COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)

sword|fish /sɔː ^r df I ʃ/ (swordfish ) N‑VAR A swordfish is a large sea fish with a very long upper jaw. ● N‑UNCOUNT Swordfish is this fish eaten as food. □ …grilled swordfish with a yogurt dressing.

swords|man /sɔː ^r dzmən/ (swordsmen ) N‑COUNT A swordsman is a man who is skilled at fighting with a sword.

swore /swɔː ^r / Swore is the past tense of swear .

sworn /swɔː ^r n/

1 Sworn is the past participle of swear .

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make a sworn statement or declaration, you swear that everything that you have said in it is true. □ The allegations against them were made in sworn evidence to the inquiry.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] If two people or two groups of people are sworn enemies, they dislike each other very much. □ It somehow seems hardly surprising that Ms Player is now his sworn enemy.

swot /swɒ t/ (swots , swotting , swotted )

1 VERB If you swot , you study very hard, especially when you are preparing for an examination. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V + for ] They swotted for their A levels. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a swot , you disapprove of the fact that they study extremely hard and are not interested in other things. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

swum /swʌ m/ Swum is the past participle of swim .

swung /swʌ ŋ/ Swung is the past tense and past participle of swing .

syba|rit|ic /s I bər I t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a sybaritic way of life spends a lot of time relaxing in a luxurious way. [FORMAL ]

syca|more /s I kəmɔː ^r / (sycamores ) N‑VAR A sycamore or a sycamore tree is a tree that has yellow flowers and large leaves with five points. ● N‑UNCOUNT Sycamore is the wood of this tree. □ The furniture is made of sycamore, beech and leather.

syco|phan|cy /s I kəfænsi, [AM ] -fənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sycophancy is the quality or action of being sycophantic. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

syco|phant /s I kəfænt, [AM ] -fənt/ (sycophants ) N‑COUNT A sycophant is a person who behaves in a sycophantic way. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a dictator surrounded by sycophants, frightened to tell him what he may not like.

syco|phan|tic /s I kəfæ nt I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as sycophantic , you disapprove of them because they flatter people who are more important and powerful than they are in order to gain an advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …his clique of sycophantic friends.

syl|la|ble /s I ləb ^ə l/ (syllables ) N‑COUNT A syllable is a part of a word that contains a single vowel sound and that is pronounced as a unit. So, for example, 'book' has one syllable, and 'reading' has two syllables. □ We children called her Oma, accenting both syllables.

syl|la|bus /s I ləbəs/ (syllabuses )

1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the subjects that are studied in a particular course as the syllabus . [mainly BRIT ] □ …the GCSE history syllabus.

2 N‑COUNT A syllabus is an outline or summary of the subjects to be covered in a course. [mainly AM ]

syl|van /s I lvən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sylvan is used to describe things that have an association with woods and trees. [LITERARY ]

sym|bio|sis /s I mbioʊ s I s, -ba I -/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms of different kinds which benefits both organisms. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the link between bacteria, symbiosis, and the evolution of plants and animals.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Symbiosis is any relationship between different things, people, or groups that benefits all the things or people concerned. □ [+ of ] …the cosy symbiosis of the traditional political parties.

sym|bi|ot|ic /s I mbiɒ t I k, -ba I -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A symbiotic relationship is one in which organisms, people, or things exist together in a way that benefits them all. □ …fungi that have a symbiotic relationship with the trees of these northwestern forests.

sym|bol ◆◇◇ /s I mb ^ə l/ (symbols )

1 N‑COUNT Something that is a symbol of a society or an aspect of life seems to represent it because it is very typical of it. □ To them, the monarchy is the special symbol of nationhood. □ She was put under house arrest but remained a powerful symbol in the election.

2 N‑COUNT A symbol of something such as an idea is a shape or design that is used to represent it. □ I frequently use sunflowers as symbols of strength.

3 N‑COUNT A symbol for an item in a calculation or scientific formula is a number, letter, or shape that represents that item. □ What's the chemical symbol for mercury?

4 → see also sex symbol , status symbol

sym|bol|ic /s I mbɒ l I k/

1 ADJ If you describe an event, action, or procedure as symbolic , you mean that it represents an important change, although it has little practical effect. □ A lot of Latin-American officials are stressing the symbolic importance of the trip. □ The move today was largely symbolic. ● sym|boli|cal|ly /s I mbɒ l I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ It was a simple enough gesture, but symbolically important.

2 ADJ Something that is symbolic of a person or thing is regarded or used as a symbol of them. □ [+ of ] Yellow clothes are worn as symbolic of spring. ● sym|boli|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Each circle symbolically represents the whole of humanity.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Symbolic is used to describe things involving or relating to symbols. □ …symbolic representations of landscape.

sym|bol|ise /s I mbəla I z/ → see symbolize

sym|bol|ism /s I mbəl I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Symbolism is the use of symbols in order to represent something. □ The scene is so rich in symbolism that any explanation risks spoiling the effect.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the symbolism of an event or action when it seems to show something important about a situation. □ [+ of ] The symbolism of every gesture will be of vital importance during the short state visit.

sym|bol|ize /s I mbəla I z/ (symbolizes , symbolizing , symbolized ) in BRIT, also use symbolise VERB If one thing symbolizes another, it is used or regarded as a symbol of it. □ [V n] A cherry twig is placed in water to symbolize the hope of new life to come. □ [V -ed] …the post-war world order symbolised by the United Nations.

sym|met|ri|cal /s I me tr I k ^ə l/ ADJ If something is symmetrical , it has two halves which are exactly the same, except that one half is the mirror image of the other. □ …the neat rows of perfectly symmetrical windows. ● sym|met|ri|cal|ly /s I me tr I kl/ ADV [ADV with v] □ The south garden at Sissinghurst was composed symmetrically.

sym|me|try /s I m I tri/ (symmetries )

1 N‑VAR Something that has symmetry is symmetrical in shape, design, or structure. □ …the incredible beauty and symmetry of a snowflake. □ I loved the house because it had perfect symmetry.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Symmetry in a relationship or agreement is the fact of both sides giving and receiving an equal amount. □ The superpowers pledged to maintain symmetry in their arms shipments.

sym|pa|thet|ic /s I mpəθe t I k/

1 ADJ If you are sympathetic to someone who is in a bad situation, you are kind to them and show that you understand their feelings. □ [+ to ] She was very sympathetic to the problems of adult students. □ It may be that he sees you only as a sympathetic friend. ● sym|pa|theti|cal|ly /s I mpəθe t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ She nodded sympathetically.

2 ADJ If you are sympathetic to a proposal or action, you approve of it and are willing to support it. □ [+ to ] She met people in London who were sympathetic to her cause. ● sym|pa|theti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ After a year we will sympathetically consider an application for reinstatement.

3 ADJ You describe someone as sympathetic when you like them and approve of the way that they behave. □ She sounds a most sympathetic character.

sym|pa|thize /s I mpəθa I z/ (sympathizes , sympathizing , sympathized ) in BRIT, also use sympathise 1 VERB If you sympathize with someone who is in a bad situation, you show that you are sorry for them. □ [V + with ] I must tell you how much I sympathize with you for your loss, Professor. □ [V ] He would sympathize but he wouldn't understand.

2 VERB If you sympathize with someone's feelings, you understand them and are not critical of them. □ [V + with ] He sympathised with her over her frustration at not being chosen for the team. □ [V + with ] He liked Max, and sympathized with his ambitions. [Also V ]

3 VERB If you sympathize with a proposal or action, you approve of it and are willing to support it. □ [V + with ] Most of the people living there sympathized with the guerrillas.

sym|pa|thiz|er /s I mpəθa I zə ^r / (sympathizers ) in BRIT, also use sympathiser N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sympathizers of an organization or cause are the people who approve of it and support it. □ These villagers are guerrilla sympathizers.

sym|pa|thy ◆◇◇ /s I mpəθi/ (sympathies )

1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have sympathy for someone who is in a bad situation, you are sorry for them, and show this in the way you behave towards them. □ I have had very little help from doctors and no sympathy whatsoever. □ I wanted to express my sympathies on your resignation.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have sympathy with someone's ideas or opinions, you agree with them. □ [+ with ] I have some sympathy with this point of view. □ [+ for ] Lithuania still commands considerable international sympathy for its cause. □ He had strong left-wing sympathies.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If you take some action in sympathy with someone else, you do it in order to show that you support them. □ Milne resigned in sympathy because of the way Donald had been treated.

sym|phon|ic /s I mfɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Symphonic means relating to or like a symphony.

sym|pho|ny /s I mfəni/ (symphonies ) N‑COUNT A symphony is a piece of music written to be played by an orchestra. Symphonies are usually made up of four separate sections called movements.

sy m|pho|ny or|ches|tra (symphony orchestras ) N‑COUNT A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra that plays classical music.

sym|po|sium /s I mpoʊ ziəm/ (symposia /s I mpoʊ ziə/ or symposiums ) N‑COUNT A symposium is a conference in which experts or academics discuss a particular subject. □ [+ on ] He had been taking part in an international symposium on population.

symp|tom ◆◇◇ /s I mptəm/ (symptoms )

1 N‑COUNT A symptom of an illness is something wrong with your body or mind that is a sign of the illness. □ One of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia is hearing imaginary voices. □ …patients with flu symptoms.

2 N‑COUNT A symptom of a bad situation is something that happens which is considered to be a sign of this situation. □ [+ of ] With some people lateness is a symptom of general unreliability. SYNONYMS symptom NOUN 1

sign: Your blood would have been checked for any sign of kidney failure.

indication: He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.

signal: The first warning signals came in March.

symp|to|mat|ic /s I mptəmæ t I k/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If something is symptomatic of something else, especially something bad, it is a sign of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The city's problems are symptomatic of the crisis that is spreading throughout the country.

syna|gogue /s I nəgɒg/ (synagogues ) N‑COUNT A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet to worship or to study their religion.

syn|apse /sa I næps, [AM ] s I næ ps/ (synapses ) N‑COUNT A synapse is one of the points in the nervous system at which a signal passes from one nerve cell to another. [TECHNICAL ]

sync /s I ŋk/ also synch PHRASE If two things are out of sync , they do not match or do not happen together as they should. If two things are in sync , they match or happen together as they should. [INFORMAL ] □ When demand and supply are out of sync, you either increase the supply or adjust the price. [Also + with ]

synch /s I ŋk/ → see sync

syn|chro|nize /s I ŋkrəna I z/ (synchronizes , synchronizing , synchronized ) in BRIT, also use synchronise VERB If you synchronize two activities, processes, or movements, or if you synchronize one activity, process, or movement with another, you cause them to happen at the same time and speed as each other. □ [V n] It was virtually impossible to synchronise our lives so as to take holidays together. □ [V n + with ] Synchronise the score with the film action. □ [V -ed] …a series of unexpected, synchronized attacks. [Also V with n, pl-n V ]

sy n|chro|nized swi m|ming in BRIT, also use synchronised swimming N‑UNCOUNT Synchronized swimming is a sport in which two or more people perform complicated and carefully planned movements in water in time to music.

syn|co|pat|ed /s I ŋkəpe I t I d/ ADJ In syncopated music, the weak beats in the bar are stressed instead of the strong beats. □ Some spirituals are based on syncopated rhythms.

syn|co|pa|tion /s I ŋkəpe I ʃ ^ə n/ (syncopations ) N‑VAR Syncopation is the quality that music has when the weak beats in a bar are stressed instead of the strong ones.

syn|di|cate (syndicates , syndicating , syndicated ) The noun is pronounced /s I nd I kət/. The verb is pronounced /s I nd I ke I t/. 1 N‑COUNT A syndicate is an association of people or organizations that is formed for business purposes or in order to carry out a project. □ …a syndicate of 152 banks. □ …a major crime syndicate.

2 VERB [usu passive] When newspaper articles or television programmes are syndicated , they are sold to several different newspapers or television stations, who then publish the articles or broadcast the programmes. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] Today his programme is syndicated to 500 stations. [Also be V -ed] ● syn|di|ca|tion /s I nd I ke I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The show was ready for syndication in early 1987.

3 N‑COUNT A press syndicate is a group of newspapers or magazines that are all owned by the same person or company.

syn|drome /s I ndroʊm/ (syndromes )

1 N‑COUNT A syndrome is a medical condition that is characterized by a particular group of signs and symptoms. □ Irritable bowel syndrome seems to affect more women than men.

2 → see also Down's syndrome , premenstrual syndrome

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to an undesirable condition that is characterized by a particular type of activity or behaviour as a syndrome . □ Avoid sweep-it-under-the-carpet syndrome where you ignore problems.

syn|er|gy /s I nə ^r dʒi/ (synergies ) N‑VAR If there is synergy between two or more organizations or groups, they are more successful when they work together than when they work separately. [BUSINESS ] □ Of course, there's quite obviously a lot of synergy between the two companies. □ The synergies gained from the merger, Pirelli claimed, would create savings of about £130m over four years.

syn|od /s I nɒd/ (synods ) N‑COUNT A synod is a special council of members of a Church, which meets regularly to discuss religious issues.

syno|nym /s I nən I m/ (synonyms ) N‑COUNT A synonym is a word or expression which means the same as another word or expression. □ [+ for ] The term 'industrial democracy' is often used as a synonym for worker participation.

syn|ony|mous /s I nɒ n I məs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that one thing is synonymous with another, you mean that the two things are very closely associated with each other so that one suggests the other or one cannot exist without the other. □ [+ with ] Paris has always been synonymous with elegance, luxury and style.

syn|op|sis /s I nɒ ps I s/ (synopses /s I nɒ psiːz/) N‑COUNT A synopsis is a summary of a longer piece of writing or work. □ For each title there is a brief synopsis of the book.

syn|tac|tic /s I ntæ kt I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Syntactic means relating to syntax. [TECHNICAL ] □ …three common syntactic devices in English.

syn|tax /s I ntæks/ N‑UNCOUNT Syntax is the ways that words can be put together, or are put together, in order to make sentences. [TECHNICAL ] □ His grammar and syntax, both in oral and written expression, were much better than the average.

synth /s I nθ/ (synths ) N‑COUNT A synth is the same as a synthesizer . [INFORMAL ]

syn|the|sis /s I nθ I s I s/ (syntheses /s I nθ I siːz/)

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A synthesis of different ideas or styles is a mixture or combination of these ideas or styles. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] His novels are a rich synthesis of Balkan history and mythology.

2 N‑VAR The synthesis of a substance is the production of it by means of chemical or biological reactions. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the genes that regulate the synthesis of these compounds.

syn|the|size /s I nθ I sa I z/ (synthesizes , synthesizing , synthesized ) in BRIT, also use synthesise 1 VERB To synthesize a substance means to produce it by means of chemical or biological reactions. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] After extensive research, Albert Hoffman first succeeded in synthesizing the acid in 1938.

2 VERB If you synthesize different ideas, facts, or experiences, you combine them to form a single idea or impression. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The movement synthesised elements of modern art that hadn't been brought together before, such as Cubism and Surrealism.

syn|the|sized /s I nθ I sa I zd/ in BRIT, also use synthesised ADJ [ADJ n] Synthesized sounds are produced electronically using a synthesizer. □ …synthesised dance music.

syn|the|siz|er /s I nθ I sa I zə ^r / (synthesizers ) in BRIT, also use synthesiser N‑COUNT A synthesizer is an electronic machine that produces speech, music, or other sounds, usually by combining individual syllables or sounds that have been previously recorded. □ Now he can only communicate through a voice synthesiser.

syn|thet|ic /s I nθe t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Synthetic products are made from chemicals or artificial substances rather than from natural ones. □ Boots made from synthetic materials can usually be washed in a machine. □ …synthetic rubber. ● syn|theti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …the therapeutic use of natural and synthetically produced hormones.

syn|thet|ics /s I nθe t I ks/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to synthetic clothing, fabric, or materials as synthetics . □ Natural fabrics like silk and wool are better insulators than synthetics.

syphi|lis /s I f I l I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Syphilis is a serious disease which is passed on through sexual intercourse.

sy|phon /sa I f ^ə n/ → see siphon

Syr|ian /s I riən/ (Syrians )

1 ADJ Syrian means belonging or relating to Syria, or to its people or culture.

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

sy|ringe /s I r I ndʒ/ (syringes ) N‑COUNT A syringe is a small tube with a thin hollow needle at the end. Syringes are used for putting liquids into things and for taking liquids out, for example for injecting drugs or for taking blood from someone's body.

syr|up /s I rəp/ (syrups )

1 N‑VAR Syrup is a sweet liquid made by cooking sugar with water, and sometimes with fruit juice as well. □ …canned fruit with sugary syrup.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Syrup is a very sweet thick liquid made from sugar. □ …a heavy syrup pudding.

3 → see also golden syrup , maple syrup

4 N‑VAR Syrup is a medicine in the form of a thick, sweet liquid. □ …cough syrup.

syr|upy /s I rəpi/

1 ADJ Liquid that is syrupy is sweet or thick like syrup.

2 ADJ If you describe something as syrupy , you dislike it because it is too sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …this syrupy film version of Conroy's novel.

sys|tem ◆◆◆ /s I stəm/ (systems )

1 N‑COUNT A system is a way of working, organizing, or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules. You can use system to refer to an organization or institution that is organized in this way. □ …a flexible and relatively efficient filing system. □ [+ of ] …a multi-party system of government.

2 N‑COUNT A system is a set of devices powered by electricity, for example a computer or an alarm. □ Viruses tend to be good at surviving when a computer system crashes.

3 N‑COUNT A system is a set of equipment or parts such as water pipes or electrical wiring, which is used to supply water, heat, or electricity. □ …a central heating system.

4 N‑COUNT A system is a network of things that are linked together so that people or things can travel from one place to another or communicate. □ …Australia's road and rail system. □ …a news channel on a local cable system.

5 N‑COUNT Your system is your body's organs and other parts that together perform particular functions. □ These gases would seriously damage the patient's respiratory system.

6 N‑COUNT A system is a particular set of rules, especially in mathematics or science, which is used to count or measure things. □ [+ of ] …the decimal system of metric weights and measures.

7 N‑SING People sometimes refer to the government or administration of a country as the system . □ These feelings are likely to make people attempt to overthrow the system.

8 → see also central nervous system , digestive system , ecosystem , immune system , metric system , nervous system , public address system , solar system , sound system

9 PHRASE If you get something out of your system , you take some action so that you no longer want to do it or no longer have strong feelings about it. □ I want to get boxing out of my system and settle down to enjoy family life.

sys|tem|at|ic /s I stəmæ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is done in a systematic way is done according to a fixed plan, in a thorough and efficient way. □ They had not found any evidence of a systematic attempt to rig the ballot. ● sys|tem|ati|cal|ly /s I stəmæ t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ The army has systematically violated human rights. □ She began applying systematically to colleges.

sys|tema|tize /s I stəməta I z/ (systematizes , systematizing , systematized ) in BRIT, also use systematise VERB If you systematize things, you make them organized. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] You need to systematize your approach to problem solving. [Also V ] ● sys|tema|ti|za|tion /s I stəməta I ze I ʃ ^ə n, [AM ] -t I z-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …a systematization of management practice.

sys|tem|ic /s I stiː m I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Systemic means affecting the whole of something. [FORMAL ] □ The economy is locked in a systemic crisis.

2 ADJ Systemic chemicals or drugs are absorbed into the whole of an organism such as a plant or person, rather than being applied to one area. [TECHNICAL ]

sy s|tems a na|lyst (systems analysts ) N‑COUNT A systems analyst is someone whose job is to decide what computer equipment and software a company needs, and to provide it.