] Specially is used to mean more than usually or more than other things. [INFORMAL ] □ What was specially enjoyable about that job?

spe |cial nee ds N‑PLURAL [oft N n] People with special needs are people who need special help or care, for example because they have a disability. [BRIT ] □ …a school for children with special needs.

spe |cial o f|fer (special offers ) N‑COUNT A special offer is a product, service, or programme that is offered at reduced prices or rates. □ Ask about special offers on our new 2-week holidays.

spe |cial plea d|ing N‑UNCOUNT If someone is using special pleading , they are trying to persuade you to do something by only telling you the facts that support their case. □ The Secretary of State has given in to special pleading.

spe |cial school (special schools ) N‑COUNT A special school is a school for children who have some kind of serious physical or mental problem. [BRIT ]

spe|cial|ty /spe ʃ ə lti/ (specialties )


1 N‑COUNT Someone's specialty is a particular type of work that they do most or do best, or a subject that they know a lot about. [AM ] □ His specialty is international law. in BRIT, use speciality 2 N‑COUNT A specialty of a particular place is a special food or product that is always very good there. [AM ] □ …seafood, paella, empanadas and other specialties. in BRIT, use speciality

spe|cies ◆◇◇ /spiː ʃiz/ (species ) N‑COUNT A species is a class of plants or animals whose members have the same main characteristics and are able to breed with each other. □ Pandas are an endangered species. □ There are several thousand species of trees here. SYNONYMS species NOUN


breed: Certain breeds are more dangerous than others.


variety: She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.


class: …the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.

spe|cif|ic ◆◆◇ /sp I s I f I k/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use specific to refer to a particular fixed area, problem, or subject. □ Massage may help to increase blood flow to specific areas of the body. □ There are several specific problems to be dealt with. □ …the specific needs of the individual.


2 ADJ If someone is specific , they give a description that is precise and exact. You can also use specific to describe their description. □ She's from the USA, Boston to be more specific. □ This report offered the most specific and accurate description of the problems. ● speci|fic|ity /spe s I f I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …the kind of extreme specificity normally associated only with computer programmes.


3 ADJ Something that is specific to a particular thing is connected with that thing only. □ [+ to ] Send your resume with a cover letter that is specific to that particular job. ● COMB Specific is also used after nouns. □ Most studies of trade have been country-specific. □ …a job-specific course. SYNONYMS specific ADJ


1


particular: …if there are particular things you're interested in.


special: …it requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.


2


precise: He was not clear on the precise nature of his mission.


exact: I don't remember the exact words.


explicit: …explicit references to age in recruitment advertising.

spe|cifi|cal|ly ◆◇◇ /sp I s I f I kli/


1 ADV [ADV with v] You use specifically to emphasize that something is given special attention and considered separately from other things of the same kind. [EMPHASIS ] □ Our service is designed specifically for college students. □ We haven't specifically targeted school children. □ …the only book specifically about that event.


2 ADV You use specifically to add something more precise or exact to what you have already said. □ …the Christian, and specifically Protestant, religion. □ …brain cells, or more specifically, neurons.


3 ADV [ADV adj] You use specifically to indicate that something has a restricted nature, as opposed to being more general in nature. □ …a specifically female audience. □ He has created a specifically British menu using only British ingredients.


4 ADV [ADV with v] If you state or describe something specifically , you state or describe it precisely and clearly. □ I specifically asked for this steak rare. SYNONYMS specifically ADV


1


particularly: Keep your office space looking good, particularly your desk.


peculiarly: Cricket is so peculiarly English.


uniquely: The problem isn't uniquely American.


2


precisely: We don't yet know precisely how many people were involved.


exactly: Exactly what are you looking for?


explicitly: The contract states explicitly that all content remains the property of the author.

speci|fi|ca|tion /spe s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (specifications ) N‑COUNT A specification is a requirement which is clearly stated, for example about the necessary features in the design of something. □ Troll's exclusive, personalized luggage is made to our own exacting specifications in heavy-duty PVC/nylon. □ Legislation will require U.K. petrol companies to meet an E.U. specification for petrol.

spe|cif|ics /sp I s I f I ks/ N‑PLURAL The specifics of a subject are the details of it that need to be considered. □ Things improved when we got down to the specifics.

speci|fy /spe s I fa I / (specifies , specifying , specified )


1 VERB If you specify something, you give information about what is required or should happen in a certain situation. □ [V n] They specified a spacious entrance hall. □ [V wh] He has not specified what action he would like them to take.


2 VERB If you specify what should happen or be done, you explain it in an exact and detailed way. □ [V n] Each recipe specifies the size of egg to be used. □ [V that] One rule specifies that learner drivers must be supervised by adults. □ [V -ed] Patients eat together at a specified time.

speci|men /spe s I m I n/ (specimens )


1 N‑COUNT A specimen is a single plant or animal which is an example of a particular species or type and is examined by scientists. □ 200,000 specimens of fungus are kept at the Komarov Botanical Institute. □ …North American fossil specimens.


2 N‑COUNT A specimen of something is an example of it which gives an idea of what the whole of it is like. □ [+ of ] Job applicants have to submit a specimen of handwriting. □ …a specimen bank note.


3 N‑COUNT A specimen is a small quantity of someone's urine, blood, or other body fluid which is examined in a medical laboratory, in order to find out if they are ill or if they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. □ He refused to provide a specimen.

spe|cious /spiː ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is specious seems to exist or be true, but is not real or true. [FORMAL ] □ It is unlikely that the Duke was convinced by such specious arguments.

speck /spe k/ (specks )


1 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small stain, mark, or shape. □ [+ of ] …a speck of blood.


2 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small piece of a powdery substance. □ [+ of ] Billy leaned forward and brushed a speck of dust off his shoe.

speck|led /spe k ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A speckled surface is covered with small marks, spots, or shapes. □ …a large brown speckled egg. □ The sky was speckled with stars.

specs /spe ks/ → see spec

spec|ta|cle /spe ktək ə l/ (spectacles )


1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Glasses are sometimes referred to as spectacles . [FORMAL ] □ He looked at me over the tops of his spectacles. □ …thick spectacle frames.


2 N‑COUNT A spectacle is a strange or interesting sight. □ It was a spectacle not to be missed.


3 N‑VAR A spectacle is a grand and impressive event or performance. □ 94,000 people turned up for the spectacle. □ …a director passionate about music and spectacle.


4 rose-coloured spectacles → see rose-coloured

spec|tacu|lar ◆◇◇ /spektæ kjʊlə r / (spectaculars )


1 ADJ Something that is spectacular is very impressive or dramatic. □ …spectacular views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. □ The results have been spectacular. ● spec|tacu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □ My turnover increased spectacularly.


2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A spectacular is a show or performance which is very grand and impressive. □ …a television spectacular.

spec|ta|tor /spekte I tə r , [AM ] spe kte I tər/ (spectators ) N‑COUNT A spectator is someone who watches something, especially a sporting event. □ Thirty thousand spectators watched the final game.

spec|ta |tor sport (spectator sports ) N‑COUNT A spectator sport is a sport that is interesting and entertaining to watch. □ The most popular spectator sport is football.

spec|tra /spe ktrə/ Spectra is a plural form of spectrum .

spec|tral /spe ktrəl/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as spectral , you mean that they look like a ghost. [LITERARY ] □ She is compelling, spectral, fascinating, an unforgettably unique performer.

spec|tre /spe ktə r / (spectres ) in AM, use specter 1 N‑COUNT If you refer to the spectre of something unpleasant, you are referring to something that you are frightened might occur. □ Failure to arrive at a consensus over the issue raised the spectre of legal action.


2 N‑COUNT A spectre is a ghost . [LITERARY ]

spec|trum /spe ktrəm/ (spectra or spectrums )


1 N‑SING The spectrum is the range of different colours which is produced when light passes through a glass prism or through a drop of water. A rainbow shows the colours in the spectrum.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A spectrum is a range of a particular type of thing. □ Politicians across the political spectrum have denounced the act. □ The term 'special needs' covers a wide spectrum of problems.


3 N‑COUNT A spectrum is a range of light waves or radio waves within particular frequencies. □ …from X-rays right through the spectrum down to radio waves.

specu|late ◆◇◇ /spe kjʊle I t/ (speculates , speculating , speculated )


1 VERB If you speculate about something, you make guesses about its nature or identity, or about what might happen. □ [V prep] It would be unfair to speculate on the reasons for her resignation. □ [V that] The doctors speculate that he died of a cerebral haemorrhage caused by a blow on the head. □ [V wh] The reader can speculate what will happen next. [Also V , V with quote] ● specu|la|tion /spe kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (speculations ) N‑VAR □ The President has gone out of his way to dismiss speculation over the future of the economy minister.


2 VERB If someone speculates financially, they buy property, stocks, or shares, in the hope of being able to sell them again at a higher price and make a profit. □ [V prep/adv] The banks speculated in property whose value has now dropped. [Also V ] SYNONYMS speculate VERB 1


guess: You can only guess at what mental suffering they endure.


surmise: There's so little to go on, we can only surmise what happened.


imagine: 'Was he meeting someone?'—'I imagine so.'

specu|la|tive /spe kjʊlət I v, [AM ] -le I t-/


1 ADJ A piece of information that is speculative is based on guesses rather than knowledge. □ The papers ran speculative stories about his mysterious disappearance.


2 ADJ Someone who has a speculative expression seems to be trying to guess something about a person or thing. □ His mother regarded him with a speculative eye.


3 ADJ Speculative is used to describe activities which involve buying goods or shares, or buildings and properties, in the hope of being able to sell them again at a higher price and make a profit. □ Thousands of pensioners were persuaded to mortgage their homes to invest in speculative bonds.

specu|la|tor /spe kjʊle I tə r / (speculators ) N‑COUNT A speculator is a person who speculates financially.

sped /spe d/ Sped is a past tense and past participle of speed .

speech ◆◆◇ /spiː tʃ/ (speeches )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Speech is the ability to speak or the act of speaking. □ …the development of speech in children. □ …a speech therapist specialising in stammering.


2 N‑SING [usu poss N ] Your speech is the way in which you speak. □ His speech became increasingly thick and nasal. □ I'd make fun of her dress and imitate her speech.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Speech is spoken language. □ …the way common letter clusters are usually pronounced in speech.


4 N‑COUNT A speech is a formal talk which someone gives to an audience. □ She is due to make a speech on the economy next week. □ He delivered his speech in French. □ …a dramatic resignation speech.


5 N‑COUNT A speech is a group of lines spoken by a character in a play. □ …a great actor delivering a key speech from Hamlet.


6 → see also direct speech , figure of speech , indirect speech , maiden speech , part of speech , reported speech COLLOCATIONS speech NOUN


2


adjective + speech : slurred; clear, fluent


4


noun + speech : acceptance, conference, keynote, victory


adjective + speech : impassioned, motivational, rousing; inaugural, televised


verb + speech : deliver, give, make

spee ch day (speech days ) N‑VAR In some British schools, speech day is a day, usually at the end of the school year, when prizes are presented to pupils and speeches are made by guest speakers and the head teacher. [BRIT ]

speechi|fy|ing /spiː tʃ I fa I I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Speechifying is the making of speeches, especially because you want to appear important. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …five tedious days of speechifying and punditing.

speech|less /spiː tʃləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are speechless , you are temporarily unable to speak, usually because something has shocked you. □ [+ with ] Alex was almost speechless with rage and despair.

spee ch the ra|pist (speech therapists ) N‑COUNT A speech therapist is a person whose job is to help people to overcome speech and language problems.

spee ch the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Speech therapy is the treatment of people who have speech and language problems. □ A stammering child can benefit from speech therapy.

speech|writ|er /spiː tʃra I tə r / (speechwriters ) N‑COUNT A speechwriter is a person who writes speeches for important people such as politicians.

speed ◆◆◇ /spiː d/ (speeds , speeding , sped , speeded ) The form of the past tense and past participle is sped in meaning 5 but speeded for the phrasal verb. 1 N‑VAR The speed of something is the rate at which it moves or travels. □ He drove off at high speed. □ With this type of camera, the shutter speed is fixed. □ An electrical pulse in a wire travels close to the speed of light. □ Wind speeds reached force five.


2 N‑COUNT The speed of something is the rate at which it happens or is done. □ In the late 1850s the speed of technological change quickened. □ Each learner can proceed at his own speed.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Speed is very fast movement or travel. □ Speed is the essential ingredient of all athletics. □ He put on a burst of speed. □ The car is quite noisy at speed.


4 N‑UNCOUNT Speed is a very fast rate at which something happens or is done. □ [+ of ] I was amazed at his speed of working. □ [+ of ] …the sheer speed of the unification process.


5 VERB If you speed somewhere, you move or travel there quickly, usually in a vehicle. □ [V prep/adv] Cars continue to speed through our beautiful village. □ [V prep/adv] The engine noise rises only slightly as I speed along.


6 VERB [usu cont] Someone who is speeding is driving a vehicle faster than the legal speed limit. □ [V ] This man was not qualified to drive and was speeding. ● speed|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ He was fined for speeding last year.


7 N‑UNCOUNT Speed is an illegal drug such as amphetamine which some people take to increase their energy and excitement. [INFORMAL ]


8 → see also -speed


9 pick up speed → see pick


10 PHRASE If you are up to speed , you have all the most recent information that you need about something. □ A day has been set aside to bring all councillors up to speed on the proposal. □ Those in charge deluded themselves they were up to speed.


▸ speed up


1 PHRASAL VERB When something speeds up or when you speed it up , it moves or travels faster. □ [V P ] You notice that your breathing has speeded up a bit. □ [V P n] He pushed a lever that speeded up the car. [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB When a process or activity speeds up or when something speeds it up , it happens at a faster rate. □ [V P ] Job losses are speeding up. □ [V P n] I had already taken steps to speed up a solution to the problem. □ [V n P ] I kept praying that the DJ would speed the music up.

-speed /-spiːd/ COMB -speed is used after numbers to form adjectives that indicate that a bicycle or car has a particular number of gears. □ …a 10-speed bicycle.

speed|boat /spiː dboʊt/ (speedboats ) N‑COUNT A speedboat is a boat that can go very fast because it has a powerful engine.

spee d cam|era (speed cameras ) N‑COUNT A speed camera is a camera positioned at the side of a road which automatically photographs vehicles that are going faster than is allowed. The photographs can be used as evidence in a court of law.

spee d da |ting N‑UNCOUNT Speed dating is a method of introducing unattached people to potential partners by arranging for them to meet a series of people on a single occasion. □ If you're a busy person, speed dating could be for you.

spee d dial (speed dials ) N‑VAR Speed dial is a facility on a phone that allows you to call a number by pressing a single button rather than by dialling the full number.

spee d lim|it (speed limits ) N‑COUNT The speed limit on a road is the maximum speed at which you are legally allowed to drive.

speed|om|eter /spiːdɒ m I tə r / (speedometers ) N‑COUNT A speedometer is the instrument in a vehicle which shows how fast the vehicle is moving.

speed|way /spiː dwe I / (speedways )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Speedway is the sport of racing motorcycles on special tracks.


2 N‑COUNT A speedway is a special track for car or motorcycle racing. [AM ]

speedy /spiː di/ (speedier , speediest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A speedy process, event, or action happens or is done very quickly. □ We wish Bill a speedy recovery.

spell ◆◇◇ /spe l/ (spells , spelling , spelled , spelt ) American English uses the form spelled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either spelled or spelt . 1 VERB When you spell a word, you write or speak each letter in the word in the correct order. □ [V n] He gave his name and then helpfully spelt it. □ [V n] How do you spell 'potato'? □ [V -ed] 'Tang' is 'Gnat' spelt backwards. ● PHRASAL VERB Spell out means the same as spell . □ [V n P ] If I don't know a word, I ask them to spell it out for me. □ [V P n] I never have to spell out my first name.


2 VERB [no cont] Someone who can spell knows the correct order of letters in words. □ [V ] It's shocking how students can't spell these days. □ [V n] You accused me of inaccuracy yet you can't spell 'Middlesex'.


3 VERB [no cont] If something spells a particular result, often an unpleasant one, it suggests that this will be the result. □ [V n] If the irrigation plan goes ahead, it could spell disaster for the birds.


4 N‑COUNT A spell of a particular type of weather or a particular activity is a short period of time during which this type of weather or activity occurs. □ [+ of ] There has been a long spell of dry weather. □ [+ of ] You join a barrister for two six-month spells of practical experience.


5 N‑COUNT A spell is a situation in which events are controlled by a magical power. □ They say she died after a witch cast a spell on her. □ …the kiss that will break the spell.


6 → see also spelling


▸ spell out


1 PHRASAL VERB If you spell something out , you explain it in detail or in a very clear way. □ [V P n] Be assertive and spell out exactly how you feel. □ [V n P ] How many times do I have to spell it out?


2 → see spell 1

spell|bind|ing /spe lba I nd I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spellbinding image or sound is one that is so fascinating that you can think about nothing else. □ Gray describes in dramatic and spellbinding detail the lives of these five ladies.

spell|bound /spe lbaʊnd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are spellbound by something or someone, you are so fascinated that you cannot think about anything else. □ [+ by ] His audience had listened like children, spellbound by his words.

spell|check /spe ltʃek/ (spellchecks , spellchecking , spellchecked ) also spell check


1 VERB If you spellcheck something you have written on a computer, you use a special program to check whether you have made any spelling mistakes. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] This model allows you to spellcheck over 100,000 different words.


2 N‑COUNT If you run a spellcheck over something you have written on a computer, you use a special program to check whether you have made any spelling mistakes. [COMPUTING ]

spell|check|er /spe ltʃekə r / (spellcheckers ) also spell checker N‑COUNT A spellchecker is a special program on a computer which you can use to check whether something you have written contains any spelling mistakes. [COMPUTING ]

spell|er /spe lə r / (spellers ) N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you describe someone as a good or bad speller , you mean that they find it easy or difficult to spell words correctly. □ I am an absolutely appalling speller.

spell|ing /spe l I ŋ/ (spellings )


1 N‑COUNT A spelling is the correct order of the letters in a word. □ In most languages adjectives have slightly different spellings for masculine and feminine.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Spelling is the ability to spell words in the correct way. It is also an attempt to spell a word in the correct way. □ His spelling is very bad. □ Spelling mistakes are often just the result of haste.


3 → see also spell

spelt /spe lt/


1 Spelt is a past tense and past participle form of spell . [mainly BRIT ]


2 N‑UNCOUNT Spelt is a type of wheat that was widely grown hundreds of years ago and is now popular as a health food.

spe|lunk|er /sp I lʌ ŋkə r / (spelunkers ) N‑COUNT A spelunker is someone who goes into underground caves and tunnels as a leisure activity. [AM ] in BRIT, use potholer

spe|lunk|ing /sp I lʌ ŋk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Spelunking is the leisure activity of going into underground caves and tunnels. [AM ] in BRIT, use potholing

spend ◆◆◆ /spe nd/ (spends , spending , spent )


1 VERB When you spend money, you pay money for things that you want. □ [V n] By the end of the holiday I had spent all my money. □ [V n v-ing] Businessmen spend enormous amounts advertising their products. □ [V amount/n + on ] Juventus have spent £23m on new players. □ [V -ed] The survey may cost at least £100 but is money well spent. ● spend|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Government spending is expected to fall.


2 VERB If you spend time or energy doing something, you use your time or effort doing it. □ [V n v-ing] Engineers spend much time and energy developing brilliant solutions. □ [V n v-ing] This energy could be much better spent taking some positive action.


3 VERB If you spend a period of time in a place, you stay there for a period of time. □ [V n adv/prep] We spent the night in a hotel.


4 N‑COUNT The spend on a particular thing is the amount of money that is spent on it, or will be spent. [BUSINESS ] □ …the marketing and advertising spend.

spend|er /spe ndə r / (spenders ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If a person or organization is a big spender or a compulsive spender , for example, they spend a lot of money or are unable to stop themselves spending money. □ The Swiss are Europe's biggest spenders on food.

spe nd|ing mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Spending money is money that you have or are given to spend on personal things for pleasure, especially when you are on holiday. □ You can rapidly use up your spending money buying drinks.

spend|thrift /spe ndθr I ft/ (spendthrifts ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a spendthrift , you mean that they spend too much money. [DISAPPROVAL ] ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] Spendthrift is also an adjective. □ …his father's spendthrift ways.

spent /spe nt/


1 Spent is the past tense and past participle of spend .


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Spent substances or containers have been used and cannot be used again. □ Radioactive waste is simply spent fuel.

spe nt fo rce N‑SING If you refer to someone who used to be powerful as a spent force , you mean that they no longer have any power or influence. □ As a political leader he was something of a spent force.

sperm /spɜː r m/ (sperms or sperm )


1 N‑COUNT A sperm is a cell which is produced in the sex organs of a male animal and can enter a female animal's egg and fertilize it. □ Any disease which undermines a man's general health will interfere with his sperm production. □ Doctor believed that his low sperm count was the problem.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Sperm is used to refer to the liquid that contains sperm when it is produced. □ …a sperm donor.

sper|ma|to|zo|on /spɜː r mətəzoʊ ɒn/ (spermatozoa /spɜː r mətəzoʊ ə/) N‑COUNT A spermatozoon is a sperm. [TECHNICAL ]

sper|mi|ci|dal /spɜː r m I sa I d ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A spermicidal cream or jelly contains spermicide.

sper|mi|cide /spɜː r m I sa I d/ (spermicides ) N‑VAR Spermicide is a substance that kills sperm. □ Although most condoms contain spermicide, there are some manufactured without.

spe rm whale (sperm whales ) N‑COUNT A sperm whale is a large whale with a large head that has a section in it which contains oil.

spew /spjuː / (spews , spewing , spewed )


1 VERB When something spews out a substance or when a substance spews from something, the substance flows out quickly in large quantities. □ [V n with adv] The volcano spewed out more scorching volcanic ashes, gases and rocks. □ [V prep] Leaking oil spewed from the tanker.


2 VERB If someone spews or spews up , they vomit. [INFORMAL ]

sphere /sf I ə r / (spheres )


1 N‑COUNT A sphere is an object that is completely round in shape like a ball.


2 N‑COUNT A sphere of activity or interest is a particular area of activity or interest. □ [+ of ] …the sphere of international politics. □ [+ of ] …nurses, working in all spheres of the health service.


3 N‑COUNT A sphere of people is a group of them who are similar in social status or who have the same interests. □ [+ of ] …the realities of life outside the government and academic spheres of society.

spheri|cal /sfe r I k ə l, [AM ] sf I r-/ ADJ Something that is spherical is round like a ball. [FORMAL ] □ …purple and gold spherical earrings.

sphinc|ter /sf I ŋktə r / (sphincters ) N‑COUNT A sphincter is a ring of muscle that surrounds an opening to the body and that can tighten to close this opening. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the anal sphincter.

sphinx /sf I ŋks/ (sphinxes ) also Sphinx N‑COUNT The Sphinx is a large ancient statue of a creature with a human head and a lion's body that stands near the pyramids in Egypt. In mythology, sphinxes gave people puzzles to solve, and so a person who is mysterious or puzzling is sometimes referred to as a sphinx .

spice /spa I s/ (spices , spicing , spiced )


1 N‑VAR A spice is a part of a plant, or a powder made from that part, which you put in food to give it flavour. Cinnamon, ginger, and paprika are spices. □ …herbs and spices. □ …a row of spice jars.


2 VERB If you spice something that you say or do, you add excitement or interest to it. □ [V n + with ] They spiced their conversations and discussions with intrigue. ● PHRASAL VERB Spice up means the same as spice . □ [V P n] Her publisher wants her to spice up her stories with sex. □ [V n P ] …a discovery which spiced the conversation up quite a bit.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Spice is something which makes life more exciting. □ To add spice to the debate, they disagreed about method and ideology.


▸ spice up → see spice 2

spiced /spa I st/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] Food that is spiced has had spices or other strong-tasting foods added to it. □ …delicately spiced sauces.

spick and span /sp I k ənd spæ n/ also spick-and-span ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A place that is spick and span is very clean and tidy. □ The apartment was spick and span.

spicy /spa I si/ (spicier , spiciest ) ADJ Spicy food is strongly flavoured with spices. □ Thai food is hot and spicy. □ …a spicy tomato and coriander sauce.

spi|der /spa I də r / (spiders ) N‑COUNT A spider is a small creature with eight legs. Most types of spider make structures called webs in which they catch insects for food.

spi|dery /spa I dəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as handwriting as spidery , you mean that it consists of thin, dark, pointed lines. □ He saw her spidery writing on the envelope.

spiel /ʃpiː l, [AM ] spiː l/ (spiels ) N‑COUNT Someone's spiel is a well-prepared speech that they make, and that they have usually made many times before, often in order to persuade you to buy something. [INFORMAL ]

spif|fing /sp I f I ŋ/ ADJ If someone describes something such as news or an event as spiffing , they mean that it is very good. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ I came to give your mother a piece of perfectly spiffing news.

spig|ot /sp I gət/ (spigots ) N‑COUNT A spigot is a faucet or tap. [AM ]

spike /spa I k/ (spikes )


1 N‑COUNT A spike is a long piece of metal with a sharp point. □ …a 15-foot wall topped with iron spikes. □ Yellowing receipts had been impaled on a metal spike.


2 N‑COUNT Any long pointed object can be referred to as a spike . □ Her hair stood out in spikes. □ [+ of ] …a long spike of white flowers.


3 N‑COUNT If there is a spike in the price, volume, or amount of something, the price, volume, or amount of it suddenly increases. □ [+ in ] During the war, there was a small spike in interest.


4 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Spikes are a pair of sports shoes with pointed pieces of metal attached to the soles. They help runners' feet to grip the ground when they are running.


5 → see also spiked

spiked /spa I kt/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is spiked has one or more spikes on it. □ …spiked railings.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has spiked hair, their hair is short and sticks up all over their head.


3 → see also spike

spi ke hee ls N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Spike heels are women's shoes with very high narrow heels. [AM ] in BRIT, use stilettos

spiky /spa I ki/ ADJ Something that is spiky has one or more sharp points. □ Her short spiky hair is damp with sweat. □ …tall, spiky evergreen trees.

spill /sp I l/ (spills , spilling , spilled , spilt ) American English uses the form spilled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either spilled or spilt . 1 VERB If a liquid spills or if you spill it, it accidentally flows over the edge of a container. □ [V adv/prep] 70,000 tonnes of oil spilled from the tanker. □ [V n] He always spilled the drinks. □ [V n adv/prep] Don't spill water on your suit. [Also V ]


2 N‑COUNT A spill is an amount of liquid that has spilled from a container. □ She wiped a spill of milkshake off the counter. □ An oil spill could be devastating for wildlife.


3 VERB If the contents of a bag, box, or other container spill or are spilled , they come out of the container onto a surface. □ [V n] A number of bags had split and were spilling their contents. □ [V adv/prep] He carefully balanced the satchel so that its contents would not spill out onto the floor.


4 VERB If people or things spill out of a place, they come out of it in large numbers. □ [V adv/prep] Tears began to spill out of the boy's eyes.


5 to spill the beans → see bean


6 thrills and spills → see thrill


▸ spill out PHRASAL VERB If you spill out information or if it spills out , you tell someone about it in a hurried way, because you cannot or do not want to keep it secret. □ [V P ] The words spilled out in a rush. □ [V P n] He was tempted to spill out his problems to Philip. [Also V n P ]

spill|age /sp I l I dʒ/ (spillages ) N‑VAR If there is a spillage , a substance such as oil escapes from its container. Spillage is also used to refer to the substance that escapes. □ …an oil spillage off the coast of Texas. □ …an accident in the workplace involving blood spillage.

spill|over /sp I loʊvə r / (spillovers ) N‑COUNT A spillover is a situation or feeling that starts in one place but then begins to happen or have an effect somewhere else. □ Some jobs are quite likely to have a negative spillover into family life.

spilt /sp I lt/ Spilt is a past tense and past participle form of spill . [mainly BRIT ]

spin ◆◇◇ /sp I n/ (spins , spinning , spun )


1 VERB If something spins or if you spin it, it turns quickly around a central point. □ [V ] The latest discs, used for small portable computers, spin 3600 times a minute. □ [V n] He spun the wheel sharply and made a U turn in the middle of the road. □ [V n round /around ] He spun his car round and went after them. ● N‑VAR Spin is also a noun. □ This driving mode allows you to move off in third gear to reduce wheel-spin in icy conditions.


2 VERB When you spin washing, it is turned round and round quickly in a spin drier or a washing machine to get the water out. □ [V n] Just spin the washing and it's nearly dry. ● N‑SING Spin is also a noun. □ Set on a cool wash and finish with a short spin.


3 VERB If your head is spinning , you feel unsteady or confused, for example because you are drunk, ill, or excited. □ [V ] His head was spinning and he could barely stand.


4 N‑SING If someone puts a certain spin on an event or situation, they interpret it and try to present it in a particular way. [INFORMAL ] □ He interpreted the vote as support and that is the spin his supporters are putting on the results today.


5 → see also spin doctor


6 N‑UNCOUNT In politics, spin is the way in which political parties try to present everything they do in a positive way to the public and the media. □ The public is sick of spin and tired of promises. It's time for politicians to act.


7 N‑SING If you go for a spin or take a car for a spin , you make a short journey in a car just to enjoy yourself.


8 VERB If someone spins a story, they give you an account of something that is untrue or only partly true. □ [V n] She had spun a story which was too good to be condemned as a simple lie. [Also V n n]


9 VERB When people spin , they make thread by twisting together pieces of a fibre such as wool or cotton using a device or machine. □ [V n] Michelle will also spin a customer's wool fleece to specification at a cost of $2.25 an ounce. [Also V ] ● spin|ning N‑UNCOUNT □ They do their own cooking, spinning, and woodworking.


10 N‑UNCOUNT In a game such as tennis or cricket, if you put spin on a ball, you deliberately make it spin rapidly when you hit it or throw it.


▸ spin off or spin out PHRASAL VERB To spin off or spin off something such as a company means to create a new company that is separate from the original organization. [BUSINESS ] □ [V P n] He rescued the company and later spun off its textile division into a separate company. □ [V P n] Corven plans to help large companies spin out smaller, entrepreneurial firms. [Also V n P ]

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